QUETTA / TURBAT / HARNAI: The security situation in Balochistan has escalated to a critical state. As reports of attacks and explosions emerge from Kech district, Harnai, and the provincial capital Quetta, the government has intensified security measures in Quetta—suspending mobile data and train services—amid apprehensions of potential attacks by pro-independence armed groups.
A detailed summary of reports received from various districts is provided below:
1. Explosions Target Security Vehicles and Police Checkpoint in Turbat and Harnai
- Turbat (Kech District): An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast targeted vehicles carrying Pakistani security forces near Shaheed Fida Chowk in central Turbat city. Initial reports indicate possible casualties. Security forces cordoned off the area immediately following the incident, though official confirmation regarding the extent of casualties remains pending.
- Harnai: Unidentified armed individuals detonated explosives at the 5-Mile police checkpoint overnight in Harnai district, causing severe structural damage to the facility. No casualties have been reported thus far.
2. Quetta (Mian Ghundi): Armed Attack on Former Afghan Security Personnel Leaves 1 Dead, 7 Injured
Armed assailants opened fire on former Afghan security personnel residing at the BUITEMS Chiltan Campus research fields near Mian Ghundi, Quetta.
- Casualties: One individual, identified as Mansoor Popalzai, was killed, while seven others sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated to Civil Hospital for treatment.
- Background: The victims had fled to Pakistan following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. They were previously relocated to BUITEMS from Saranan after being targeted in drone attacks. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault.
- Media Reports: Previous media investigations have reported that Pakistani intelligence agencies—including the ISI and Military Intelligence (MI)—have been utilizing former Afghan security personnel against active Baloch armed resistance groups in Balochistan.
3. Internet and Train Services Suspended in Quetta; Red Zone Cordoned Off
To forestall potential attacks by armed groups around August 14 and 15, stringent security protocols have been enforced across Quetta:
- Mobile Data Suspension: Cellular internet services have been blocked across Quetta due to security concerns, causing severe communication disruptions for residents. Citizens have demanded clear updates from authorities regarding the security situation and called for the immediate restoration of services.
- Suspension of Jaffar Express and Other Rail Routes: Pakistan Railways announced the suspension of the Quetta–Peshawar Jaffar Express for August 14 and 15, with Quetta-bound trains from Peshawar terminating at Jacobabad. Furthermore, the Bolan Mail (to Karachi) and Chaman Passenger Train have remained out of service for the past six months.
- High Security Alert: Heavy contingents of security forces have been deployed across key sectors of Quetta city, and the administrative Red Zone has been completely sealed.
Authorities state that investigations into all incidents and search operations are currently underway.
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