FILE REPORT
QUETTA: Balochistan’s Home Department has released six-monthly statistics showing a significant surge in terrorism-related incidents across the province from January 1 to June 30.
According to the report, terrorism incidents rose by 45 percent compared to the same period last year, while targeted killings of settlers (non-local residents) doubled.
In the first six months of this year, Balochistan witnessed 501 terrorism-related incidents, in which 257 people, including 133 security personnel, lost their lives. Another 492 people were injured, among them 238 security officials.
The data reveals that non-local residents were specifically targeted in 14 attacks that killed 52 people and injured 11 others.
There were 81 separate incidents involving bomb blasts, hand grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmine explosions, and rocket fire, resulting in 26 deaths and 112 injuries.
Attacks targeting ordinary civilians accounted for 39 incidents, leaving 11 dead and 29 injured during the same period.
Meanwhile, two attacks on trains over the past six months killed a total of 29 passengers.
Security analysts have expressed concern that the resurgence in violence may be linked to regional instability and growing influence of militant groups operating from across the border. They warn that unless stronger intelligence coordination and local engagement strategies are adopted, the situation may further deteriorate.
The provincial government, while acknowledging the grim statistics, has stated that new counterterrorism units and surveillance technologies are being deployed to curb the rising trend. However, civil society activists argue that a lasting solution also requires addressing the political grievances and socioeconomic issues faced by the local population.
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