Soldier Martyred, Sixteen Injured in Attack on Security Forces in Balochistan

At least one soldier has been martyred and sixteen others, including an officer, have been injured following a violent attack on security forces in the Gwadar district of Balochistan. The attack, attributed to a mob disguised as “Baloch Raji Muchi,” was confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday.

The ISPR reported that the mob, summoned under the banner of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC), assaulted security personnel who were performing their duties in the region. The deceased soldier was identified as Sepoy Shabbir Baloch, a 30-year-old resident of the Sibi district.

“The unprovoked assaults by the violent protesters have resulted in injuries to sixteen soldiers, including an officer,” the ISPR stated.

The military’s media wing also highlighted the spread of fake and malicious propaganda on social media, with doctored pictures and videos being used by propagandists to gain sympathy and support for the unlawful violent march.

“Security forces have displayed extreme restraint to avoid unwarranted civilian casualties despite provocations,” the ISPR noted. It emphasized that the violent actions of the mob are unacceptable and assured that those responsible will be brought to justice.

The ISPR urged citizens not to fall prey to the propaganda, to remain calm and peaceful, and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety and order.

“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the Nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace and stability of Balochistan,” the statement added.

The BYC sit-in on the National Highway has now entered its third day, with the Balochistan government inviting the protesters for talks. The sit-in began after convoys of protesters were stopped from participating in the BYC’s meeting in Gwadar last week.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in maintaining security and order in Balochistan, a region often fraught with unrest and conflict.