QUETTA: A large-scale military operation has been ongoing across several districts of Balochistan since Tuesday, with local sources reporting the deployment of thousands of Pakistan Army ground troops supported by gunship helicopters, artillery units, drones, and armoured vehicles. The expanding operation has triggered widespread disruption, communication blackouts, and mounting allegations of civilian casualties, enforced disappearances, and excessive use of force.
According to local accounts, the operation has affected parts of Mashkai, Mastung, Kalat, Noshki, Kech, Khuzdar, and Panjgur districts. Residents report that mobile data and communication services have been suspended in several areas, making independent verification of events extremely difficult.
Military movement has reportedly been concentrated in and around Mashkai, Khadkucha, Aab Gul, Kardegap, Noshki, Mangochar, Zehri, and surrounding localities near Quetta. Witnesses describe the movement of large convoys, armoured vehicles, and sustained helicopter activity, with reports of shelling emerging from multiple locations.
Pakistan Army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed that intelligence-based operations were conducted in different areas of Balochistan. According to ISPR, 17 individuals described as militants were killed during the operations, and weapons, explosives, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered. The military further alleged that those killed were involved in attacks against security forces.
These claims have not been independently verified.
Zehri Operation: Raids, Killings and Detentions of Political Figures
One of the most significant incidents has been reported from the Zehri area in Khuzdar district, where local sources describe heavy aerial and ground operations.
Residents report helicopter overflights followed by the arrival of large contingents of security forces, with gunfire and search operations continuing for several hours.
Family members and political representatives state that forces raided the residence of tribal elder and former Khuzdar District Mayor Sardar Naseer Ahmed Musiani, a senior political figure.
During the operation, Mir Khalil Ahmed Musiani, a local political leader and elected union council member, was reportedly shot, taken away in an injured condition, and later declared dead after the family was informed to collect his body. His body has not been officially handed over, according to local accounts.
The family further alleges that several relatives and associates were detained during the raid and moved to undisclosed locations.
The Balochistan National Party (BNP) strongly condemned the operation, alleging excessive use of force and targeting of political leadership.
The party stated that Mir Khalil Ahmed Musiani served as BNP’s Senior Vice President for Khuzdar district and was an elected representative. It also said that Sardar Naseer Ahmed Musiani, a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee and former district administrator, was subjected to mistreatment during the raid.
BNP leaders have demanded the immediate release of all detained individuals or their production before court, along with an independent inquiry into the incident.
BNP president Sardar Akhtar Mengal described the killing of Mir Khalil Musiani as deeply concerning, stating that political issues in Balochistan require dialogue and constitutional resolution rather than military force.
Political and Rights groups, including the Baloch National Movement (BNM), PAANK, and Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), have issued strong statements condemning the ongoing operation, describing it as part of a broader pattern of state violence and systematic rights violations.
BYC alleged that helicopter shelling targeted populated areas in Zehri and that armoured vehicles entered civilian localities during the operation. The organisation also claimed that several civilians were detained and that schools and public buildings were used as temporary military facilities.
BYC further stated that a civilian, Umair Sumalani, was killed while travelling with family members during the period of heightened military activity and restrictions.
Curfews and Humanitarian Crisis in Mashkai
Separate reports from Mashkai in Awaran district indicate that a curfew imposed in the area has entered its seventh consecutive day, severely restricting civilian movement.
Residents report being confined to their homes, with access to food, healthcare, and education significantly disrupted. Schools remain closed, while patients attempting to reach hospitals reportedly face obstacles and alleged harassment.
The prolonged restrictions have also caused economic distress, particularly for agricultural and livestock-dependent communities. Families report losses due to inability to tend to crops, orchards, and animals.
Helicopter Shelling Reported in Panjgur and Kalat
Additional reports have emerged from Panjgur and Kalat districts, where local sources describe sustained military helicopter activity.
In Panjgur’s Chedgi area, helicopters reportedly conducted prolonged flights, with allegations of shelling in surrounding localities. Similar accounts have been reported from Harboi and nearby areas in Kalat district, where residents described intensified military presence and possible shelling.
No official confirmation has been issued regarding these specific incidents.
Across multiple districts, communication disruptions, internet suspensions, and restricted access have severely limited independent verification of events. As a result, most accounts are emerging from local witnesses, political parties, and human rights organisations.
This information blackout has made it difficult to confirm casualty figures, detentions, and the exact scope of the ongoing military operation.
Ongoing Operation and Uncertain Toll
The military operation remains ongoing across multiple districts of Balochistan. While official statements confirm the killing of 17 alleged militants and the recovery of weapons and explosives, local political groups and rights organisations dispute these claims and continue to report civilian casualties, enforced disappearances, and detentions.
The full scale and humanitarian impact of the operation remain unclear as tensions persist across the region.
