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RAWALPINDI:
Security forces successfully concluded ‘Operation Raddul-Fitna-1’ in Balochistan, killing 216 terrorists in a series of coordinated intelligence-based operations (IBOs) targeting what the army described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the military’s media wing said the operations targeted terrorist groups seeking to disrupt peace and development by attacking innocent civilians, including women and children. The campaign involved rapid actions by the armed forces, law enforcement and intelligence services.
State media reported on Tuesday that Pakistani security forces had killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned group Fitna al Hindustan during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the province.
The federal government has named all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these groups.
“On January 29, 2026, operations were launched in Panjgur and outskirts of Harnai district after credible and verified intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorist elements posing an imminent threat to the local population,” the ISPR statement said.
“During this phase, security forces carried out operations against identified terrorist hideouts, resulting in the elimination of 41 terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy networks.”
The military said security forces later repelled what it called desperate attacks from Fitna al Hindustan.
“Subsequently, the aggressive and steadfast responses of the courageous security forces effectively thwarted the desperate attacks of Fitna al Hindustan aimed at destabilizing peace in Balochistan,” the statement said.
He added that a wider series of IBOs were then launched in several areas to dismantle sleeper terrorist cells through sustained mopping and disinfection efforts.
“Through meticulous planning, actionable intelligence and seamless joint execution, Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies, with the support of intelligence agencies under Operation Raddul-Fitna-1, responded with precision and determination, the Army’s media wing said.
“As a result of these well-coordinated engagements and the subsequent clearance operations, 216 terrorists were sent to hell, significantly degrading the leadership, command and control structures and operational capabilities of the terrorist networks,” the text adds.
The military said a large cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives and equipment of foreign origin was recovered in the process. According to the report, preliminary analysis found systematic external facilitation and logistical support to extremist proxies.
“During these operations, 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, embraced the shahadat, while 22 brave security and law enforcement personnel made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the territorial integrity of Pakistan and protect its citizens,” the ISPR said.
“Their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment reflect the highest traditions of service,” the statement added.
“The nation honors their sacrifice and stands in solidarity with the families of all the martyrs.”
The Pakistan Armed Forces have reiterated their resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations under the government’s National Action Plan (NAP), asserting that counter-terrorism operations will continue with “full resolve until the complete elimination of terrorist threats.”
“Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the proud people of Pakistan, and especially Balochistan, to always prefer peace over violence, unity over division and development over violence,” the ISPR statement said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces and law enforcement agencies for the successful completion of Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan.
The president said the “timely action” of security forces had foiled “a malicious attempt to sabotage peace in Balochistan by Fitna-e-Hindustan”.
“The complete elimination of terrorism, backed by external support, remains our top priority,” President Zardari said in a presidential statement.
The president added that he was encouraged by the success of the coordinated PCIs, which he said had “shattered the leadership and operational capacity of terrorist networks operating with external support.”
“The nation salutes the sacrifices of its martyrs and remains united in the fight against terrorism.”
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister congratulated the officers and personnel of the security forces and the leadership of the armed forces for the success of the ongoing operation against terrorist elements seeking to undermine peace in Balochistan.
He praised the professional capabilities of the security forces in dismantling the command structure of terrorists and eliminating a total of 216 terrorists during the operation.
He expressed deep sadness over the martyrdom of 36 civilians, including women and children, in terrorist attacks, and paid tribute to the 22 members of the security forces who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
He said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs and vowed that the nefarious plans of terrorists targeting innocent citizens would continue to be foiled.
The Prime Minister said that by attacking innocent people, the terrorists have proven themselves to be enemies of peace, development and prosperity of Balochistan. He reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until its complete eradication from the country.
“The entire nation, including me, stands with the armed forces in unwavering determination to defend the homeland,” he said.
