QUETTA: Security forces and police foiled an attempted bank robbery by suspected militants of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province on Thursday, officials said.
According to officials, armed militants entered Chaghi town and attempted to rob an MCB Bank branch. Security forces and police responded quickly, forcing the attackers to abandon the attempt and flee the area. Meanwhile, the claims by pro-Fitna al Hindustan accounts about blocking roads in Chagai are false, fabricated, and part of a propaganda campaign.
Authorities launched a search operation to track down the assailants. The operation was continuing at the time of filing this report.
Local residents condemned the attempted robbery, describing it as an attack not only on a financial institution but also on public safety, livelihoods and confidence.
Residents praised the swift response by police and security forces, saying their timely action prevented the militants from carrying out their plan.
They said such attacks target ordinary citizens, local businesses and Balochistan’s economic stability, with workers, traders and daily wage earners often bearing the greatest impact.
Residents stressed that the people of Balochistan wanted peace, development, education and economic progress rather than violence, extortion and intimidation.
They also called for continued public cooperation with law enforcement agencies to help maintain security and prevent future attacks.
Officials said security forces would continue operations until the attackers were chased and the threat was eliminated.
