QUETTA: The recent security operation in Zehri has drawn fresh attention after reports and allegations circulated on social media, providing an opportunity for certain groups to stoke unrest and exploit public emotions, officials said on Saturday.
According to security sources, these groups—long accused of promoting instability in Balochistan—are attempting to revive an agenda of chaos, terrorism, and hatred instead of supporting peace and development in the province.
Officials emphasised that while questions and concerns from some quarters are understandable, “intellectual honesty demands that facts be verified before amplifying the propaganda of terrorist outfits.”
They underscored that the primary duty of the state remains the protection of citizens’ lives and property. “When armed groups endanger public safety, timely and decisive action by law enforcement agencies becomes unavoidable,” a security spokesperson said.
The operation in Zehri, officials maintained, aimed to dismantle extremist networks and restore peace and stability under the principles of law, caution, and transparency.
Local demand the operation
Authorities said the operation was launched in response to repeated appeals from local residents, who sought protection from militant violence and openly cooperated with the security forces.
Residents had complained about armed militants from the so-called Fitna al-Kharijite network carrying out looting, bank robberies, and attacks on markets and public places. The group had also blocked roads, attempted to seize control of parts of the city, and launched deadly assaults on civilians and security personnel.
Local communities reportedly urged authorities to act decisively to restore law and order. Officials said this widespread public support gave both legitimacy and urgency to the security operation.
“The operation was driven by public safety and national security considerations—not by any political agenda or unnecessary use of force,” a senior security official said.
Last week, the government representatives have strongly rejected recent statements by Mir Yar Baloch alleging that ongoing security operations in Zehri constitute “a pattern of war crimes,” calling the statements “baseless, misleading, and aimed at distorting facts.”
