• Mop-up continues in Nushki, Awaran and Washuk
• IG pays tribute to fallen personnel
• China condemns attacks

QUETTA: The number of terrorists killed in clearance operations across Balochistan has risen to 197, as security forces continued ‘mop-up’ actions in Nushki district and other parts of the province.

The clearance operations follow several coordinated terrorist attacks, staged across the province on Saturday.

In Nushki, armed men had attacked various government offices on Saturday, including a police station, judicial complex, police lines, DC office and an FC camp in the town, and set some government buildings on fire.

But while the town of Nushki has been cleared and bazaars reopened after three days, search operations by security forces are continuing in the mountainous areas of the district, officials told Dawn.

District police officials told Dawn that at least four more terrorists had been killed in clearance actions conducted so far.

They also indicated that the counterterrorism department had suffered casualties during the terror attacks over the weekend, but there was no official word on their exact number, or the identities of those martyred.

There were also reports of attacks in Awaran, but no loss of life was immediately reported.

Security forces are also conducting operations in the Washuk area, following attacks there and the burning of a police station and a Nadra office over the weekend.

IGP pays tribute

Separately, Inspector General of Police Mohammad Tahir said Balochistan police had rendered unparalleled sacrifices for the restoration of peace and protection of lives in the province, with many officers and personnel attaining martyrdom while thwarting the designs of terrorists.

Paying tribute to the fallen policemen, the IGP emphasised that lasting peace in Balochistan could only be achieved through close cooperation between the public and security forces, stressing that the police and the people stand united against terrorism.

He made these remarks during visits to various police facilities, including Sariab Police Station, New Sariab Police Station, Police Training College, Smart Police Station, Manzoor Tareen Shaheed and Khaliq Shaheed Police Station, where he reviewed security arrangements and overall performance.

CTD DIG Aitzaz Goraya, Quetta SSP Mohammad Asif Khan and other senior officers accompanied him.

Later, the IGP visited the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) headquarters, where he met officers and personnel and was briefed on operational challenges. Praising their high morale, professionalism and dedication to duty, he said the role of Balochistan police in the fight against terrorism has been commendable.

Reaffirming his resolve, IGP Tahir said the Balochistan police remains fully prepared and vigilant to counter all challenges and is utilising all available resources to ensure law and order.

He added that the force has consistently taken timely action against anti-state elements and will continue to safeguard the lives and property of citizens, pledging that no sacrifice would be spared. He said efforts are underway to enhance police capacity and equip the force with modern facilities.

Chinese condemnation

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that Beijing strongly condemned the recent attacks in Balochistan and would always firmly support Pakistan in combatting terrorism.

He made these remarks during a regular press briefing. “We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” he said.

“China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in combatting terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people,” he added.

On Monday, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan had also condemned the “recent multiple terrorist activities in Balochistan”.

In a post on X, the embassy said “we… deeply mourn for the lives lost, and extend sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured”.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2026