• Military’s media wing says 23 people kidnapped by terrorists for ransom recovered safely
• Deputy commissioner, three others heading to Kharan abducted

QUETTA: Security forces killed five terrorists in an operation conducted near Kalat along Chaman-Karachi National Highway and recovered 23 abducted people from hideouts of terrorists, according to a military statement issued on Sunday.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan tried to disrupt peaceful movement of people along the Chaman-Karachi highway (N-25) near Kalat by establishing check post for abduction for ransom, extortion and snatching of vehicles. It said security forces responded immediately and, killed five terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan in an exchange of fire.

Security forces also recovered 23 abducted people from the hideout of terrorists. Besides, six trucks, three buses and two cars were also recovered from the terrorists’ hideout along with a large number of weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Sanitisation operations are continuing in surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and to ensure safety and security of the local population and the vital national highways.

The ISPR said that relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-i-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue with full resolve. It said that security forces and law-enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country.

Later, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti lauded successful operation launched by security forces against terrorists near Kalat, which resulted in the safe recovery of 23 abducted people. The operation also foiled plots involving kidnapping for ransom, extortion and vehicle snatching.

Meanwhile, security forces and police of Nushki, Chagai and Kharan were put on high alert after the reported abduction of Kharan’s deputy commissioner along with three others.

A senior official of the provincial government confirmed the reports about the kidnapping of Deputy Commissioner Munir Soomro along with his two friends and a security guard while they were heading to Kharan. “The DC was on his way to Kharan along with three others in a private car. When they reached near the Lajah area armed men intercepted them on gun point and took them away,” the official confirmed to Dawn on the condition of anonymity.

He said efforts were underway to find out the whereabouts of all the four abductees.

No one claimed the responsibility for the abduction.

Security forces launched a search operation, sources said, adding that the help of tribal elders in the area was also sought for their safe recovery.

Asked about the incident, a Kharan police official said the deputy commissioner and his security guard could not be contacted on their cellphones.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2026