QUETTA, Aug 2: Inspector-General of the Frontier Corps for Balochistan, Maj-Gen Salim Nawaz, said on Saturday that about a dozen militants were killed recently when military retaliated against attackers in Dera Bugti district.

Addressing a press conference at the FC headquarters, he said there was no truth in reports that a fresh military operation had been launched in the district.

He said the security forces had retaliated when the attackers opened fire on a patrolling team in Kaznal and Toba Nakani areas.

He said the military smashed two camps of the militants during the action and seized a large quantity of weapons.

Endorsing the views of the prime minister’s adviser on interior that foreign hands were involved in subversive activities in the province, Maj-Gen Nawaz said that without the foreign support local people could not combat law-enforcement personnel, blowing railways tracks and attack other national assets.

He called upon those ‘misguided elements’ to benefit from the reconciliation policy of Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani and contribute to the progress of the province.

He said the FC had been deployed to protect national assets, including the Gwadar port, Mirani dam and Sabukzai dam.

Besides, he added, the force had curbed smuggling of narcotics and guns, assisted the provincial government in maintaining law and order and provided safety to domestic and foreign engineers and technical staff engaged in the exploration of gas and oil in different areas of the province.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...