TTAP condemns Balochistan attacks, calls them 'major security failure'

ISLAMABAD: The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) on Monday strongly condemned the wave of terrorist attacks that struck multiple parts of Balochistan last week, terming them a “grave security failure” on the part of the provincial government and law enforcement agencies.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the alliance expressed deep sorrow over the loss of civilian lives and security personnel, and said that the scale and coordination of the attacks exposed serious lapses in governance and security arrangements in the province.

On Saturday, the military’s media wing said terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan carried out coordinated assaults across Balochistan, targeting security forces and government installations. At least 18 civilians and 15 personnel of the security forces were martyred in the attacks.

The TTAP said that “a terrorist attack in the province on such a large scale reflects the failure of the provincial government and law enforcement agencies,” adding that the incidents highlighted the shrinking writ of the state and an alarming disregard for the safety of citizens’ lives and property.

“For how long will we continue to ignore the reality that a provincial government lacking public support is solely focused on clinging to power,” the alliance asked, questioning the legitimacy and effectiveness of the current administration.

The opposition bloc maintained that only governments with unquestioned moral authority and public mandate were capable of effectively countering terrorism. It reiterated its demand for free and fair elections, referring to what it described as irregularities in the 2024 general elections.

“Representative governments are the only solution to the country’s problems — not rulers and systems imposed against the will of the people,” the statement said.

According to security sources, multiple terrorist cells launched near-simultaneous attacks during the early hours of Saturday in more than 10 cities and towns across Balochistan. The assailants targeted security posts and other government installations, and suicide bombers — including female attackers — were among those involved.

Security forces responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in gun battles across several locations. Following the attacks, cordon-and-search operations were launched throughout affected areas to eliminate remaining militant elements and restore security.

The situation in the province remains under close monitoring as security operations continue.