5 terrorists eliminate in Pishin intelligence-based operation: ISPR
ISPR says TTP-linked suspected planned strikes on police, Cadet College
Quetta: Security forces neutalised five terrorists, including a suicide bomber, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistn’s Pishin district on Sunday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and security officials, security forces acted on credible intelligence indicating that members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were planning attacks on Police Lines and Cadet College Pishin.
The suspects were reportedly taking shelter in a house near the cadet college and were in the final stages of preparing the attacks. Acting swiftly on the information, security personnel surrounded the area and launched a focused operation.
In its statement, ISPR said troops confronted the militants, and after an hour-long exchange of fire, one terrorist detonated his suicide vest while four others were killed by security forces.
A search of the house resulted in the recovery of sophisticated weapons, a significant quantity of explosives, hand grenades, and maps of sensitive sites in Pishin, suggesting detailed operational planning. The bodies were shifted to a hospital for post-mortem examination.
Officials stated that the slain militants had been involved in earlier attacks targeting security forces, police, and Counter-Terrorism Department personnel.
ISPR said security forces engaged the entire “tashkeel” with multiple weapons during the operation. It added that the suicide bomber blew himself up during the intense exchange, while the remaining militants were neutralised.
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the suspects, who were reportedly involved in various terrorist activities in the region.
The military’s media wing said sanitisation efforts are continuing to ensure the area is cleared of any remaining threats.
It further reaffirmed that the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, will continue at full intensity to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
President, PM praise security forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for the successful intelligence-based operation in Pishin district.
The president said the operation against the Indian proxy group reflects the country’s firm resolve to combat terrorism. He reiterated that the fight will continue until terrorism is fully eliminated.
In a separate statement, the prime minister said that under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy, security forces are achieving notable progress against terrorism. He added that the entire nation stands united with the armed forces and remains committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism.
Rise in violence in January 2026
After a noticeable decline in violence in December 2025, terrorist attacks surged again at the start of the New Year, leading to increased casualties among militants, civilians, and security personnel, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The report revealed that combat-related deaths in January 2026 rose by 43 percent compared to December 2025. During January, 242 militants were killed, along with 73 civilians and 46 security personnel. Additionally, 12 militants were injured, while 71 civilians and 52 members of the security forces sustained injuries.
PICSS recorded 87 militant attacks nationwide in January — a 28 percent increase from the 68 attacks reported in December 2025. Of these, 38 occurred in mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 20 in the province’s tribal districts (formerly FATA), 27 in Balochistan, and two in Punjab.
Balochistan emerged as the main centre of both militant activity and security operations, reporting its highest monthly militant death toll since the current wave of insurgency began in 2001.
Although Balochistan remained relatively calm for most of the month, violence escalated sharply during the final two days. Coordinated attacks by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) at at least 12 locations, followed by intensified security operations, highlighted the surge.
Compared to December, civilian deaths increased by 143 percent, militant deaths by 35 percent, and security force fatalities by 7 percent.
Authorities also arrested 53 suspected militants during the month, including 48 from Lahore. No militant incidents were reported in Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad, or Gilgit-Baltistan.
Expert analysis
A senior security analyst from a reputable Islamabad-based university, speaking on condition of anonymity, said counter-terrorism efforts cannot be judged in absolute terms, as their impact often falls within a “grey area.” While such operations are effective in addressing immediate threats, their long-term effectiveness remains limited without broader community engagement.
He noted that the capacity of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to conduct intelligence-based operations has improved significantly. In 2021, 37 percent of casualties in such encounters were LEA personnel. By 2025, this figure dropped to around 16 percent, while militant casualties accounted for approximately 67 percent — reflecting improved operational effectiveness.
The expert added that more than 3,500 militants were eliminated in 2025, which he described as a major achievement. However, he attributed the persistent threat to the presence of safe havens in Afghanistan, where groups such as the Afghan Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP), and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) are reportedly operating. According to him, militants are recruited, trained, and equipped there before crossing into Pakistan to carry out attacks.
