• Terrorists loot bank, set fire to govt residences
• Spox calls attack ‘direct challenge’ to writ of state.
• Attack carried out by Indian-backed proxies: Rind.

QUETTA: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Hidayat Buledi embraced martyrdom when armed assailants, belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan, attacked the residence of the deputy commissioner in Sorab city of Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, according to spokesperson Shahid Rind.

In a statement, Rind said that armed terrorists, belonging to proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), stormed Sorab Bazaar, looting a commercial bank and setting fire to residences of several government officials.

“ADC Revenue Hidayat Baloch embraced martyrdom while courageously defending state property and lives during the attack,” he said, adding that his residence, where women and children were present at the time, was also targeted.

He termed the attack a direct challenge to the writ of the state and a “cowardly attempt to destabilise the region”. He added that the attack was carried out by proxies allegedly backed by India to foment unrest in Balochistan.

“The martyrdom of our brave officer is a symbol of unmatched courage. He sacrificed his life to protect the nation and has set a new example of valour,” the spokesperson said.

Following the incident, security forces, including the Frontier Corps (FC), police, and Levies, launched a search and clearance operation in the area.

Rind vowed that all anti-state elements involved in the incident would be brought to justice, asserting that efforts to disrupt peace in the province would be foiled.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Quetta, Hamza Shafqaat, said that thedeputy commissioner Sorab compound was attacked and also confirmed the martyrdom of Buledi.

“Attack was made by Fitna al Hindustan. Buledi was a LUMS alumni. Levies and other law enforcement agencies valiantly fought them back,” he added. 

‘Cowardly attack’

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the cowardly attack on innocent citizens, officers of administration and a bank by terrorists in Sorab.

He paid tribute to ADC Buledi for embracing martyrdom while defending his town from terrorists. He also expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.

The premier said the attack by cowardly terrorists on the citizens and their property was openly and evidently reflective of their animosity towards the people and progress of Balochistan.

He said the terrorists targeted innocent and unarmed citizens including children and women. “The war against terrorists will continue till their complete elimination from the country,” he added.

He further directed that the persons involved in the incident should be identified and should be given exemplary punishment.

Earlier on May 21, a powerful explosion near Zero Point in Balochistan’s Khuzdar targeted a school bus, martyring eight, including five students and injuring dozens of others, drawing condemnations from across the country as well as the international community.

Terrorists targeted the school bus as it was heading towards the educational institute with more than 40 students on board in the district of Balochistan, which is among the worst terror-hit provinces.

Earlier, The News quoting intelligence sources reported that India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) has activated its proxies in Balochistan to fuel violence and terrorism.

Following the failure of a previous false flag operation in Pahalgam, RAW is allegedly using groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Fitna-al-Khawarij, as well as illegal Afghan nationals, to carry out attacks in Gwadar, Quetta, and Khuzdar.

In April, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that India has activated its “assets” to inte¬nsify terrorist attacks in Pakistan, presenting “irr¬e¬futable evidence” of Ind¬ian state-sponsored terrorism.