President, PM condemn Kalat attack, vow to eradicate terrorism

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned a terrorist attack on security forces at a check post in the Shah Mardan area of Balochistan's Kalat district.

The attack, which left seven soldiers martyred, underscores the security challenges facing the province, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

In a statement, President Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, describing the attackers as “enemies of the country” intent on disrupting Pakistan’s progress. He commended the people of Balochistan for standing firm against such violent elements.

Prime Minister Sharif extended prayers for the martyred soldiers, expressing condolences to their families. He praised security forces for swiftly retaliating, killing six terrorists and capturing four others. Sharif also directed officials to provide the best medical care to the injured and ordered immediate actions to apprehend those responsible.

Calling the attackers “enemies of Balochistan’s peace and development,” Sharif reaffirmed that the government’s commitment to the province’s prosperity remains unshaken.

Yesterday, seven security personnel were martyred while fighting off a terrorist attack on their check post in Kalat district before dawn on Saturday. At least six terrorists were also eliminated in the brazen attempted storming which came a week after a suicide bomber targeted passengers – including servicemen – waiting to board a train at the Quetta railway station.

According to the military's media wing, the terrorists attempted to attack the check post in the Shah-e-Mardan area of Kalat on the night between Nov 15 and 16. "Own troops fought gallantly as a result of which six terrorists were sent to hell, while four terrorists were injured," the ISPR added in a statement. "However, during intense exchange of fire, seven brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, embraced shahadat (martyrdom)."

A sanitisation operation is underway to eliminate any terrorist found in the area, according to the ISPR statement. "The security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our soldiers further strengthen our resolve."

The outlawed terrorist group, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to a Reuters reporter.

The check post is located some 180 kimoletres south of Quetta. The group has stepped up terrorist attacks recently, claiming the November 9 suicide bombing that targeted passengers, including army men, at the Quetta railway station minutes before they were due to board a train to return home for vacations.