Balochistan govt suspends Ziarat SP after deadly Mangi Dam attack

CM Bugti directs authorities to investigate circumstances surrounding the attack, identify any security lapses

QUETTA:

The Balochistan government on Wednesday suspended the Superintendent of Police (SP) Ziarat and ordered a high-level review of security arrangements after a terrorist attack on Mangi Dam a day earlier left nine police officers dead.

The inquiry was ordered a day after terrorists ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles that left nine police officers, including two station house officers (SHOs), dead. Terrorists also abducted several civilians and police personnel after the attack. Five of the abducted civilians later managed to escape, while security forces successfully rescued a constable during the operation.

According to a notification issued today by the provincial home department, stated that the inquiry committee would be headed by the chairman of the Chief Minister's Inspection Team (CMIT) and would include the secretary of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), a senior deputy inspector general of police, and a representative of the Intelligence Bureau.

The committee was tasked with examining all aspects of the incident, including security arrangements before, during, and after the attack, the command and control system, coordination among security agencies, and implementation of standard operating procedures.

Read: 15 Khawarij neutralised as forces avenge 9 cops

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said the committee had been granted full powers to summon officials, obtain records, record witness statements, inspect the site, and seek assistance from technical experts.

He said the committee would also determine whether there had been any negligence, operational failures, or other shortcomings and recommend action against those found responsible.

Beyond investigating the attack, the committee was also directed to review security at Mangi Dam and recommend immediate, medium, and long-term measures to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure across the province. It will also propose policy, institutional, and operational reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

The committee was given 15 days to submit its report to the provincial government.

CM Bugti said negligence or incompetence in protecting the lives and property of the public would not be tolerated and pledged to further strengthen coordination and effectiveness among security institutions.

دہشتگردی کے زریعے ریاست کو کمزور کرنے کی ہر کوشش ناکام بنائیں گے، وزیراعلٰی بلوچستان میرسرفرازبگٹی۔ pic.twitter.com/5DTaJ9TxXx

— Govt. of Balochistan (@dpr_gob) July 8, 2026

Mangi Dam is considered one of Balochistan's key development projects, and the attack has raised concerns over the security of major infrastructure in the province. According to the chief minister's office, the provincial cabinet will review the committee's findings after the report is submitted and take action on its recommendations.

Earlier on Tuesday, political parties and tribesmen continued their sit-in protest for a third day on Quetta's Airport Road after a deadly armed clash in the Hanna Urak area left four people dead. They demanded that the authorities launch decisive action against the terrorists.