Pakistan’s security forces killed twelve terrorists and thwarted a planned hostage situation during multiple operations in Kharan district, the military’s media wing confirmed
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on January 15, approximately 15 to 20 Indian-sponsored terrorists belonging to the banned group Fitna al Hindustan carried out coordinated attacks in Kharan city. The assailants targeted the City Police Station, National Bank of Pakistan, and Habib Bank Limited, looting Rs3.4 million in the process.
“Security forces effectively responded and engaged the terrorists, prompting them to retreat,” the ISPR said. “During the ensuing clearance operations, twelve terrorists were neutralised across three separate engagements. Their plan to create a hostage situation at the police station was also effectively foiled.”
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed the operations in a press briefing in Quetta, adding that one civilian was injured and is receiving medical treatment.
Sanitisation operations are ongoing in the surrounding areas to ensure no other terrorists remain. The ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign, conducted under the federal Apex Committee’s National Action Plan and vision “Azm-e-Istehkam,” will continue at full pace to eliminate the threat of foreign-supported terrorism.
Despite record militant casualties in 2025, Pakistan witnessed a sharp escalation in violence, with terrorist attacks increasing by 34 percent and related fatalities rising by 21 percent year-on-year, according to the Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies. ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reported that security agencies conducted 75,175 intelligence-based operations last year, including 58,778 in Balochistan.
This operation in Kharan underscores Pakistan’s continued resolve to confront foreign-sponsored terrorism, prevent attacks on civilians, and safeguard critical installations across the country.