A series of coordinated attacks and blockades have erupted across Pak-occupied-Balochistan, leading to significant disruptions and raising concerns over security in the region. The unrest, which began late Saturday night, has since spread to multiple districts, including Gwadar, Kech, Kalat, Sibi, and Dera Bugti, where armed groups have targeted infrastructure and security forces.

Blockades and Checkpoints

In Kech district, the main highway from Mand to Turbat has been surrounded by armed groups at the Hotabad location. These groups are conducting checks on all vehicles passing through, effectively controlling movement in the region. In Kalat, armed individuals have blocked the highway at Mahlubi, where they are also conducting thorough checks. Reportedly, in Kalat Levies personnel have been arrested by these groups, though further details on these incidents remain unclear.

Attacks on Infrastructure and Pak Army

In addition to these blockades, a series of violent attacks have targeted critical infrastructure and security forces across the province. In the Sibi district, a train track was blown up at Sibi Lumji, and force camps near Karak and Mithri Hotels were also attacked. Meanwhile, near Koh Sulaiman in Musakhel, BLA sarmachaars (revolutionaries) detained several travelers during a blockade; these individuals were reportedly en route from POB to Faisalabad in Punjab.

A particularly severe attack occurred in the Dera Murad Jamali area of POB, where unknown assailants launched an intense assault on a post manned by Pakistan Army at the Notal location. The sounds of gunfire and explosions reverberated throughout the city, underscoring the intensity of the conflict.

In another significant incident, a 36-inch gas pipeline in the Dera Bugti area of Sui, which supplies gas to Karachi, was destroyed by unknown individuals who planted explosives at the Beshapur location. This attack has disrupted gas supplies to Karachi, adding to the mounting crisis.

Additionally, in Balgatar, armed individuals have established a blockade on the CPEC road between Turbat and Panjgur, further exacerbating the already volatile situation.

Escalating Conflict

These coordinated attacks and blockades across POB highlight the escalating conflict in the region, with Baloch fighters increasingly targeting key infrastructure and Pak forces. The widespread nature of these incidents, from the coast of Gwadar to the mountainous areas of Kalat, underscores the growing incapacity of the Pak Army to control the region with iron fist and to pose challenge to the demand for independence by the freedom fighter groups.

Kharan city witnessed a complete shutdown as markets closed in response to a strike call demanding the recovery of Mukhtiar Ahmed Mengal, who was abducted more than a month ago.

The strike was followed by a protest rally at Chief Chowk, after which demonstrators began a sit-in at Kharan’s Red Zone. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until Mengal is safely returned.

Mukhtiar Ahmed Mengal was abducted in broad daylight on July 15 while traveling from Sarawan to Kharan. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of 100 million rupees for his release, but occupied-authorities have yet to secure his return.

Protest organizers have issued an ultimatum, stating that if Mengal is not recovered, the sit-in will be moved to Quetta’s Red Zone. The protest, which had been ongoing at the local press club for the past 38 days, was relocated to Kharan’s Red Zone today to intensify pressure on the authorities.

Reportedly, Mengal’s abduction was carried out by a powerful group with ties to the occupied-government and Pak Army, raising concerns about the influence and reach of such groups in the region. Occupied-govt officials and secret agencies are believed to be directly or indirectly involved in the rampant theft, robbery, and kidnapping for ransom in Kharan.

All thieves and dacoits in the area operate with occupied-government support and backing. In some cases, officials from Punjabi agencies are reportedly involved in these criminal activities, which has led to the Kharan administration’s reluctance to take action against them. This perceived collusion has rightfully fueled further distrust and unrest among the local population.