Evacuation notices issued in four Balochistan districts ahead of operation

Authorities in Balochistan have ordered residents of parts of Kalat, Mastung, Sorab and Khuzdar districts to leave their homes by 28 September, ahead of what the provincial government describes as a security operation against armed attackers, according to Independent Urdu. A separate operation in Saran Tangi killed six suspected militants and led to nine arrests, Aaj News reported.

A notice issued by the assistant commissioner's office in Kalat asked people in Parod, Shor and Gazg to move temporarily to safer places by the deadline. The same instruction covers adjacent mountain areas in Mastung, Sorab and Khuzdar, the outlet said, citing a senior Kalat district officer. The officer said the areas included those where armed men lived among the population and carried out attacks on security forces, public transport and government property.

People who relocate will receive tents, food and other basic supplies, and alternative housing will be provided until the operation is complete, according to the report.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti told the provincial assembly that the decision followed repeated attacks on the Quetta-Karachi national highway. He said orchards from which attackers fire would be cut down if owners did not cooperate with security forces and the government. He also said Shor, Parod and some other areas had hosted separatists since 1970, and that about 1,000 people would be relocated temporarily, with arrangements for women, children and the elderly.

Bugti's remarks about cutting orchards drew criticism from tribal elders, political leaders and residents, who argued that cutting trees would not end militancy, Independent Urdu reported.

Separately, Aaj News reported that security forces killed six militants and arrested nine suspects in Saran Tangi under Operation Shaban 2. The outlet cited security sources saying the action was intelligence-based and targeted what it called the Fitna al-Hindustan group; weapons and ammunition were seized.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces, saying their action had foiled the militants' plans and that Operation Shaban 2 would continue until terrorism is eliminated. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the forces and said the nation stood with them, according to the report.