BALOCHISTAN: Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan witnessed its deadliest instability as coordinated gun and bomb attacks killed at least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel.

The violence spread across multiple locations, including Quetta. In response, security forces launched counter-operations, killing more than 140 attackers.

The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, citing the exploitation of natural resources and local marginalization.

The attacks targeted police stations, prisons, and government buildings using grenades and automatic weapons.

Consequently, authorities suspended train services and jammed mobile networks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to continue counterterrorism operations until militant groups are dismantled.

Despite covering 44 percent of Pakistan’s landmass with only 5 percent of the population, the resource-rich province remains one of the poorest, with an insurgency for autonomy dating back to 1948.