Balochistan militant attacks: Pakistan will respond collectively to attacks, says interior minister

Pakistan's Interior MinisterMohsin Naqvi said on Tuesday (Aug 27) that his government would respond collectively to the militant attacks in Balochistan that killed more than 70 people. Militants attacked police stations, railway lines, and highways on Sunday, and security forces launched retaliatory operations.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took responsibility for the attacks.

On Tuesday, Interior Minister Naqvi and Balochistan Chief MinisterSarfraz Bugti addressed a press conference in the province's capital, Quetta, a report by the news agency Reuters said.

“Such incidents are intolerable. We will respond to it collectively. Those who are thinking they can scare us or give us a message, they will get a response very soon,” Naqvi told reporters, adding, thatthe president, prime minister and army chief were all concerned aboutBalochistan.

At least 73 killed in attacks

The militant attacks in Balochistan killedat least 73 people, including security personnel, Reuters reported.

Rail traffic with Quetta was suspended following blasts on a rail bridge linking the provincial capital to the rest of Pakistan. Militants also struck a rail link to neighbouring Iran, railways official Muhammad Kashif said.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the attacks were aimed atstopping development projects that form part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China, US condemnattacks

The Chinese foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it strongly condemned the Balochistan attacks, adding, that Beijing wouldcontinue to give strong support to Pakistan in "promoting counter-terrorism operations."

"China is firmly opposed to all forms of terrorism and will continue to firmly support the Pakistani side in promoting counter-terrorism operations, maintaining social unity and stability and protecting the safety of the population," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters.

In a post on X, the US Embassy in Islamabad said, "Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those killed in yesterday’s attacks. The United States will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism."

"Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We hope for a swift restoration of peace and stability in the region," the German Consul General in Karachi said.

(With inputs from agencies)