QUETTA, Pakistan (Diya TV) — Pakistan’s security forces have killed 88 suspected terrorists during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, according to state-run Pakistan Television. Officials said the latest operation marked another step in the country’s campaign against militant groups operating in the province.

Authorities also said security forces have killed 126 suspected terrorists in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations across Balochistan since July 5. Meanwhile, the government continues to push for stronger action against armed groups following a series of deadly attacks in the region.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the military, police, and other security agencies for their efforts. He said the campaign against terrorist groups was moving forward successfully. State-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported that security forces had increased both air and ground operations as the offensive continued.

Operation Shaban began after a deadly attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat. During that assault, armed attackers kidnapped and killed 27 police officers. Since then, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and police have carried out joint operations across several parts of Balochistan. Officials said they have expanded the campaign to target militant hideouts and disrupt terrorist networks.

At the same time, the security situation in Balochistan remains a major concern. The province has faced militant violence for many years. However, recent attacks have raised fresh concerns about public safety and regional stability.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the country’s security situation worsened sharply in May after two months of improvement. The group said rising terrorist violence in both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa drove the increase.

The report identified Balochistan as the province most affected by terrorist activity. It recorded 71 attacks during May, compared with 34 attacks in April. That represented a 109% increase in just one month. In addition, the report highlighted a sharp rise in kidnappings. Of the 54 reported abductions across Pakistan during May, 52 took place in Balochistan. The report said the trend reflected the growing reach of militant groups operating in the province.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently said Pakistan’s civil and military leadership had reached a united decision to eliminate terrorism. He made the remarks during a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta. Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also attended the meeting.

During the session, Sharif stressed that both civilian and military leaders must work together to defeat terrorism. He said the country needed a coordinated national effort to restore peace and improve security.

His comments followed a military briefing by Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. During the press conference, Chaudhry blamed India and Afghanistan for supporting recent attacks in Balochistan. He referred to three major incidents that took place between July 5 and July 7. Those attacks included an assault near Quetta, the deadly raid on the police post in Ziarat, and an ambush targeting an army convoy in Bela.

Meanwhile, public anger remains strong after the attack in Ziarat. On Tuesday, protesters continued a sit-in that entered its sixth day. The bodies of seven police officers killed during the attack remained unburied as families demanded justice and stronger government action.

Government officials continued negotiations with protesters and political representatives. However, the talks did not produce a final agreement. Provincial Home Minister Ziaullah Langove urged the families to bury their loved ones. He said the provincial government had accepted most of their demands, including the creation of a judicial commission to investigate the attack.

Relatives of the slain officers, political leaders, civil society members, and residents joined the protest. They called for accountability, justice, and stronger security measures to prevent future attacks.