Balochistan in Turmoil: Zehri Residents Gripped by Fear Amid Ongoing Military Operation

Balochistan, Oct 09 : The ongoing military operation in Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar district, Balochistan, has entered its third consecutive week, leaving residents in a state of fear and isolation. Local sources report that internet, mobile, and other communication services have been shut for days, while entry and exit routes to Zehri remain completely sealed, cutting the region off from the rest of the province.

According to reports from The Balochistan Post, security forces have ordered families, particularly those with young men, to report to a military camp inside Zehri Hospital. Those who fail to comply have been warned of “serious consequences.” Multiple house raids and detentions have intensified insecurity in Norgama and neighbouring areas.

Several residents are reportedly subjected to enforced disappearances, including Zahid, son of Abdul Aziz; Asif Baloch; and Asadullah, son of Rasool Bakhsh Zarakzai, a shopkeeper from Zehri Bazaar. Safia Bibi, daughter of Gul Muhammad, was detained during a raid but later released.

The military crackdown has also led to the demolition of two hotels and the burning of several shops in Zehri Bazaar. Pyala Hotel, adjacent to Asadullah’s shop, was reportedly crushed by armoured tanks, while another hotel nearby was completely levelled.

This phase follows airstrikes on September 15, which killed seven civilians, including two women, and subsequent attacks on September 27 that claimed eleven more lives.

Human rights organisations and political groups in Balochistan have raised serious concerns, demanding an immediate end to military operations, the release of disappeared persons, and the restoration of communication networks to alleviate civilian suffering.