Balochistan, 3 policemen killed, 16 injured in IED blast

A detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) occurred, impacting a vehicle transporting security personnel in the Mastung area of Balochistan, resulting in the fatalities of at least three police personnel. According to paramilitary forces, the vehicle, which was carrying security personnel from Kalat via the Recruit Training Center (RTC), was subjected to an attack in the Shamsabad area, injuring 16 security personnel. Two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition and have been transferred to Quetta for treatment. This incident has occurred in the context of a heightened state of terrorist activity in the country, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan – both of which border neighbouring Afghanistan – emerging as primary epicentres of violence, accounting for 98 percent of all casualties in Pakistan. Official sources estimate that Pakistan recorded 897 fatalities and 542 injuries related to violence involving civilians, security personnel, and outlaws in the first quarter of 2025. The total number of fatalities, 1,439, was due to 354 incidents of violence, including terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism operations. The province of Balochistan accounted for the highest number of deaths, with 35% of all casualties occurring there, marking a 15% increase in violence compared to the previous period.