On Wednesday, police and security forces neutralized seven armed assailants who had forcefully breached the Gwadar Port Authority Complex, engaging in gunfire, as per official reports.

Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani informed Dawn.com that alongside gunfire, multiple explosions occurred during the attack. He further stated that authorities are currently conducting a clearance operation against the assailants.

Gwadar Senior Superintendent of Police Captain (retd) Zohaib Mohsin initially reported to Dawn.com that eight armed assailants had been neutralized, but later corrected the count to seven. He also stated that the gunfire had ceased, providing an update on the status of the assault.

Umrani had earlier informed Dawn.com that a significant number of police and security forces had arrived at the scene while the intense gunfire was still ongoing.

The United Nations Department for Safety and Security issued a statement confirming that “several explosions followed by continuous firing” occurred during the attack on the complex. The statement noted that the facility houses various government and paramilitary offices.

The statement also clarified that there were no immediate reports of casualties. It specified that seven personnel from three UN agencies stationed in Gwadar, along with two UN agencies on missions, were confirmed to be ‘safe and accounted for’.

The Majeed Brigade, affiliated with the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan has experienced a rise in terrorist activities over the past year, particularly in regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the termination of the ceasefire between the government and the banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.

In November, 14 Pakistan Army soldiers were tragically killed when militants ambushed two security force vehicles in Gwadar. The attack occurred as the military vehicles were traveling from Pasni to Ormara in the coastal district.

According to a security report released by the Centre for Research and Security Studies last month, Pakistan encountered 97 militant attacks in February alone, leading to 87 fatalities and 118 injuries.

The report emphasized a notable surge in violence in Balochistan, contrasted with a decrease in incidents in tribal districts and mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The message is clear: Pakistan is grappling with a surge in militant activities, particularly in regions like Balochistan, while witnessing fluctuations in violence levels across different areas. This underscores the urgent need for robust security measures and coordinated efforts to address these challenges effectively.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti commended the swift and decisive response of security and law enforcement personnel in dealing with the attackers, stating that “the message is loud and clear.” He further asserted that “those who resort to violence will face no leniency from the state.“

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, as per a press release, condemned the terrorist attack and praised the security forces for successfully thwarting it.

In the end, the latest terrorist attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex underscores the continued protection challenges facing Pakistan, particularly in regions like Balochistan. The coordinated reaction by way of security forces and condemnation from political leaders emphasize the nation’s united stance in opposition to terrorism. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the continual risk posed by way of militant companies and the need for persevered vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the protection and safety of the country and its citizens.