8 terrorists killed in botched bid to enter Gwadar Port Colony

By our correspondents

RAWALPINDI: A group of eight terrorists attempted to enter the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Colony, which was successfully repelled by security forces personnel.

According to an ISPR press release, Pakistan Army troops employed for security responded immediately and effectively engaged the terrorists and in the ensuing fire exchange killed all the eight terrorists. A large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the killed terrorists.

However, during the intense exchange of fire, two brave soldiers Sepoy Bahar Khan (age: 35 years, resident of District DG Khan) and Sepoy Imran Ali (age: 28 years, resident of District Khairpur), having fought gallantly, sacrificed their lives and embraced Shahadat.

The ISPR said security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts to sabotage the peace and stability of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.

Eyewitnesses said they heard multiple explosions after firing in the complex which houses the passport office, Election Commission of Pakistan office and other government offices. According to police officials, the entire area was cordoned off by security personnel. Later, a clearance operation was underway at the facility in the security personnel’s presence.

The Makran Division commissioner confirmed the incident and the number of slain terrorists.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Gwadar Port Authority Complex and said terrorist elements would be dealt with strictly. According to the press wing of the President’s House, President Asif Ali Zardari in his statement appreciated the effective response of the forces in Gwadar. “Our brave forces showed courage and bravery.”

Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Naqvi lauded the security forces for thwarting the terrorist attack on the Guard Port Authority complex on Wednesday. In his message, the minister said that the security forces bravely foiled the terrorist attack and said the security forces personnel who thwarted the nefarious intentions of the terrorists are the heroes of the nation. The war will continue until the scourge of terrorism is completely eradicated, he said.

CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah condemned the attack on the GPA complex, saying: “Elimination of the terrorists is final and the determination of our military men is strong.” CPEC is the future of Pakistan and we will not allow any harm to it under any circumstances, the CM added.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting the Gwadar Port Authority Complex and emphasised that the Pakistani nation would resist and respond to terrorism in all its manifestations with full force. “These cowardly acts of violence aim to undermine the stability and development of Pakistan,” he said in a statement. Bilawal emphasised that the nation refused to succumb to intimidation or demoralisation in the face of such heinous acts. He paid tributes to the brave officers and Jawans who thwarted the attack on the GPA complex.