QUETTA (Web Desk) – Three officials of the Balochistan Excise Department were abducted after heavily armed attackers stormed a temporary checkpost on the Dalbandin–Taftan Highway in Chagai district, prompting security forces to launch a large-scale search operation to trace the kidnappers and recover the missing personnel.
According to police and local security sources, the attack took place on Monday evening when a group of approximately 30 armed men surrounded the temporary excise checkpost established for routine vehicle inspections along the strategic highway connecting Dalbandin and Taftan.
The attackers reportedly held the officials at gunpoint before abducting three excise personnel. They also seized two official vehicles and government-issued weapons before fleeing the area through routes that are still being investigated by security agencies.
Police and other law enforcement personnel reached the scene shortly after receiving reports of the incident. The area was immediately cordoned off while search operations were launched in nearby mountainous and desert regions to locate the abducted officials and track down the attackers.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the abducted officials, while investigators continue gathering evidence from the attack site. Officials said forensic teams have collected information that may help determine the direction taken by the armed group after the assault.
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The Dalbandin–Taftan Highway is considered one of Balochistan’s key transport corridors, linking Pakistan with the Iranian border. Security on the route has remained a concern due to periodic attacks on government personnel and commercial traffic.
Senior officials described the abduction as a serious challenge to law enforcement efforts in the province. Security agencies have intensified patrols on major highways and established additional checkpoints in surrounding districts as part of the ongoing operation.
The latest incident comes amid persistent security challenges across Balochistan, where attacks on security personnel and government institutions have increased in recent months. Authorities have been conducting intelligence-based operations to dismantle militant networks operating in different parts of the province.
Earlier this month, security forces and law enforcement agencies launched Operation Shaban following a deadly attack on a police post near the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat district. During that incident, dozens of police personnel lost their lives after being kidnapped and attacked by armed assailants.
Security analysts say militant groups have increasingly targeted government officials, security personnel and public infrastructure to disrupt state operations and create instability in the province. Highway attacks and kidnappings have also emerged as a growing security concern.
According to recent security assessments, Balochistan has witnessed a significant rise in militant violence compared with previous months. Officials believe improved coordination between federal and provincial security institutions remains essential to counter emerging threats.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to strengthening security across sensitive districts and protecting government employees performing official duties in remote areas. Additional security measures are expected to be introduced for personnel deployed at temporary checkpoints and border routes.
The provincial administration has directed law enforcement agencies to continue the search operation until the abducted officials are safely recovered. Intelligence agencies are also coordinating with local authorities to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
Officials have appealed to residents to cooperate with security forces by reporting any suspicious activity or information that could assist the ongoing investigation. They also urged travellers using the Dalbandin–Taftan Highway to remain vigilant and follow security advisories issued by local authorities.
The abduction has once again highlighted the security challenges facing Balochistan as authorities continue efforts to improve law and order, protect public servants and ensure safe movement along one of the province’s most important transportation routes.
