PISHIN, Pakistan: A banned Baloch militant group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a police station in Saranan, a predominantly Pashtun area of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, highlighting concerns over the expanding reach of insurgent groups beyond their traditional strongholds.

More than 25 armed men entered Saranan Bazaar on Aug. 20 and attacked the police station, according to local residents and officials. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which is banned in Pakistan, later claimed responsibility for the attack.

A video circulating on social media shows armed men in the market before explosives were detonated inside the police station. Local residents and a senior police official confirmed the authenticity of the footage.

The blast destroyed the station’s main gate and two rooms and partially damaged three others, according to a senior police official. No deaths were reported.

Local resident Arsalan, whose name was changed for security reasons, said the attackers remained in the market for about 40 to 50 minutes before leaving.

“They first went to the police station and took the police personnel hostage,” he said, adding that the attackers also targeted government offices, including the tehsil office and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices.

The government buildings sustained limited damage, with windows reportedly broken.

Attack raises security concerns

Security analysts described the incident as significant because Saranan is located in Pishin district, a predominantly Pashtun area along the Quetta-Chaman highway.

Analyst Rafiullah Kakar said the ability of armed militants to enter the area during daylight, attack a police station and leave without significant resistance raised serious questions about security arrangements.

“The incident shows that the militants can reach Pashtun areas located along major routes such as the Quetta-Chaman highway,” he said.

Muhammad Amir Rana, director of the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, said the attack appeared intended to demonstrate the group’s presence beyond traditionally Baloch-populated areas.

He said the incident was particularly significant because Pishin lies close to Quetta, the provincial capital.

The BLA has previously carried out attacks in parts of Balochistan bordering or adjoining Pashtun-majority areas, including Harnai, Duki and Ziarat.

Government orders inquiry

Babur Yousafzai, media adviser to the Balochistan Home Department, described the incident as an act of terrorism intended to spread fear.

He said security forces pursued the attackers and inflicted losses on them after the incident.

Yousafzai said an inquiry committee had been formed to investigate the incident and determine whether any officials were negligent. Those found responsible would face action, he said.

He also rejected claims that militant groups had established control over the area, saying security forces remained capable of responding to such attacks.

BLA activity

The BLA has been responsible for a number of attacks in Balochistan and is designated as a banned militant organisation by Pakistan.

The group has increasingly targeted security personnel, government installations, transport infrastructure and other strategic locations in the province.

The Saranan attack has drawn particular attention because of its location in a predominantly Pashtun area and its proximity to the major Quetta-Chaman highway.

Pashtun nationalist political parties have also expressed concern over the incident, with the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party condemning the daylight attack and questioning how armed men were able to operate in a busy market without being stopped.

The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of security arrangements in Pishin and along the Quetta-Chaman corridor, as authorities continue efforts to contain militant violence across Balochistan.