QUETTA — Security forces have killed a key militant commander during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah district, security sources said on Sunday.
The commander was identified as Adil Shah, also known as Darvesh, who had been affiliated with the Fitna al-Khawarij militant group since December 2020, according to the sources.
Financial Operations and Logistical Support
Sources said Shah had been overseeing the group’s financial affairs since 2024 and had also facilitated accommodation for non-local militants in the Zhob, Sherani and Shaban districts.
According to security sources, the slain commander was involved in attacks on security forces and kidnapping for ransom in 2022 and 2023.
Legal Cases and Bounty
The sources added that 19 cases had been registered against him in anti-terrorism courts. A bounty of Rs2.5 million had also been announced for information leading to his arrest.
The operation was carried out as part of security forces’ ongoing campaign in Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3, the sources said.
Rising Militant Attacks
Pakistan has experienced an increase in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
The country recorded its highest monthly number of militant attacks in 12 years in September 2026.
Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistani authorities maintain that the Afghan Taliban administration has not taken effective action against groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani security personnel and civilians.
