Pakistan's acting president condemns police checkpoint attack in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's acting president Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack on a police checkpoint in Balochistan's Ziarat district, describing it as an act of terrorism carried out by Fitna al-Khawarij.

Pakistani authorities use the term "Khawarij," rooted in early Islamic history, to describe the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied militant networks, casting them as outlaws who reject legitimate authority and deliberately target civilians and state institutions.

In a statement issued by the President's House Media Wing, Gilani said, "The sacrifices of the martyred police officers and personnel for national security and the protection of the public will never be forgotten."

He added, "Enemies of the state can never succeed in their nefarious designs," and that "the entire nation stands united against terrorism."

The acting president also prayed for "the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, the speedy recovery of those injured, and patience and strength for the bereaved families."

At least nine policemen were killed, and five went missing after a terrorist attack on a police facility in Ziarat on Monday night.