Balochistan's top civilian and military leadership has pledged to escalate counterterrorism operations as the month-long Operation Shaban surpasses 90 militant deaths, signaling a renewed push to consolidate state authority across the restive province. Main Developments Three additional terrorists were killed on Thursday, raising the Operation Shaban death toll to 91, according to Radio Pakistan. State media reports that a total of 129 terrorists have been neutralized in the province since July 5, combining Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations. The 26th meeting of the Hardening of the State Conference, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, reviewed the overall security situation and reaffirmed a unified strategy involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Balochistan Police. Officials expressed satisfaction with the joint operation's progress and pledged to intensify efforts against terrorist networks. Read also: Why Bannu's police station attack signals a dangerous shift Bugti declared that "terrorism is a national challenge requiring a united response from the country's political and military leadership with the support of the people." He vowed to bring anti-state elements and their facilitators to justice, stressing that "there is no place for forces working against the state in Balochistan." Background The conference paid tribute to security personnel martyred in the recent Hanna Urak and Mangi Dam incidents, underscoring that their sacrifices would not be in vain. These attacks, along with a string of others, have prompted a broader security review across Balochistan. Operation Shaban was launched as a joint military-civilian effort to counter rising militant activity. The operation involves the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Balochistan Police, Pakistan Coast Guards, the Federal Investigation Agency, and Customs, reflecting a multi-agency approach to restore the state's writ. Why It Matters Balochistan has long grappled with a complex security landscape, including separatist insurgencies and sectarian violence. The sustained pace of Operation Shaban—averaging more than three militant deaths per day—signals a significant escalation in the state's willingness to use military force to counter these threats. Bugti linked the security push to governance reforms, stating that the provincial government is working to improve institutional efficiency and public service delivery, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas. This dual focus on security and development aims to address the root causes of instability and strengthen the state's long-term capacity. What's Next Radio Pakistan reported that Operation Shaban "will continue in Balochistan until the last terrorist is eliminated," suggesting no immediate end to the campaign. The conference's pledge to further strengthen operations indicates that the coming weeks may see an intensified tempo of counterterrorism activities. Open questions remain about the operation's impact on civilian populations in targeted areas and whether the governance reforms Bugti outlined will keep pace with the military campaign. The coordination between federal and provincial institutions will be tested as the operation extends into more remote regions.