Thousands of mourners gathered at Quetta's Ayub Stadium on Saturday for funeral prayers of 27 policemen killed in the Ziarat terrorist attack, as their relatives ended a 10-day sit-in after the Balochistan government accepted all their demands. The bodies were later taken to native towns for burial with state honours, concluding a tense standoff that had gripped the provincial capital. Main Developments Funeral prayers were offered after a procession that began from Shuhada-i-Ziarat Chowk, formerly Koila Phatak Chowk, where the families had been holding their sit-in since July 9 with the bodies of the slain. Strict security arrangements included a heavy contingent of police and paramilitary forces, with snipers deployed on nearby rooftops. The sit-in committee agreed to call off the protest following a Friday-night agreement with the provincial government, which accepted demands including formation of a judicial commission to probe both the Ziarat and Hanna Urak attacks. A total of 32 people—27 policemen in Ziarat and five civilians in Hanna Urak—were martyred in the two incidents. Read also: Why Pakistan's Paediatric Care Faces Risk from Syringe Ban Background The terrorist attack on a police post in Ziarat on July 6 claimed the lives of 27 policemen: nine were killed on the spot, while 18 were kidnapped and later killed by the assailants. The attack occurred just a day after armed men struck the Hanna Urak Valley area on Quetta's outskirts, killing five civilians. In response, security forces launched Operation Shaban, a days-long clearance operation that resulted in the killing of 91 terrorists. The families of the slain policemen began their sit-in at Koila Phatak on July 9, demanding justice and accountability, refusing to bury their loved ones until their demands were met. Why It Matters The agreement marks a significant step in addressing grievances of security personnel families, but also raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures in Balochistan, where attacks on police and civilians have persisted. The judicial commission's findings could reshape counterterrorism policies in the province. Renaming of Koila Phatak Chowk to Shuhada-i-Ziarat Chowk, along with plans to rename government buildings, police stations, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities in Ziarat district after the martyrs, signals an official effort to honour their sacrifice. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti described the naming as a tribute that “will preserve their legacy and inspire future generations.” What's Next The Balochistan government has begun immediate implementation of the agreement's provisions, with a July 17 notification renaming Koila Phatak Chowk. The home, education, and health departments have been directed to complete the renaming of relevant institutions and obtain approval from the competent authority. The judicial commission, once constituted, will investigate both the Ziarat and Hanna Urak attacks. The agreement was signed by Health Minister Bukhat Muhammad Kakar on behalf of the government, and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Secretary General Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal for the protesting families. Implementation of all commitments remains under scrutiny.