Matric exams, polio drive to be held as scheduled, says Balochistan govt

Provincial ministers told a press conference in Quetta that matriculation examinations and the ongoing polio campaign will proceed as scheduled despite recent security incidents in parts of Balochistan.

Provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that armed men attempted to target the red zone on January 31 but faced resistance due to the presence and response of the general public, which made it difficult for them to act.

He announced that mobile internet services in Quetta would be restored from this evening. Rind also said that the Chief Minister of Balochistan would hold an important press conference in the coming days.

Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqat said that two jails in Balochistan were attacked during the unrest and that a search operation is underway to trace prisoners who escaped. He added that the Superintendent of Nushki Jail is now out of danger.

Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said that 12 locations across Balochistan were attacked on January 31 and confirmed that all necessary medical facilities were provided to the injured.

Shahid Rind stated that people involved in looting police stations have been identified and assured that those responsible would be arrested soon.