Summary
On 28 October 2025, Pakistani military forces carried out an aerial attack on the Chiltan Hills near Quetta, Balochistan, injuring at least nine civilians, all of them young men and teenagers. Independent sources confirm that the victims were unarmed civilians on a picnic. Despite credible evidence, state authorities have attempted to conceal the incident. This attack is part of a wider pattern of indiscriminate air operations in Balochistan that have repeatedly endangered civilians.
Background
The Chiltan Hills area, located on the outskirts of Quetta, has seen increased military presence and air activity in recent months. These actions are part of Pakistan’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Local communities have repeatedly reported fear and insecurity as civilians continue to be caught in operations where no verified militant presence has been established.
Incident Details
According to verified reports and eyewitness accounts, on 28 October 2025, an aerial bombardment struck a group of young civilians gathered for a picnic in the Chiltan mountain range. The victims were identified as:
- Jahanzaib Mohammad Shahi
- Imrani Sumalani
- Maqbool Ahmed
- Zahid Baloch
- Manzoor Ahmed
- Daulat Khan
- Arbab Baloch
- Rafeeq Lehri
- Wajid Ali
All sustained serious injuries and were taken to Civil Hospital Quetta for emergency treatment.
BBC Urdu reported that the authorities were reluctant to comment on the incident. However, in an official statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that Pakistani forces had targeted “fourteen Indian-sponsored terrorists” in the Chiltan Mountains.
Local sources told Paank that when the injured were brought to hospital, authorities realised they had targeted innocent teenagers, not combatants, and subsequently moved to suppress information about the attack.
Pattern of Civilian Harm
This is not the first instance of civilians being targeted in aerial operations. On 5 October 2025, a drone strike in the Moola Pass area of Zehri, District Kalat, killed six civilians, including four children and two adults, and injured three others. Despite video and eyewitness evidence, the state continues to deny responsibility for civilian deaths.
Aftermath and Accountability
As of this report, no independent investigation has been announced. Families of the victims have reportedly been pressured to remain silent, and media access to the site has been restricted. Civil society groups in Balochistan have condemned the incident as a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits indiscriminate or disproportionate use of force.
Paank’s Position
Paank condemns the Chiltan Hills attack in the strongest terms. Targeting civilians under the guise of counter-insurgency represents a serious breach of both domestic and international law.
Paank calls upon:
- The United Nations Human Rights Council and international human rights organisations to launch an independent investigation into this and previous airstrikes.
- The international community to press Pakistan to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians in all circumstances.
Conclusion
The Chiltan Hills airstrike once again demonstrates a systematic pattern of impunity in Balochistan, where innocent civilians are repeatedly victimised under military operations. Without independent oversight and justice, such incidents are likely to continue. Paank reaffirms its commitment to documenting abuses and advocating for justice, truth, and accountability for the victims and their families.