A peaceful tourist destination became a scene of unimaginable tragedy; there is no bravery in abducting unarmed police officers. There is no honour in executing men who dedicated their lives to protecting their own communities. What happened in Ziarat was not resistance, nor was it a struggle for any noble cause. It was an act of pure terrorism carried out by individuals who thrive on fear, bloodshed, and the suffering of innocent people.
On the night of 6-7 July, terrorists attacked police personnel in Kach Mangi Phase-III, Ziarat. Several officers were abducted. Some were martyred during the attack, while others were taken away alive. Instead of showing even the most basic respect for human life, the terrorists later murdered the remaining captives. Such acts expose their true character. They do not fight with courage. They kill through ambush, kidnapping, and execution.
The fallen officers were sons of Ziarat. They were not outsiders. They served their own people, protected tourists, maintained law and order, and risked their lives every day so others could live in peace. Their sacrifice reflects the highest ideals of public service. The terrorists who murdered them represent the exact opposite. They destroy what others build. They spread fear where others create hope.
History has never remembered terrorists as heroes. It remembers them only for the pain they caused and the innocent lives they destroyed
The people of Ziarat have every reason to mourn, but they also have every reason to stand united. By attacking local police, the terrorists attacked every family that depends on peace, every child who deserves a secure future, and every citizen who wants to live without fear. Their violence has only strengthened public resolve to reject extremism and demand justice.
Terrorist organisations often claim to fight for religion or justice, yet their actions reveal nothing but hypocrisy. Islam forbids the murder of innocent people and commands justice, mercy, and respect for human life. The Holy Quran states:
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land, it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.”
Those who abduct and execute captives cannot claim to represent Islam. Their actions violate the very principles they pretend to defend. They have no moral authority, no religious legitimacy, and no place in any civilised society.
Pakistan has lost thousands of brave soldiers, police officers, and civilians in the fight against terrorism. Yet despite these sacrifices, terrorists have failed to break the nation’s resolve. Every attack reminds Pakistan why this fight must continue until violent extremist networks are dismantled and those responsible are brought to justice.
The killers in Ziarat wanted to spread fear. Instead, they exposed their own cowardice. They feared the courage of local policemen who stood firm in defence of their communities. They feared the resilience of a society that refuses to surrender. They feared the unity of a nation determined to defeat terrorism.
History has never remembered terrorists as heroes. It remembers them only for the pain they caused and the innocent lives they destroyed. The true heroes are the police officers who stood their ground, fulfilled their duty, and paid the ultimate price for the safety of others.
The attack also raises serious concerns about the growing cooperation between different terrorist groups operating in the region. Security analysts have pointed to signs of coordination between Fitna al Khawarij (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Although these groups promote different narratives, their actions often serve the same purpose: creating instability, spreading fear, and stretching Pakistan’s security forces across multiple fronts.
The brutality shown in this attack also stands in complete opposition to the teachings of Islam. Islam places immense value on the protection of human life.
This principle leaves no room for the murder of innocent people, public servants, or community protectors. Acts of terrorism carried out in the name of religion directly contradict Islamic teachings and values. Violence against innocent people cannot be justified by any ideology or political objective.
Terrorism can inflict pain, but it cannot defeat a nation that remains united. The resilience of Pakistan’s people, together with the dedication of its law enforcement agencies, remains the strongest answer to those who seek to spread violence and fear.
The martyrs of Ziarat deserve remembrance. Their families deserve justice. And the terrorists who carried out this barbaric crime deserve nothing but the full force of the law. Pakistan’s answer to such brutality must be unwavering: no surrender, no compromise with terrorism, and no place for violent extremism in the country’s future. On the other hand, the Pakistan Army has played a vital role in dismantling terrorist networks, restoring peace in conflict-affected areas, and protecting innocent lives.
The writer is a journalist