By Saleem Ahmed QUETTA, Pakistan, Jan 31 (Reuters) - At least 92 militants were killed on Saturday battling Pakistan's security forces in multiple cities across the southwestern province of Balochistan,

Pakistan's defence minister acknowledges the immense challenge of policing Balochistan's vast terrain. Security forces are battling a recent surge in militant violence. Authorities report killing 177 insurgents in counter-terror operations.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stressed the urgent necessity of deploying additional troops to Balochistan, citing the province's vast territory and a troubling spike in militant activity. He drew attention to the intertwined nature of criminality and terrorism,

Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province was rocked by coordinated fidayeen attacks across multiple cities and towns, with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claiming responsibility for assaults that left around 50 people dead,

Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is home to a long-running violent insurgency.

Balochistan, which holds around 75% of Pakistan’s mineral wealth, is emerging as a central pillar of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with policymakers and analysts stressing that development, stability and prosperity in the province are closely tied to the success of the multibillion-dollar connectivity project.

Pakistan faces a deepening security crisis in Balochistan as the Baloch Liberation Army escalates its campaign through "Operation Herof. This surge impacts Pakistan's economy, foreign relations, and investor confidence.

Coordinated attacks by Baloch militants across Pakistan’s Balochistan province killed civilians and security personnel, prompting a sweeping military crackdown and regional tensions.