Pakistan, July 11 -- The Balochistan government confirmed on Thursday that several passengers were kidnapped near Sardhaka, an area already under stress from rising militant activity. According to government spokesperson Shahid Rind, the kidnapping occurred during a fresh wave of coordinated attacks in Quetta, Kalat, Mastung, and Sardhaka. Security forces have launched a full-scale search and rescue operation in the area.

The attackers are believed to be part of the group Fitna-al-Hindustan, which Pakistan alleges is backed by India. This group has been blamed for multiple recent terrorist incidents. Rind said security forces "responded immediately and vigorously" at all affected locations and remain on high alert to protect lives and in...