Defense Minister calls for large-scale troop deployment in Balochistan

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday that Pakistan needed to deploy a large number of troops in Balochistan due to the geographical expanse of the province, amid a serious security situation and a recent spate of attacks.

This statement follows a series of coordinated attacks in several locations in Balochistan that took place the day before. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 92 terrorists were killed on Saturday as security forces repelled attacks across the province, while 15 security personnel were also martyred in action.

“India-sponsored terrorist attacks Fitna al-Hindustan attempted to disrupt the peace of Balochistan by carrying out multiple terrorist activities around Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni,” the ISPR said in a statement on Saturday. Security sources today said 22 more terrorists were killed in the nightly follow-up actions, with the latest casualties taking the total number of terrorists killed in the last three days to at least 177.

Speaking in the National Assembly (NA), Asif said, “Balochistan geographically constitutes more than 40 per cent of Pakistan… its control is much more difficult than a city or populated area and it requires deployment of massive forces. Our troops are deployed there and are in action against them (terrorists), but they are physically handicapped by guarding and patrolling such a large area.”

The defense minister said the government had stepped up enforcement measures to combat smuggling, triggering a major protest at the Chaman border. He said some argue the state should negotiate with nationalist movements, but claimed the protest movement was motivated by business interests rather than politics or nationalism.

Asif claimed that smugglers earlier earned up to Rs 4 billion per day from oil smuggling, and said the agitation was aimed at recovering business losses.

He also claimed that criminal groups were operating under the banner of banned terrorist group Baloch Liberation Army and providing protection to smugglers, saying: “In Balochistan, tribal elders, bureaucracy and those leading separatist movements have formed a nexus. »

Asif said 177 terrorists were killed in the last two days, while 16 security personnel and 33 civilians were killed.

Prayers were offered during today’s session for the martyrs of the recent spate of terrorist attacks, with President Ayaz Sadiq also paying tribute to them.

Speaking to reporters in his hometown Sialkot a day ago, Asif had said Pakistan’s findings showed that “all links point to India” in the recent attacks across Balochistan claimed by the BLA.

He said the BLA “is an internationally recognized and internationally banned terrorist organization,” adding that it seeks to maintain its visibility “to obtain foreign funding from India.” He said the group had carried out attacks against civilians, including kidnappings of civilians and government employees.

TTAP condemns terrorism in Balochistan

Earlier in the day, opposition coalition Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) also condemned terrorism in Balochistan and expressed grief over the deaths of security personnel and civilians, terming the violence a sign of growing insecurity in the province.

In a statement on X, TTAP offered its condolences to the families of those killed, affirming solidarity with security forces and civilians affected by the attack. He said the scale of the violence amounted to a total failure of the provincial government and law enforcement.

“This shows how limited the scope of laws has become in the province and that the lives and property of citizens are not afforded any protection,” the statement said.

The TTAP also criticized the provincial administration, saying: “How long will we continue to turn a blind eye to the fact that a Balochistan government, lacking public support, only cares about prolonging its rule, not people’s lives.” »

He said terrorism could only be fought by a government and a system whose “moral position” was not questioned.

The statement added: “Then they say free and fair elections and representative governments are the solution – not leaders and systems imposed against the will of the people. »