By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s army chief has vowed to press ahead with military operations against separatist and militant groups in Balochistan, declaring that “foreign-sponsored proxies” attempting to destabilise the restive southwestern province would be defeated through a “firm and decisive response” from the armed forces.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who serves as both Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, made the pledge on Thursday while addressing participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan, a military-backed programme held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi that brings together delegates from across the country to examine the province’s political, economic, security and social challenges.
His remarks came against a backdrop of continuing bloodshed in the province. Earlier on Thursday, unidentified gunmen shot dead a judge and his security guard in Mastung district, even as Pakistani security forces carried on with intelligence-based operations against separatist militants and other armed groups across Balochistan.
In a separate operation in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung, security forces killed six militants belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan and arrested several others, according to security sources. Those detained were said to include facilitators as well as male and female suicide bombers.
“Foreign-sponsored proxies have persistently sought to fuel violence, undermine stability and disrupt peace in Balochistan,” Field Marshal Munir told the gathering, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“Their nefarious designs, however, will be defeated through firm and decisive response of the Armed Forces, supported by the resilience and unity of the people of Pakistan,” he said.
The army chief said sustained efforts by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, underpinned by public backing, would ultimately bring lasting peace to the province. He reaffirmed that operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan would continue with full resolve until “the menace of terrorism and its abettors are eliminated from Pakistan.”
According to the ISPR statement, Field Marshal Munir also reiterated Islamabad’s determination to dismantle terrorist infrastructure wherever it threatens the country and its people.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has for years been the epicentre of a separatist insurgency. Militant groups have repeatedly targeted security forces, government installations and Chinese nationals and interests involved in infrastructure and mining projects in the region.
Separatist groups accuse the Pakistani state of exploiting Balochistan’s mineral wealth while denying local communities a fair share of the proceeds — allegations that Islamabad rejects. Pakistan has also repeatedly accused India of backing separatist militants in the province.
Despite the grim security picture, Field Marshal Munir struck an optimistic note about the province’s long-term prospects, describing Balochistan as “the pride of Pakistan, endowed with immense natural wealth” and home to a “vibrant, resilient and patriotic” population that he called the province’s greatest strength.
He said ongoing development initiatives by the federal and provincial governments were designed to transform Balochistan’s socio-economic landscape through what he termed an “inclusive and people-centric approach,” and he praised the role played by civil society, academia, the media and young people in strengthening national integration and supporting the province’s long-term peace and prosperity.
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