COAS Munir Affirms Resolve to Eliminate India-Sponsored Terrorism in Balochistan
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has declared an unyielding stance against terrorism in Balochistan, vowing to crush elements backed by Indian intelligence networks. His statement came during a grand tribal jirga held in Quetta on May 31, where he was joined by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.
“India’s involvement in terrorism is no longer hidden,” the COAS stated, highlighting Pakistan’s possession of “concrete evidence” linking Indian agencies to militant activities in Balochistan. The event served as a platform for direct engagement between national leadership and tribal elders on the province’s deteriorating security situation.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed that any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty would be met with full force. “With the unwavering support of the brave Baloch people and our nation, we will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic,” he emphasized.
Balochistan’s Stability: A National Priority
COAS Munir described peace in Balochistan as “non-negotiable,” linking the province’s stability to Pakistan’s broader national future. The military’s resolve comes in the wake of escalating attacks attributed to India-sponsored proxies, including a school bus bombing in Khuzdar in April, which claimed six lives and injured over 40 others, mostly students.
The Pakistan Army alleges that India has activated militant “assets” to escalate violence in the region. The COAS denounced this campaign as “a malicious act of terrorism waged on our people, our progress, and our peace.”
The Prime Minister, in his address, echoed similar concerns, warning that Indian-backed militant groups under Fitna Al Hindustan are actively seeking local support to destabilize Balochistan. “They must be denied any social space,” he stressed, urging grassroots-level engagement and vigilance.
Tribal Leaders Pledge Unity Against Militancy
The tribal elders present at the jirga voiced their full support for the government and the armed forces, committing to defend their homeland against all threats. “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the state,” said one tribal leader, emphasizing their alignment with national efforts to restore peace.
Over the past few months, militant violence has surged in the province. In March, the Jaffar Express was hijacked in the Sibi region, resulting in 26 fatalities, including 18 security personnel. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has increasingly adopted sophisticated and lethal tactics, directly targeting both civilians and security forces.
The government reiterated its determination to neutralize these threats while promoting development initiatives aimed at integrating the province and improving its socioeconomic fabric. Field Marshal Munir concluded, “The future of Pakistan is directly tied to a strong and prosperous Balochistan.”
