‘Our security forces handicapped in confronting Baloch rebels,’ admits Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

The Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Asif, on Tuesday admitted that his country has failed in controlling the deteriorating situation in Balochistan because of outdated weapons with the Pakistani security forces. While addressing the National Assembly yesterday, he acknowledged that Pakistan is handicapped in confronting Baloch rebels amid a fresh surge in militant violence in Balochistan after the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched the second phase of its armed campaign, named Operation Herof.

During his address, he said that the Baloch rebels are equipped with better rifles, defence gear, and other weapons. He also stated that it is easier to control densely populated urban areas that allow concentrated troop deployment than Balochistan, which accounts for more than 40 per cent of Pakistan’s landmass. He highlighted how security forces are actively engaged, but stretched thin by the need to guard and patrol such a vast territory.

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The Pakistan Defence Minister labelled the Baloch protestors as terrorists.

Reportedly, 197 Baloch people were killed in counterterrorism operations across the province in the last three days. These people mainly belonged to Fitna al-Hindustan and other armed groups of the region. Notably, twenty-two security personnel were also killed.

Meanwhile, Baloch pro-independence leader Hyrbyair Marri has levelled allegations against the Pakistani military establishment and political elite for altering narratives to discredit the Baloch freedom movement.

Also, Hakeem Baloch, Focal Person of the Baloch National Movement’s Foreign Department, has claimed that the Pakistani government has failed to suppress the unrest in Balochistan or address what it labels a “low-level insurgency.” He dismissed Pakistan’s claim of killing over 140 militants in recent coordinated operations.

“Pakistan is neither able to stop the intensity of the war in Balochistan nor does it have effective intelligence… Baloch fighters arrive, carry out attacks, successfully achieve their objectives, and then leave. After that, the Pakistani state detains ordinary Baloch civilians, unarmed people, and political workers, forcing them into enforced disappearances. This includes Baloch activists, political workers, human rights activists, Baloch leaders, or their family members, who are abducted as a form of collective punishment,” Hakeem Baloch said.