‘Can’t Manage Balochistan, They’ve More Advanced Weapons’: Pak Defense Minister Admits Failure To Counter Baloch Rebels | Image:X
Islamabad: Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly on Monday that security forces are “physically helpless” in their efforts to secure Balochistan.
The statement comes after a sharp increase in violence has left the mineral-rich province vulnerable to one of the deadliest security crises in decades.
This is a huge area
Addressing a session, Asif highlighted the difficulties of patrolling in Pakistan’s largest province. “Geographically, Balochistan constitutes more than 40 percent of Pakistan,” Asif said.
He further said, “It is much more difficult to control it than a populated city, and it requires the deployment of a large number of troops.”
He acknowledged that even though the troops are engaged in counter-terrorism operations, the sheer size of the province and rugged mountains make it almost impossible for the army to be present everywhere. Because this ground is so difficult to cover, they have trouble protecting critical infrastructure.
increase in violence
The minister’s comments came after planned attacks at 12 places in the province. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks, which they named “Operation Herof 2.0”.
These attacks included suicide bombings, attacks on police stations and hijacking of vehicles. Official reports confirm that 33 civilians and 17 security personnel lost their lives in these attacks.
In a major counter-offensive, the Pakistani Army launched massive raids, and reported that they had killed 177 insurgents in the last 48 hours, the figure reported to be the highest number of militants killed in a single day in the history of the region.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif admitted, “We cannot handle Balochistan. They have more modern weapons than us.” Khawaja Asif said, “Baloch rebels are using rifles, night vision devices and other equipment which even the Pakistani Army does not have.” He acknowledges the failure of the Pakistani government and army to counter the Baloch insurgents in Balochistan.
Denial of any negotiation with BLA
Balochistan is the foundation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the main focus of Pakistan’s recent efforts to attract US investment in its copper and gold reserves. Khawaja Asif denied any negotiations with the BLA, and described them as a “gang of criminals and terrorists” supported by foreign countries.
However, opposition members argued that the army’s failure to secure the province reflected a deeper failure to address the long-standing grievances of the Baloch people.
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