CHIEF of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal, Syed Asim Munir, has reiterated the resolve to restore lasting peace in Balochistan. Addressing participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters, he emphasized that the consistent efforts of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, backed by the unwavering support of the people, would ultimately defeat terrorism and ensure stability in the province. His remarks are reassuring for the nation, reaffirming that peace in Balochistan remains a national priority.
The significance of Balochistan extends far beyond its geographical size. As Pakistan’s largest province, endowed with abundant natural resources and a strategic location connecting South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East through the Arabian Sea, Balochistan holds immense economic and geopolitical importance. The success of regional connectivity initiatives and the province’s long-term prosperity are inseparable from lasting peace and stability. Field Marshal Asim Munir stated that hostile external actors seek to undermine peace in Balochistan through proxy elements. It is evident that India supports terrorist groups in the province, including BLA. The arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav in 2016 remains a stark reminder of Indian interference and subversive activities in Balochistan. Our defence forces have repeatedly demonstrated their professionalism and resolve in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and combating terrorism. Their sacrifices and operational capabilities have strengthened public confidence that those who seek to destabilize Pakistan through violence will not succeed. We have no doubt in saying that the way they inflicted humiliating defeat on India in May last year in the battlefield, the enemy’s proxies will also meet the same fate. Yet, security measures alone cannot secure enduring peace. The federal and Balochistan governments must complement counterterrorism efforts with meaningful socio-economic initiatives that directly benefit the province’s youth. Expanding access to quality education, vocational training, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and modern infrastructure can help unlock Balochistan’s immense potential while addressing the sense of deprivation of the Baloch people. At the diplomatic level, we should continue presenting our concerns with evidence regarding cross-border terrorism and external interference through bilateral engagement and multilateral forums.
