Key points:
- Many militants killed in operations were Afghan nationals.
- Suspension of 4G services disrupted terrorist communication networks.
- The missing persons narrative is largely a false claim.
- The state will not allow a state within a state.
ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Thursday directly accused Afghanistan of providing “state patronage” and safe havens to terrorists operating against Pakistan.
He urged the Afghan Taliban government to abide by its commitments under the Doha Agreement, noting that many militants recently killed in counter-terrorism operations were Afghan nationals.
Chagai operation details
Addressing a press conference here, Bugti also provided details of a recent intelligence-based operation in the Chagai district, where security forces killed two militants and apprehended one.
He revealed that one of the deceased, identified as Zubair alias Shahji, was a lawyer by profession and was allegedly working for India’s intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to monitor Chinese projects and recruit for the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). A soldier was also injured in the operation.
Security measures defended
The Chief Minister defended the government’s use of a 4G mobile service suspension in certain areas, stating that it was a necessary measure to disrupt terrorist communication networks that have become increasingly sophisticated. He further challenged the widely held belief that militancy is a result of deprivation, asserting that social grievances do not justify violence.
Bugti also dismissed the “missing persons” narrative as a false claim, distinguishing between those who have disappeared voluntarily and cases of “enforced disappearance.” He concluded with a warning that the state would not tolerate a “state within a state” and would not compromise on peace in Balochistan.
Baloch insurgency
The Baloch insurgency has intensified in recent years, with Baloch organisations, particularly the outlawed BLA, launching increasingly sophisticated attacks. These militant groups primarily target Pakistani security forces, government infrastructure, and Chinese nationals involved in projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Major recent attacks
The BLA’s Majeed Brigade hijacked Jaffar Express in March 2025, holding more than 400 passengers hostage. The incident led to a multi-day standoff and a rescue operation that resulted in dozens of casualties, including both security personnel and civilians.
Likewise, in August 2024, coordinated attacks across the province on the death anniversary of Sardar Akbar Bugti killed more than 70 people, including 23 civilians, and damaged key infrastructure. The BLA claimed responsibility for the assault.
Also, Baloch militant groups have expanded their operations beyond Balochistan, carrying out devastating attacks in major cities like Karachi. In recent years, they have used suicide bombers, including female attackers, to target sensitive installations.
According to a 2024 report by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), terrorist incidents in Balochistan rose by 39 per cent in 2023, with the majority of attacks targeting security forces. The number of security incidents in Balochistan has continued to rise in 2024 and 2025, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the province.
