Indian terrorism in Balochistan

2026-02-01 - 22:36

Balochistan was struck by a series of terrorist attacks the other day that once again exposed externally driven threat to peace in the largest and most strategically significant province. Militants struck multiple locations across Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni deliberately targeting civilians and public infrastructure. Women, children, elderly citizens and labourers were among those attacked, resulting in tragic loss of at least 18 innocent lives. The intent was clear: to spread fear, disrupt normal life and destabilise the province. The response of our security forces and law enforcement agencies was immediate and resolute. Acting on intelligence, the forces launched extensive clearance and counterterrorism operations across the affected areas. According to the ISPR, 92 terrorists, including three suicide bombers, were neutralised. While 15 brave personnel embraced martyrdom. The professionalism, coordination and speed with which the forces responded deserve unreserved appreciation, as scale of the attacks suggested that delays could have resulted in mass casualties and damages. What distinguishes these attacks from routine acts of terrorism is their sheer velocity and geographic spread. Strikes occurring almost simultaneously across vast distances indicate a level of planning, coordination and logistical support that terrorist groups cannot achieve independently. This reality was underscored by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who categorically stated that India was behind the planning, financing and execution of these attacks through its proxies. India’s involvement in destabilising Balochistan is neither new nor an unsubstantiated claim. Pakistan has repeatedly presented evidence of foreign interference aimed at fuelling unrest in the province. The arrest of Indian intelligence operative Kulbhushan Jadhav stands as a glaring example of India’s covert campaign of sabotage and subversion. Balochistan’s strategic location, its coastline, and its role in regional connectivity make it a prime target for hostile designs seeking to obstruct development and create long-term instability. After facing humiliating defeat at the hands of Pakistan’s armed forces in May last year, New Delhi has intensified its reliance on proxy warfare. Unable to challenge Pakistan militarily, India has increasingly turned to such evil activities, using terrorist groups to achieve its objectives. This strategy reflects a dangerous pattern. While India consistently projects itself internationally as a victim of terrorism, its actions suggest otherwise. Sponsoring violence across borders, targeting civilians and attempting to derail development projects are hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism. Terrorism in fact is the state policy in India under Modi government. Pakistan’s response must extend beyond kinetic operations. While it is essential to relentlessly pursue terrorists and dismantle their networks, it is equally critical to confront Indian state terrorism at diplomatic and international forums. Pakistan must raise this issue forcefully in bilateral engagements, multilateral institutions and direct discussions with world leaders. Those powers that are building strategic partnerships with India and portraying it as a responsible regional actor must be urged to reassess their assumptions. States that claim to defend human rights, rule of law and civilian protection cannot afford to overlook India’s conduct in Balochistan and elsewhere. India’s continued pursuit of destabilisation through proxies is not only a threat to Pakistan but a serious danger to regional peace and stability. Such actions risk escalation. Hostile elements have targeted Balochistan for decades to prevent it from realising its economic and strategic potential. Yet, each attempt to weaken the province has been met with resilience. The recent attacks, while tragic, once again demonstrated that resolve of the state and its people cannot be broken. Our security forces have shown that they are capable, vigilant and determined to defend every inch of the country against externally sponsored violence. Their swift action not only neutralised a large number of terrorists but also sent a clear message that attempts to destabilise Balochistan through terror will be met with decisive force. The sacrifices made by security personnel reaffirm the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens, regardless of the cost.It is also for the world to recognise and confront actual sources of terror, rather than ignoring them for political convenience. Only then can the cycle of violence broken and the region move towards a more secure and peaceful future.