Balochistan being rid of 'Indian-sponsored proxies': army chief

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, while highlighting the issue of “Indian-sponsored proxies" propagating "anti-people and anti-development agendas" in Balochistan, assured to rid the province of the "menace".

He said, “Indian-sponsored proxies, Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij, propagate anti-people and anti-development agendas with malicious intent to perpetrate violence,” adding, “All necessary actions are being taken to pursue these terrorists and rid the province of this menace.”

Field Marshal Munir said this in a meeting with the participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by Pakistan military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). 

'True wealth of Pakistan'

He reaffirmed the province’s importance to Pakistan’s unity and development.

During the interaction, the Army Chief lauded the people of Balochistan, calling them the “true wealth of Pakistan.”

“Balochistan is the pride of Pakistan, endowed with highly vibrant, resilient, and patriotic people who are its true wealth,” the COAS said.

Field Marshal Munir highlighted the federal and provincial governments’ development initiatives aimed at improving the province’s socio-economic landscape through a people-centric approach.

Balochistan's 'immense potential' 

“The immense economic potential of Balochistan must be realized for the benefit of its people,” he emphasized.

Acknowledging the importance of youth and civil society, the COAS urged them to play a constructive and unifying role in the province’s progress.

“The constructive role of civil society, particularly in engaging and empowering youth, is pivotal to sustainable development,” he noted, stressing the need to “negate vested political agendas in the interest of long-term prosperity.”

Commenting on security challenges, the COAS denounced Indian-sponsored proxies and militant factions attempting to destabilize the province.

Commitment to regional peace  

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, Field Marshal Munir warned that any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity would be met with a decisive response.

“While Pakistan seeks regional peace and stability, any violation of its territorial integrity, direct or indirect, will be met with a firm and decisive response to safeguard the lives and well-being of our citizens,” the COAS affirmed.

On Saturday, the army chief had cautioned India that there was “no space for war in a nuclearized environment” as he hailed Pakistan’s “clear victory” during the May conflict with the neighboring country.