ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has firmly stated that the government will not engage in negotiations with terrorists and will respond to them with full force.
He emphasized that the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is a criminal group’s military wing, and no talks will take place with such elements.
Speaking in a session of the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Asad Qaiser, Khawaja Asif discussed the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, stating that Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan by terrorists. He also highlighted that security forces are actively conducting operations against terrorists, with 177 militants killed in Balochistan over the past two days.
The Defence Minister pointed out that Indian-backed proxies are operating in Balochistan, adding that these terrorists have no nationalist or political affiliation. He said that some elements in the region were inciting unrest in Balochistan, particularly over the issue of smuggling. Asif explained that cheap oil from Iran is smuggled into Pakistan and sold at exorbitant prices in cities like Karachi, contributing to the destabilization of the region.
“Some people are disrupting peace and order because they are losing their business from oil smuggling. This is a major issue that affects Balochistan’s economy,” he remarked. He also stressed that Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian spy, was not captured in Lahore or Karachi, but in Balochistan, which he argued is indicative of India’s involvement in fueling instability in the region.
Khawaja Asif further discussed the deteriorating security situation, stating, “In Balochistan, terrorists are exploiting the geographical advantages of the province, which has a sparse population and a large area. These militants, equipped with advanced weapons and American-made arms, are operating with support from external forces.” He pointed out the disparity in resources, saying that some militants have access to weapons worth 2 million rupees, while Pakistan’s forces struggle with inadequate resources.
He also criticized the terrorists for indiscriminately killing innocent civilians. “They have killed thousands of travelers based on their ID cards, and workers have been targeted just for earning their livelihood,” Asif said. He condemned the BLA as a “thieving army” and reiterated that there would be no negotiations with such groups.
The Defence Minister called on all political leaders to unite in the fight against terrorism. “The entire parliament must stand together in this battle. This parliament has enhanced our stature, and it is the responsibility of this body to contribute towards overcoming terrorism,” he added.
