Asif calls for 'massive troop deployment' in Balochistan due to 'grave security challenge'

-- Says 177 terrorists killed as security forces continue large-scale clearance operations across Balochistan

-- Rules out talks with militants, vows forceful response to future attacks

-- Blames smuggling nexus, alleges criminal networks operating under banned BLA banner

-- Opposition leader Achakzai questions intelligence lapses, links terrorism to past policy choices

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday that Pakistan was compelled to deploy large numbers of troops in Balochistan due to the province’s vast geographical expanse and the severity of the security situation, particularly in the wake of a recent spate of coordinated terrorist attacks.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Asif said Balochistan—which makes up over 40 percent of Pakistan’s total landmass—posed unique security challenges that could not be compared to those of densely populated urban centers.

“Balochistan constitutes over 40 per cent of Pakistan geographically. To control it is far more difficult than a populated city or area, and it requires the deployment of massive forces,” he said. “Our troops are deployed there and are actively engaged, but they are physically constrained by the need to guard and patrol such a vast territory.”

His remarks came a day after coordinated attacks were carried out at multiple locations across the province. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists of what it described as Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan launched assaults around Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni on Saturday.

The military said security forces repelled the attacks, killing 92 terrorists during initial operations, while 15 security personnel were martyred. Security sources later said that 22 more terrorists were killed during overnight follow-up actions, bringing the total number of militants killed over the past three days to at least 177.

Asif told the House that 16 security personnel and 33 civilians had lost their lives during the recent violence, underlining the gravity of the threat facing the province.

The defence minister said the government’s crackdown on smuggling had triggered protests, particularly at the Chaman border, but maintained that these movements were driven by commercial interests rather than political or nationalist motivations.

He alleged that smugglers had previously earned up to Rs4 billion per day from oil smuggling and that the agitation was aimed at recovering losses after enforcement was tightened.

Asif further claimed that criminal networks were operating under the banner of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and were providing protection to smugglers.

“In Balochistan, tribal elders, elements within the bureaucracy, and those running separatist movements have formed a nexus,” he alleged.

Calling for political unity, Asif urged all parties to stand behind the Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism.

“We should set aside our differences. On this issue, we all have to be one,” he said, while criticising what he termed political point-scoring over the funerals of martyrs.

“It cannot happen that we go to offer funeral prayers for martyrs and someone does not attend for political interests. We will absolutely not allow this,” he added.

The defence minister said the state would not allow violence to be justified under the guise of a freedom struggle, describing such narratives as a cover for criminal activity.

“Pakistan’s state narrative is clear—nobody will be allowed to rationalise violence,” he said. “Calling it a freedom movement is unacceptable. It is simply a way to legitimise criminal acts.”

Asif categorically ruled out negotiations with groups the government considers terrorists, vowing a forceful response to violence. “There will be no negotiations with these people. The way terrorists are using brutal force, we will respond with the same force,” he said.

Turning to governance and development, Asif rejected what he described as a narrative of deprivation surrounding Balochistan, citing what he said were expanded public services in the province.

He said Balochistan had 15,096 schools, 13 cadet colleges, and 13 major hospitals, adding that the province’s share under the National Finance Commission Award stood at Rs933 billion.

He also claimed that smuggled Iranian oil was openly sold across the province, including at fuel stations in central Quetta.

Blaming the tribal sardari system for looting resources and obstructing development, Asif described corruption as a “termite” afflicting Balochistan, other provinces and the federal government alike, saying national unity was needed to tackle it.

He further said Balochistan had more airports than any other province and that efforts were underway to make non-operational facilities functional.

On the issue of missing persons, Asif alleged that some individuals listed as missing were living abroad and that their families were receiving financial support, without providing further details.

The defence minister questioned the source of advanced weapons used by militants, claiming they possessed arms superior to those held by security forces.

“These terrorists have weapons worth $20,000. Someone should tell us who is supplying them. They are using American weapons,” he said.

Referring to an attack on the Jaffar Express, Asif condemned the killing of labourers and questioned how violence against civilians could be justified. “Killing innocent people — what narrative is that?” he asked.

Achakzai Links Terror Threat to Past Policies

Meanwhile, opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s speech in the National Assembly was not broadcast on YouTube and its audio was cut in the press lounge, triggering protests by opposition lawmakers, who sought a ruling from the speaker to ensure the speech was aired live.

Addressing the House, Achakzai said he opposed terrorism “in any form” but questioned intelligence failures and delays in response to the attacks.

“There have been hundreds of attacks—they moved from place to place. Why didn’t our security forces know such a large attack was being planned?” he asked.

He called for accountability, questioning how militants were able to operate across 15 districts. “If there was an intentional lapse, then a very big injustice was done,” he said.

Achakzai also linked Pakistan’s terrorism problem to past policy decisions, referring to the Afghan conflict and the legacy of armed mobilisation.

“We are fed up with terrorism today—didn’t we bring this terrorism by joining hands with America?” he asked, adding that the “Kalashnikov culture” spread after the Afghan jihad.

He also called for Imran Khan to be examined by his personal doctors, saying he would write to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the matter. “If a prisoner’s doctors examine him, what catastrophe will happen?” he asked.

The House later offered prayers for those martyred in the recent attacks, with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq paying tribute to the fallen civilians and security personnel.