The Baloch Raj Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), an umbrella organization of Baloch ‘pro-independence’ groups, has issued a strong statement against Pakistan’s recently announced military campaign, Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. In a media release, BRAS spokesperson Baloch Khan condemned the operation as a blatant intensification of the ongoing ‘genocide’ against the Baloch people.
Baloch Khan claimed that the operation, which, according to the official narrative, aims to stabilize and secure Pakistan, is merely a pretext for escalating military aggression in Balochistan. He asserted that BRAS and its allied organizations are prepared to defend their land and people against any form of military action, promising to defeat the ‘invading’ forces.
The spokesperson highlighted that military operations in Balochistan are not a new phenomenon. He pointed out that since 1948, and particularly over the past few decades, the Pakistani military has continuously engaged in aggression, ‘genocide’, and operations aimed at securing its control over Baloch lands. This, he stated, is the reason for the Baloch people’s ongoing armed struggle for national defense and liberation.
Baloch Khan accused the Pakistani military of using terms like “military operation” to disguise their true intentions of ‘occupation’, ‘invasion’, and ‘genocide.’ He emphasized that BRAS and its allied organizations will continue to fortify their ranks and intensify their defense efforts against Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
He further claimed that the success of Baloch armed groups’ attacks and defensive strategies has thwarted ‘exploitative’ projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He alleged that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam was launched under Chinese pressure to protect their investments in Balochistan, suggesting that the campaign aims to accelerate the ‘genocide’ to safeguard Chinese economic interests.
The BRAS spokesperson warned that their defensive struggle would escalate, targeting not only the ‘occupying’ forces but also Chinese interests in the region. He reiterated BRAS’s commitment to defending their nation and land against what he described as the ‘aggressive’ and ‘exploitative’ ambitions of both Pakistan and China.
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam was announced on June 21 by the Pakistan government, with the aim of eradicating extremism and terrorism. Approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and various stakeholders, including provincial leaders and military officials, the operation seeks to integrate efforts to combat ‘extremism’ and ‘terrorism’ comprehensively.
Despite the official narrative, BRAS views this operation as a direct threat to the Baloch people and their struggle for independence. The organization vows to resist and intensify their efforts against any actions taken under the guise of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.