The Pakistani government has approved an additional Rs60 billion in funding to support ongoing military operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as part of “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.”
The decision was made during a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Thursday, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Finance, the ECC has authorized the immediate release of Rs20 billion for these operations during the current fiscal year. Of this amount, Rs1.95 billion has been specifically allocated to the Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan to enhance security at the Reko Diq mining project.
The remaining Rs40 billion will be disbursed in the second half of the fiscal year, primarily for the procurement of advanced military equipment to bolster the capabilities of security forces.
The government’s decision follows growing security concerns in Balochistan, where separatist groups have increasingly targeted both security forces and major projects.
The Ministry of Finance highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security, citing reports that insurgents have gained access to advanced weaponry allegedly left behind by U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
It should be noted that the Pakistani government announced “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam” on June 21st as part of its broader efforts to “combat extremism and terrorism.” The operation was announced following a review of Pakistan’s “counterterrorism strategies,” led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In response to the announcement of “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam”, the Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), an umbrella organization of Baloch “pro-independence” groups, issued a statement condemning the operation.
BRAS spokesperson Baloch Khan claimed the operation was a cover for intensifying military aggression against the Baloch people, alleging that it was driven by Chinese interests in protecting investments in the region, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Khan warned that BRAS would intensify its resistance, targeting both Pakistani forces and Chinese interests in Balochistan. He reiterated BRAS’s commitment to defending Balochistan against what he described as the “aggressive” and “exploitative” ambitions of both Pakistan and China.