Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, has said it is becoming harder to distinguish friend from foe amid complex security challenges in Balochistan.
In an interview with the BBC, Bugti said that the government will not negotiate with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
He noted a rise in extremism in Balochistan and said the government is taking steps to prevent further attacks.
Bugti described the security situation as “extremely complex,” with difficulty identifying “enemy” elements among ordinary citizens.
Referring to the recent suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station, Bugti said the investigation is ongoing and that those responsible will be apprehended soon.
Bugti alleged that foreign involvement, particularly from India’s intelligence agency RAW, is fueling the insurgency. He claimed that RAW is financially supporting insurgent groups in Balochistan.
He added that Balochistan’s internal instability has made it vulnerable to external interference.
Intelligence-Based Conflict
Bugti described the insurgency in Balochistan as an “intelligence-based” conflict, stating that the government is dealing with a war where intelligence information is crucial.
He said the government is committed to ending extremism through intelligence operations and is striving to improve the security situation in Balochistan.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), meanwhile, has credited its recent deadly attacks to its intelligence wing, “ZIRAB” (Zephyr Intelligence Research & Analysis Bureau), which was formally introduced after the October 6 attack in Karachi.
According to the BLA, ZIRAB is a well-organized intelligence wing, composed of hundreds of professionals, including researchers, informers, IT experts, data analysts, and investigators.
Secret cells of ZIRAB have reportedly been established across cities in Balochistan, and the BLA claims its members have successfully “infiltrated enemy establishments.”
The group credited ZIRAB’s “silent and consistent efforts” with enabling high-profile attacks like those in Karachi and at Quetta Railway Station.
Security for CPEC Projects and Strategic Review
Bugti noted that ongoing CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects are also a target for insurgents.
He said around 500 Chinese nationals are working on CPEC projects in Balochistan.
He added that over 3,000 security personnel are deployed for their protection.
Bugti said bulletproof and bomb-proof vehicles have been arranged, and security plans are regularly updated.
He stressed the need to reassess the government’s strategies for peace in Balochistan.
“We are going back to the drawing board to determine which strategies are effective and which are not,” he said, adding that the government is exploring policy adjustments to restore stability in the region.