Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, has directed intensified operations against the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) following a high-level conference at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
The two-day 84th Formation Commanders Conference, chaired by General Munir, was attended by Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and Formation Commanders. Discussions focused on nationwide security challenges and ongoing political unrest.
Pakistani journalists reported that the meeting included a detailed review of military operations in Balochistan. General Munir called for enhanced efforts against the BLA and its Majeed Brigade and requested progress reports from commanders.
Last month, Pakistan’s Apex Committee approved a “comprehensive military operation” against Baloch “pro-independence” groups after a series of deadly attacks targeting Chinese nationals and members of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Reports suggest large-scale military operations have since been launched in Nushki, Kalat, Kohlu, Kahan, Kech, and Awaran. Heavy troop movements have also been reported in other parts of Balochistan.
The military operations have faced criticism from human rights groups, political leaders, and activists. They argue that the campaign risks deepening Balochistan’s longstanding political grievances. There are also concerns that civilians could suffer disproportionately, given past allegations of indiscriminate actions by the military.
BLA Attacks Persist Despite Military Operations
Despite the intensified military operations, the BLA and other “pro-independence” armed groups have continued their activities. Observers note an increase in the frequency and scale of attacks.
The Islamabad-based think tank, Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), reported that the BLA carried out 12 attacks in November, including three major operations that resulted in 45 fatalities. PIPS highlighted this surge in its ‘Monthly Security Review of Pakistan,’ noting that the group’s evolving strategy poses a growing challenge to the state.
It should be noted that November was marked by major operations carried out by Baloch armed groups, making it one of the deadliest months in recent years.
On November 9, a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station killed 31 non-commissioned officers of the Pakistan Army and injured more than 60. The attack was claimed by the BLA’s Majeed Brigade.
On November 13, the Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), a coalition of Baloch armed groups, conducted 45 coordinated attacks across Balochistan to mark Baloch Martyrs’ Day. BRAS claimed to have killed 20 Pakistani soldiers during these operations.
On November 15, the BLA attacked a Frontier Corps camp in Shah Mardan, Kalat. Pakistani officials reported eight fatalities and 17 injuries, while the BLA claimed it killed 29 soldiers.
Following the Kalat attack, the BLA vowed to escalate its operations. “The BLA will continue its recent series of intense and large-scale attacks, gradually increasing their scale,” the group said in a statement.