Pakistan’s military has warned that no one will be allowed to “disrupt peace” in Balochistan, as political tensions rise ahead of a planned protest march toward Quetta.
In a statement issued after the 268th Corps Commanders’ Conference on Friday, the military leadership pledged decisive action against groups fueling unrest in Balochistan and politicians allegedly exploiting the situation for political gain.
“No one will be allowed to disrupt peace in Balochistan,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The army said it would counter “socially disruptive elements” pursuing political interests “at the cost of Balochistan’s stability.”
“The nefarious designs of socially disruptive elements — including their political supporters and foreign-sponsored proxies — will be thwarted with the unwavering support of the people of Balochistan,” the statement added.
The meeting, chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, called for strict implementation of security measures under the National Action Plan and vowed to support government efforts to curb terrorism financing.
The military further stated that “no leniency or negligence” would be tolerated and that state institutions would “enforce the law strictly within constitutional bounds.”
General Munir reiterated that there was “no space for terrorists and their facilitators in Pakistan.”
Government Issues Warning Ahead of Quetta March
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has issued a warning ahead of a planned protest march led by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal), and supported by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
Provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that Section 144 — which prohibits public gatherings — is in effect in Quetta and warned that any attempt to march toward the city would be met with legal consequences.
“They have announced bringing the march to Quetta, and they should know that Section 144 has already been declared. If it is violated, the law will take its course,” Rind said.
He also claimed that the platform of a registered political party had been used to deliver an “anti-state” speech by BYC leader Dr Sabiha Baloch, calling it “highly objectionable” and adding that appropriate legal action had been initiated.
Rind said the government had offered BNP-M the option to hold a demonstration at Shahwani Stadium on Sariab Road, but the offer was rejected.
“They did not agree and wanted to hold the demonstration in the Red Zone. However, the government will not accept that,” he added.
“If a long march toward the city is attempted, the law will take its course.”