Former Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Khan Raisani has said that the issue in Balochistan is political and cannot be resolved through military measures, including attacks on religious institutions or administrative restructuring.
In a post on social media platform X, Raisani stated that the Baloch nation’s grievances would not be addressed by cutting down orchard trees, bombing mosques and religious seminaries, or altering the administrative boundaries of divisions and districts.
He said that a lasting and effective solution could only be achieved through a serious, meaningful and dignified political dialogue.
Raisani’s remarks come days after reports emerged of a military operation by Pakistani forces in Mastung district, which is part of his political constituency.
According to local reports, gunship helicopters were used during the operation, and shelling in the Khadkocha area reportedly caused severe damage to a mosque and a residential seminary for students. There were also reports of civilian casualties.
Pakistani authorities have not publicly commented on Raisani’s statement or the allegations regarding damage to religious institutions and civilian casualties.