Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday categorically denied reports of an ongoing large-scale military operation in the province, stressing that only intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were being carried out to neutralise terrorism threats.
Addressing a press conference, Bugti disclosed that Balochistan had witnessed 900 terror incidents, resulting in the martyrdom of 280 civilians, 205 security officials and six officers—two of them from Balochistan.
He said thousands of IBOs had been conducted so far, eliminating 706 terrorists attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan. “Around 10 militants’ bodies are still lying near the border,” he added.
His statement came a day after security forces killed 12 militants during an IBO in Kalat, further intensifying debate over Balochistan’s security environment.
Former militants are fighting again
The chief minister noted that many militants who were freed and resettled in 2018 under a policy similar to the one adopted for the banned TTP had again taken up arms against the state. These individuals, he said, were now responsible for shedding innocent blood and had proved that “misguided reconciliation efforts have backfired.”
Anti-state narratives
Bugti strongly criticised what he called an anti-Pakistan and anti-military narrative pushed in parts of the country.
He said Pakistan, its armed forces and even the military leadership had been targeted through political rhetoric. “Your office does not allow you to speak against the armed forces; the Constitution does not permit it,” he remarked.
Bugti added that while he disliked labelling fellow politicians as anti-state, it was necessary to reflect on political conduct.
The chief minister fully endorsed the recent DG ISPR press conference, asking whether terrorists should be allowed to “reach Islamabad.”
He advised politicians from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to prioritise relief for their people instead of constant confrontation and propaganda against security forces.
Balochistan stands with the army
Bugti reiterated that the nation must stand behind its armed forces, saying the people of Balochistan have always been and will continue to remain with the army.
Criticising the Afghan interim government, Bugti said Kabul had promised the world that it would not shelter terrorists, yet militants were operating in KP and Balochistan. However, he maintained that “with a courageous army chief and a professional military, terrorists can do nothing.”
He added that militants were attempting to exploit religious sentiment for their plans, but “they will not succeed.”
According to Bugti, security challenges in Balochistan and KP stem from regional and geographical dynamics, meaning “this is not only the military’s war but a challenge for all institutions, including the judiciary.”
He also referred to Jamal Raisani’s family sacrifices, noting that despite losing his brother and father, Raisani continued to raise Pakistan’s flag.
Only IBOs in the province
Bugti insisted that politics must not take precedence over the state. “There is no military operation underway in Balochistan,” he said. “Only intelligence-based operations are being conducted. Those who have chosen violence will face a clear policy response.”
