RAWALPINDI: Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Friday said the present and future of Balochistan and Pakistan were “one and forever”, stressing that lasting peace, stability and a clear national narrative were essential to unlocking the province’s economic potential and translating its human and natural resources into prosperity.
Addressing political leaders, notables and representatives of Balochistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir said hostile elements were using foreign-sponsored proxies, including the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Fitna al-Khawarij, to destabilise the province, obstruct its development and “create a wedge between the state and its people”, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Asim Munir: Balochistan and Pakistan Have a Shared Future
The CDF stressed that “the present and future of Balochistan and Pakistan are one and forever,” emphasising that the province’s stability is directly connected to its economic and social development.
He described Balochistan as a province rich in human and natural resources and said lasting peace and a clear national narrative were essential for unlocking its economic potential, attracting investment and translating its resources into tangible prosperity.
The Field Marshal also placed particular emphasis on Balochistan’s youth, saying there was “no dearth of talent or opportunities” among young people in the province.
He stressed that empowering young people and providing them with meaningful opportunities to participate in national development was central to achieving sustainable progress.
Banned BLA and Fitna al-Khawarij Identified as Foreign-Sponsored Proxies
According to ISPR, Asim Munir said “Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan are foreign-sponsored proxies” being used by hostile elements to destabilise Balochistan, obstruct its development and “create a wedge between the state and its people.”
The Field Marshal said these designs would be defeated through “the collective resolve of the nation” and an “unwavering, resolute and decisive response by the state.”
Focus on Countering Propaganda Alongside Security
Beyond the security dimension, the CDF called for a broader response to hostile narratives. He urged Balochistan’s political and social leadership to counter propaganda, expose what he described as false narratives and highlight the province’s actual potential, development and aspirations.
He also praised local notables and political leaders for supporting peace, social cohesion and constructive national discourse.
The significance of the meeting lies in its emphasis on security and development as interconnected priorities. The message from the military leadership was that defeating terrorism alone would not be sufficient; sustained stability, youth empowerment, investment and people-centred development would also be necessary to strengthen Balochistan’s long-term future.
