Govt pledges firm response to Fitna al-Hindustan after Khuzdar attack
Govt pledges firm response to Fitna al-Hindustan after Khuzdar attack

Pakistan has vowed to respond decisively to the recent Fitna al-Hindustan attack in Khuzdar, with Interior Secretary Captain (retd) Khurram Muhammad Agha promising swift action against the perpetrators.

During a joint press conference held with DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the tragic event was condemned as not just a terrorist attack but a direct assault on Pakistan’s traditions and values. The attack particularly targeted schoolchildren, with six lives lost and many others injured.

Initial investigations have pointed to the involvement of Fitna al-Hindustan, identified as part of India’s continued subversive strategy in the region. Captain (retd) Agha emphasized that this act, following the failure of India’s Operation Sindoor, reflects a shift to targeting soft civilian populations in Pakistan. He reassured the nation that the state has the capability to eliminate these threats and warned that such cowardly actions will not succeed.

Read more: Pakistan to present evidence of India’s role in Balochistan school bus bombing at the UN

DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry provided further evidence of India’s  role in state-sponsored terrorism over the past two decades. He reiterated that Pakistan has repeatedly presented credible evidence to international forums, including the United Nations, about India’s involvement in cross-border terrorism. Citing specific incidents, such as the recent martyrdom of six children in Khuzdar, he asserted that these attacks are designed to destabilize regional peace. However, the resilience of the people of Balochistan remains unbroken.

The press conference highlighted key concerns:

  • Fitna al-Hindustan has orchestrated numerous attacks on civilians, including laborers and children, under Indian instruction.
  • Indian media continues to glorify acts of terrorism, exposing an alarming trend of state-controlled propaganda.
  • Thousands of social media accounts linked to Indian intelligence are working to spread misinformation as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

The Pakistani state is resolute in addressing the aftermath of the recent attacks. According to the Interior Secretary, the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the provincial government and relevant institutions, is closely analyzing all aspects of the assault. Captain (Retd) Agha reaffirmed the state’s ability to eliminate those responsible, remarking on the shift in tactics by adversaries targeting softer targets after failing to strike critical points. Captain (Retd) Agha assured the nation, “Our response will be decisive. They will not succeed.”

During a press briefing, DG ISPR Lt Gen Chaudhry presented solid evidence of Indian involvement in state-sponsored terrorism spanning the past 20 years. Citing records submitted to the UN in 2015 and 2019, as well as evidence presented to India in Sharm El Sheikh in 2009, he detailed the systematic sabotage efforts orchestrated by Indian agents, including the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and confessions of captured operatives receiving Indian support.

Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted specific attacks attributed to Indian directives:

  • Nushki (April 12, 2024): 12 laborers martyred.
  • Tump Kech (April 28, 2024): Two laborers killed.
  • Harnai (February 14, 2024): 10 people killed in an IED explosion.
  • Jaffer Express Attack: Innocent civilians targeted.
  • Lasbela (May 9): Three barbers martyred.
  • Khuzdar (May 21): Six children lost their lives, with 51 still fighting for survival.

These incidents underscore India’s intent on destabilizing Balochistan by striking at innocent civilians, including women and children, to fracture societal resilience. Despite these efforts, the spirit of Balochistan remains unshaken.

Lt Gen Chaudhry exposed India’s coordination in terrorism, including shocking audio recordings retrieved from a terrorist’s device, providing undeniable proof of direct Indian military orchestration. He referenced attacks in Muridke and Bahawalpur, which India falsely claimed targeted training camps but involved civilian casualties instead.

The DG ISPR revealed that on May 11, a group known as Fitna al-Hindustan issued a provocative statement pledging to support India if it attacked Pakistan. He condemned the group’s actions, stating they are orchestrated by India and have no connection to the Baloch identity. By airing post-war Indian media clips, he exposed India’s role in inciting terrorism and manipulating narratives to blame Pakistan. “India’s attempts to portray itself as a victim while hiding its own actions are clear for the world to see,” he remarked.

The DG ISPR also highlighted a disturbing pattern of misinformation spearheaded by Indian intelligence agencies, using thousands of social media accounts to propagate false narratives. He referenced the May 19 Jaffer Express attack, noting the group’s open promotion of terrorism on Indian platforms.

Read more: Jaffar Express Operation ends with 33 terrorist killed, confirms DG ISPR

Focusing on Balochistan, the DG ISPR stated that the region’s progress alarms anti-Pakistan elements, especially those supported by Indian proxies. “Their concern is justified, as the state’s development efforts are succeeding,” he explained. He emphasized the federal government’s dedication to uplifting Balochistan by providing adequate resources and addressing infrastructural needs.

Addressing the issue of ethnic representation, he clarified the diversity within Balochistan, noting that the population includes Baloch, Pashtun, and various other groups. He dismissed separatist slogans as baseless and reassured that development progress would weaken the anti-state narrative by cutting off its support base.

The DG ISPR detailed rising terrorism incidents, stating that terrorist proxies funded by India operate to destabilize Pakistan. He condemned the exploitation of young girls as suicide bombers and highlighted video evidence of surrendered militants confirming Indian funding and influence.

He stressed that Pakistan’s ongoing operations have killed 1,018 terrorists in 4,664 incidents since January 2024, reaffirming that Fitna al-Hindustan and similar groups will fail. “These groups and their sponsors will not succeed in undermining Pakistan,” he asserted.

Turning to Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan, the DG reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding support for Afghan refugees and trade. However, he cautioned against Afghanistan succumbing to Indian influence, urging them not to become a tool for regional destabilization. “While we view Afghans as neighbors and brothers, our national security remains our top priority,” he said.

Lastly, the DG ISPR called out India’s recent attempts to target Nankana Sahib using drones. Pakistani forces successfully intercepted these attacks, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding sacred sites.

“Sikh pilgrims entering Pakistan receive respect and protection. Our ties with the Sikh community remain strong,” he concluded.

The DG ISPR’s address reaffirmed Pakistan’s resilience in the face of regional challenges and its commitment to development, security, and diplomatic engagement.