Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving Balochistan’s longstanding challenges, calling for a collective national effort to improve security, promote development and address the province’s socio-economic grievances.
Speaking during the National Assembly debate on the Federal Budget 2026-27, Khawaja Asif also discussed terrorism, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, economic recovery and the sacrifices made by security forces in the fight against militancy.
The defence minister said lasting peace in Balochistan remained a national priority and stressed that meaningful progress would require cooperation among political stakeholders, state institutions and regional partners.
“The insecurity on highways and roads in Balochistan is a matter of collective concern. It is our shared responsibility to ensure peace and development in the province,” he told lawmakers.
The defence minister said militant activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were linked to elements operating from Afghan territory. He said Pakistan had repeatedly engaged with Afghan authorities through diplomatic channels to address its security concerns and promote counterterrorism cooperation.
Khawaja Asif revealed that he had personally visited Kabul twice alongside senior officials, including the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to discuss security issues and regional stability.
“We were prepared to extend economic assistance but sought a written assurance that Afghan soil would not be used against Pakistan,” he said.
According to the minister, similar discussions were also held in Türkiye and Qatar, but the desired outcomes had yet to be achieved. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, adding that meaningful progress depended on credible guarantees against the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities targeting Pakistan.
Highlighting the sacrifices made by the country’s security forces, Khawaja Asif informed the House that around 4,000 security personnel had embraced martyrdom since 2022 while defending Pakistan against terrorist threats.
He said the country was still dealing with the consequences of policies adopted during the 1980s, which left behind a legacy of weapons and militancy that contributed to prolonged instability across the region.
Referring to recent security developments, the minister said Pakistan had demonstrated resilience and strength in the face of external challenges. He described the country’s response to an attack by a “five-times larger enemy” in May 2025 as a moment of national pride.
Khawaja Asif also highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements, crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the national leadership for strengthening the country’s international standing through effective diplomacy and prudent decision-making.
Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the minister maintained that decisions regarding refugee seats should be made by the elected assembly and representatives of the region rather than pressure groups.
He rejected attempts by foreign-funded elements to influence local political matters and said all legitimate demands had already been addressed through constitutional and democratic mechanisms.
The defence minister also opposed proposals aimed at creating divisions on ethnic grounds, saying Pakistan’s diverse communities had lived together peacefully for decades while preserving their cultural identities.
He urged lawmakers to avoid political point-scoring on issues related to national unity and security, emphasizing the importance of consensus in addressing national challenges.
On the economic front, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan had been on the verge of default when the current government assumed office but had since achieved stability through prudent economic management.
“The economy has emerged from the ICU and is now moving towards stability,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the country’s economic outlook, he said Pakistan’s GDP growth rate could reach six to seven percent within the next one to two years.
The minister also assured the House that any reduction in petroleum prices would be passed on to the public and stressed the need for a fair and rational taxation system that encourages voluntary compliance while supporting sustainable economic growth.
Key Points
- Khawaja Asif says resolving Balochistan’s challenges requires a collective national effort.
- Pakistan continues diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan over security concerns.
- Around 4,000 security personnel have been martyred since 2022, according to the defence minister.
- Government seeks assurances that Afghan territory will not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
- Pakistan’s economy has stabilized and GDP growth could reach 6-7% in the next two years.
- Government pledges to pass on petroleum price reductions to consumers.
