Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted that the country’s security forces are facing enormous challenges in Balochistan, where separatist violence has intensified in recent weeks. Speaking in parliament, Asif described the army as “physically handicapped” in dealing with attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), citing the province’s huge size, difficult terrain, and sparse population as key obstacles.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, covers more than 40% of the country’s land, but its rough mountains and remote areas make it extremely difficult for troops to patrol and secure communities. These conditions, combined with militants’ access to advanced weapons, have left soldiers struggling to protect civilians and government installations.
The warning comes after a deadly spate of attacks by the BLA, who targeted military posts, government offices, and public areas. These assaults killed dozens, including both security personnel and innocent civilians, sending fear through local communities. In response, Pakistani forces have intensified operations, claiming to have killed around 177 insurgents in counter-attacks so far.
Asif stressed that despite ongoing military efforts, the army cannot fully control the province, and warned that no dialogue would be held with groups that target women, children, and civilians. He also accused some criminal networks of supplying weapons to insurgents, giving them an edge in the ongoing conflict.
