Govt rules out talks with terrorists, says Balochistan militancy not linked to deprivation

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Monday categorically ruled out any dialogue with terrorists, asserting that militancy in Balochistan is not linked to deprivation or rights-related grievances, as lawmakers debated the deteriorating security situation in the province.

Addressing the National Assembly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rejected the narrative that terrorism in Balochistan stems from political or economic marginalisation, maintaining that the state would respond to militant violence with full force and without compromise.

His remarks came in the wake of coordinated militant attacks across 12 towns in Balochistan over the weekend, including Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni. Terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) targeted civilians and security personnel, triggering widespread condemnation.

Khawaja Asif told the House that none of the slain terrorists had any political or nationalist affiliation, arguing that criminal networks had developed armed wings and were exploiting illegal smuggling routes from Afghanistan and Iran, generating billions of rupees daily.

“Terrorists have no writ in any part of Balochistan, and the state will not allow anyone to impose violence,” he said, adding that these groups were receiving support from across the border, with India backing militant activities through proxy networks.

The defence minister said Balochistan’s vast geography — covering around 40 per cent of Pakistan’s territory — necessitated an extensive security presence. He added that the federal government had allocated Rs100 billion for development in the province, while Punjab received Rs170 billion and other provinces were similarly funded.

Urging political unity, Asif called on all parties to rise above differences and jointly confront terrorism.

Separately, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, speaking in the Senate, stressed that terrorists must be labelled as such “without any ifs or buts,” rejecting claims that the state’s writ had collapsed in Balochistan.

He said criminal acts could occur anywhere, even in secure regions, citing incidents where armed groups stopped buses, abducted passengers and killed people from other provinces in front of their families.

“What kind of grievance is this, where innocent people are murdered?” he asked, referring to attacks such as the Jaffar Express incident. He also questioned who took custody of terrorists’ bodies brought to a Quetta hospital after that attack.

Sanaullah alleged that these elements were acting against Pakistan at the behest of hostile forces and vowed that they would meet the same fate as enemies defeated during the “Marka-e-Haq” — a reference to the recent conflict period with India. Staff Report