Rawalpindi:
The top military spokesman said on Saturday that Balochistan residents are increasingly providing information about terrorists and their facilitators, a step he called critically a success with terrorist operations in the residual province.
LT Gen Ahmed Sharif, Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), students in a special session in the Army Internship Program said that intelligence-based operations (IBOS) rely strongly on local cooperation.
“We do not perform sweeping operations unless the locals support us by identifying threats. Military presence alone does not secure an area – local ownership is key,” he said in an honest discussion with the students, where he addressed issues about military operations, regional concerns and national units.
“If a citizen supplies shelter to terrorists or holds explosives in his house, he will have to meet the consequences,” said LT Gen Sharif, removing the impression that military operations are targeting society.
“The entire region or village cannot be punished for a person’s terrorism,” he added. “Our operations are not about displacing society or punishing the entire regions. We are only moving toward confirmed terrorists based on solid intelligence.”
He said security forces were working to postpone not only terrorists but also their facilitators and supporters. “Balochistan’s population stands against terrorism and points out those who have or facilitate terrorists,” added LT Gen Sharif.
Balochistan, bordering on Iran and Afghanistan, has been plagued by a decades of Baloch-Paratistist Rebellion as well as attacks by religious extremists. The province has seen frequent assaults on security forces, government installations and Chinese-backed projects.
The military spokesman praised the people of Balochistan for what he described as growing opposition to terrorist groups, saying many were “helpless and tired of the terrorists.” He quoted the examples of young Baloch professionals, including female Deputy Commissioners, as a sign of progress.
He specifically mentioned Dr. Samad Yar Jang, a Cambridge-trained scientist, and Shahzaib Rind, Pakistani Wushu and Kickboxing champion, known for his success in Karate Combat. He added that Baloch women are now serving in senior administrative positions, such as Deputy Commissioners, as he said symbolizes progress and empowerment. The talented and trained Baloch youth has become the masters of its fate, he added.
“There is a common misconception that the Baloch youth is disconnected from Pakistan. In reality, they understand the bond between their province and the nation very well,” said the military spokesman.
LT Gen Sharif also paid tribute to Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar, an officer martyrated in a bomb attack in Balochistan. Major Kakar Shaheed, a brave son of the earth, had previously played a key role in rejecting an attack on the PC hotel in Gwadar in 2019, he added. “From officers to civilians, there are victims every day to keep Pakistan safe.”
With reference to the ideological roots of Pakistan, LT Gen Sharif said Pakistan was created on the basis of “Kalima” not on ethnic or linguistic lines. “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us that no race or ethnicity is better than another. That’s the basis of our country,” he added.
He also pointed out the various ethnic composition of Balochistan and said that more than 30% of its population includes Pashtuns, and many Baloch strains live outside the province of Sindh and South Punjab. “Pakistan is not just a country; it’s an idea that is rooted in unity, faith and purpose,” he added.
