Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that large army deployment Balochistan is essential due to the province’s challenging geography and ongoing security threats. Addressing the National Assembly, he said the vast terrain, long borders, and law-and-order situation require a strong and sustained presence of security forces to maintain stability and protect lives.
The defence minister informed lawmakers that during the last two days, security forces carried out successful operations in different areas of Balochistan, resulting in the killing of 177 terrorists. However, he added that the operations also came at a heavy cost, with 16 security personnel and 33 civilians losing their lives. He said these figures reflect the seriousness of the threat and the sacrifices being made to restore peace in the province.
Khawaja Asif referred to the government’s recent strict measures against smuggling, particularly at the Chaman border. He said the crackdown on illegal trade led to large protests in the area, creating an impression that the unrest was politically motivated. However, he rejected this view and said the protests were driven mainly by economic interests affected by government action.
He told the National Assembly that some voices were calling for negotiations with so-called nationalist movements, but stressed that these groups do not have a genuine political or nationalist identity. According to him, the agitation was launched primarily to recover business losses after years of unchecked smuggling activities.
The defence minister revealed that oil smuggling alone was generating nearly four billion rupees per day for those involved. He said the government’s actions disrupted these illegal earnings, which resulted in resistance and attempts to portray the issue as a political movement.
Khawaja Asif further stated that criminal elements operating under the name of banned militant groups were providing protection to smugglers. He warned that a troubling alliance has developed in Balochistan involving smugglers, criminal networks, certain tribal figures, elements within the bureaucracy, and those running separatist movements.
He emphasized that the government is fully aware of these challenges and is committed to taking firm action. He reiterated that deploying a larger number of security personnel is not optional but necessary due to Balochistan’s unique security environment, adding that peace and stability in the province remain a top national priority.