Khawaja Asif Says Security Forces Handicapped by Balochistan's Size Amid Militant Attacks

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has made a candid admission about the country’s struggle to contain rising militant violence in Balochistan, saying security forces are effectively “physically handicapped” due to the province’s vast size and difficult terrain. His remarks came during a discussion in Parliament amid an escalation of attacks claimed by Baloch separatist groups.

Addressing lawmakers, Asif said that despite troop deployments and ongoing operations, Pakistan’s security apparatus faces severe operational constraints in Balochistan, which accounts for over 40 per cent of the country’s landmass but has a sparse population and rugged geography. He argued that these factors make surveillance, patrolling, and rapid response far more challenging than in other parts of the country.

The defence minister’s statement follows a series of coordinated attacks targeting security forces and infrastructure in the restive province, with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and allied groups claiming responsibility for several recent incidents. The renewed violence has raised concerns about Islamabad’s ability to maintain long-term control and protect key projects, including those linked to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

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Asif told Parliament that militant groups exploit the terrain and international borders to their advantage, stretching security forces thin across remote districts. He also reiterated the government’s position that it would not engage in negotiations with armed groups it designates as terrorists, while calling for enhanced manpower and resources to deal with the situation.

Balochistan has witnessed decades of insurgency rooted in political grievances, demands for greater autonomy, and disputes over the sharing of natural resource revenues. Human rights groups have frequently raised concerns over enforced disappearances and heavy-handed security measures, allegations that the Pakistani state has denied.

The defence minister’s remarks have drawn sharp reactions, with critics interpreting them as a rare public acknowledgment of the limits of Pakistan’s security strategy in Balochistan. Analysts say the comments underline the scale of the challenge facing Islamabad as violence intensifies and pressure mounts for a more sustainable political and security approach in the troubled province.

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