Pakistan on Thursday said India’s reaction to the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan has effectively corroborated Islamabad’s longstanding position regarding external involvement in destabilising activities inside the country.
Last month, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched coordinated attacks across several districts of Balochistan, killing 22 security personnel and 36 civilians. In a statement issued on January 31, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said militants linked to India-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan carried out assaults in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni.
Subsequently, security forces and law enforcement agencies launched extensive clearance operations across the province. Officials confirmed that forces killed 92 India-backed militants, including three suicide bombers, during the crackdown.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, dialogue and diplomacy. However, he stressed that Pakistan will continue to defend its national interests and uphold principled positions on international disputes.
Moreover, Andrabi strongly rejected a recent statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, describing it as baseless. He maintained that India’s response to the Balochistan attacks reinforced Pakistan’s concerns about foreign-sponsored terrorism.
In addition, the spokesperson noted that this month marks the 19th anniversary of the Samjhauta Express bombing, which claimed more than 70 lives. He recalled that Swami Aseemanand publicly confessed to involvement in the attack, while Indian Colonel Shrikant Purohit also admitted his role.
Nevertheless, Andrabi said the accused remain at large and India has failed to bring those responsible to justice.
