Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on Friday that the recent deadly attacks in Balochistan were orchestrated by “two to three terrorist organizations” aiming to disrupt the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which Pakistan will host next month.
The violent incidents on August 26 resulted in over 50 fatalities, including 14 security personnel, as militants from the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) targeted civilians, police, and security forces. Notably, 23 passengers were killed in a massacre in Rarasham, and another 10 individuals, including police and Levies personnel, were slain in a separate attack in Kalat. Additionally, 14 security and law enforcement personnel lost their lives in clearance operations that neutralized 21 militants.
In a speech delivered in the Senate, Naqvi condemned the attacks as a “deliberate conspiracy” to undermine the SCO summit. He emphasized that these actions reflect the desire of certain factions to prevent Pakistan from successfully hosting the international event.
The Interior Minister revealed that no new operations are currently planned for Balochistan, but vowed to take stringent action against those who oppose the state. He also announced that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) will receive Rs5 billion to enhance its counter-terrorism capabilities. Furthermore, an additional Rs8 billion will be allocated to provincial development projects, guided by local parliamentarians’ recommendations.
Naqvi also mentioned plans to deploy 30 to 40 federal officials to Balochistan within two days to address staffing shortages.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a rise in militant attacks, with a notable impact in Balochistan. Last year alone, there were 170 attacks in the province, resulting in 151 civilian and 114 security personnel deaths, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
The Pakistani government has accused the Taliban of failing to eliminate militants operating from Afghan territory, further exacerbating the security situation in Pakistan.
