Pakistan Army chief calls Balochistan militants ‘foreign-sponsored proxies’, says they are blocking development

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has described militants operating in Balochistan as “foreign-sponsored proxies”, alleging that they are being used by hostile elements to destabilise the province and obstruct its development.

Munir made the remarks during an interaction with prominent personalities and political leaders from Balochistan.

Balochistan has for years faced a separatist insurgency led by groups including the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which seeks independence for the mineral-rich province.

Munir said the present and future of Balochistan and Pakistan are “one and forever”.

Without naming any country, he alleged that militants in the province “are foreign-sponsored proxies being employed by hostile elements to destabilise Balochistan, obstruct its development and create a wedge between the state and its people”.

He added that the destiny of Balochistan rests only in the hands of its people.

Insurgent groups seeking independence for Balochistan have accused Pakistan’s central government of political marginalisation and exploitation of the province’s natural resources.

The BLA has intensified attacks in recent years, targeting security forces, government installations, Chinese nationals and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In July, militants attacked a police check post in Ziarat, killing 27 policemen.

In May, the BLA carried out a suicide bombing on a shuttle train in Quetta, killing at least 47 people and injuring 98 others.

In January, the group launched coordinated attacks across several districts in Balochistan, targeting security installations, government buildings and civilian areas. At least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel were killed.

In March 2025, the BLA hijacked a train in Bolan, killing at least 59 people and taking hundreds more hostage.

The attack was among a series of major incidents attributed to the group amid the continuing insurgency in Balochistan.