Asim Munir Calls Baloch Militants ‘Foreign-Sponsored Proxies’ Amid Balochistan Violence

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

Munir made the remarks during an interaction with political leaders and prominent figures from Balochistan, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Army. Without naming any country, he alleged that militant groups were being backed by external forces to create instability and widen the divide between the state and the people.

He also said that the present and future of Balochistan and Pakistan were “one and forever”.

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Asim Munir reiterates Pakistan's stance on Balochistan insurgency

Munir's remarks come amid a long-running separatist insurgency in the resource-rich province. Groups including the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have been involved in a campaign against the Pakistani state, citing political marginalisation and the alleged exploitation of Balochistan's natural resources.

Pakistan, however, has repeatedly maintained that external forces are supporting militant groups to fuel violence and disrupt stability in the province.

According to Munir, the militants are being used by “hostile elements” to destabilise Balochistan, obstruct development and create a divide between the government and the people.

BLA attacks and growing security concerns

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

Several major attacks have been reported across the province over the past year.

In July, militants attacked a police checkpoint in the Ziarat area, killing 27 policemen. In May, a suicide bombing targeting a shuttle train in Quetta killed at least 47 people and injured 98 others.

Earlier this year, coordinated attacks across several districts targeted security installations, government buildings and civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of civilians and security personnel.

The group was also behind the March 2025 train hijacking in Bolan, one of the deadliest militant incidents in Pakistan in recent years. The attack killed at least 59 people and left hundreds trapped hostage.

Pakistan faces continuing insurgency challenge

Balochistan has remained at the centre of a decades-long conflict involving separatist groups and Pakistan's security forces. Insurgents have accused the central government of political and economic discrimination and have demanded greater autonomy or independence.

Pakistan has rejected these allegations and has accused foreign-backed groups of attempting to exploit regional grievances and undermine security.

Munir's latest remarks reinforce Islamabad's position that the insurgency is being supported by external actors. However, he did not name any country or provide evidence publicly linking a foreign government to the militant groups.

With the BLA and other separatist groups continuing to carry out attacks, security in Balochistan remains a major challenge for Pakistan, particularly due to the province's strategic importance, natural resources and CPEC-linked infrastructure projects.