Khawaja Asif calls for large-scale troop deployment in Balochistan after deadly attacks

WEB DESK: In the wake of a deadly wave of coordinated terrorist attacks that rocked Balochistan over the weekend, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has called for the deployment of large-scale additional troops across the province to counter escalating security challenges.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday, the minister stressed that Balochistan’s vast geography covering more than 40 percent of Pakistan’s total land area makes it far more difficult to secure than densely populated urban regions. He noted that while security forces are actively engaged in counterterrorism operations, they remain overstretched due to the immense scale of patrolling and guarding required.

“Balochistan constitutes over 40 percent of Pakistan geographically. Controlling it is far more difficult than securing a populated city or area, and it requires the deployment of massive forces. Our troops are deployed there and are in action against terrorists, but they are physically handicapped by the need to guard and patrol such a vast area,” the minister said.

The call for reinforcements comes amid a sharp spike in violence, including coordinated attacks claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on January 18, 2026. The assaults targeted multiple locations, including Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni.

Security forces successfully repelled the attacks, with ISPR reporting at least 177 terrorists killed during three days of counter-operations. However, the violence claimed the lives of 16 security personnel and 33 civilians.

Asif described the BLA as an Indian-sponsored militant group seeking foreign funding, alleging that criminal elements operate under its banner to protect smuggling networks. He also linked recent protests at the Chaman border to tightened anti-smuggling measures, asserting that the unrest was driven by commercial interests rather than nationalist sentiment. According to the minister, oil smuggling in the past generated as much as Rs4 billion daily.

The defence minister’s remarks refelct broader national security concerns, emphasizing that effective control of Balochistan is essential for protecting lives, safeguarding critical infrastructure including CPEC-related projects and maintaining law and order in a province vital to Pakistan’s economic and strategic future.

During the National Assembly session, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq led prayers for the martyred security personnel and civilians. The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) condemned the attacks, expressed condolences to the victims’ families, and criticized the provincial government’s limited writ. The group called for a morally strong administration capable of confronting terrorism more effectively.

As Pakistan confronts mounting security challenges, Minister Asif’s push for a troop surge highlights the urgent need for enhanced measures to restore peace, protect citizens, and prevent further loss of life in Balochistan.