Khawaja Asif blames India of sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, charged India with orchestrating recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan.

Asif alleged that these attacks were part of a deliberate campaign by India to destabilise Pakistan.

Read more: Security forces kill 21 terrorists in Balochistan operations: ISPR

The defense minister stated that India was actively engaged in efforts to undermining Pakistan through terrorism. He promised a “strong retaliatory” stance from Islamabad.

Asif suggested that local organisations alone lacked the capability to carry out such extensive attacks, pointing the finger at external actors.

The statement arrives amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with the nuclear-armed neighbours regularly accusing each other of supporting insurgencies. Khawaja Asif’s remarks shine a light on yet another ongoing strain in relations and the intricate security challenges in the region.

Funeral rites were conducted for the deceased security personnel at the FC Headquarters in Quetta. Attendees included the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Corps Commander, the Inspector General Frontier Corps (IGFC), and the Inspector General of Police.

Read more: PM orders to investigate Balochistan massacre

The fallen soldiers will be interred in their home regions with full military honors, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General expressed deep regret over the recent fatalities in Balochistan, including the loss of security forces.

Antonio Guterres strongly denounced the attacks of Monday and condemned violence against civilians. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and urged the Pakistani government to conduct a thorough investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Read more: No Baloch killed Punjabi but terrorists killed Pakistanis: Balochistan CM

The European Union also condemned the terrorist attacks in Pakistan. A spokesperson for the EU ofe3red condolences for those affected.

The spokesperson said that terrorism and violence were unacceptable under any circumstances. They voiced regret over the loss of lives and reaffirmed the EU’s firm stance against such acts of terrorism.