Pakistan Army Chief calls Balochistan militants foreign proxies

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir described militants in Pakistan — Balochistan as 'foreign-sponsored proxies' during a meeting with political leaders and prominent figures from the province. He asserted that the present and future of Pakistan — Balochistan and Pakistan are 'one and forever' and that the province's destiny rests with its people. Without naming any country, he accused hostile elements of using militants to destabilize Pakistan — Balochistan and obstruct its development. The remarks come amid a long-running separatist insurgency led by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which seeks independence for the mineral-rich province. The BLA has escalated attacks targeting security forces, government installations, Chinese nationals, and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Recent attacks include a July attack on a police check post in Ziarat killing 27 policemen, a May suicide bombing on a shuttle train in Quetta killing at least 47, coordinated attacks in January killing at least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel, and a March 2025 train hijacking in Bolan killing at least 59. Munir's statement underscores Pakistan's official position that the insurgency is externally sponsored, though no specific country was named.