Pakistan Admits Failure to Contain Baloch Insurgency: Khawaja Asif Says Forces “Physically Handicapped”
Islamabad / Quetta: In a rare and striking admission, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has acknowledged that the country has failed to effectively counter Baloch insurgents in the restive province of Balochistan, citing vast terrain, operational gaps, and the rising sophistication of militant groups.
Addressing the National Assembly, Asif said Pakistan’s security forces are struggling to patrol and secure the province due to its enormous geographical size and hostile terrain.
“There is a physical handicap when it comes to guarding and patrolling such a large area,” he told lawmakers.
Balochistan, which covers over 40 percent of Pakistan’s landmass, remains sparsely populated but strategically critical. Its vast deserts, mountains, and remote districts have become safe havens for separatist groups, severely limiting the reach of security forces.
#BREAKING: Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif inside Pakistani National Assembly admits to failure of Pakistan Govt and Army to counter Baloch Rebels in Balochistan. Says, Baloch rebels are using rifles, night vision devices and other equipment that even Pakistani forces… pic.twitter.com/qk5AZK9DBy
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 3, 2026
Surge in Deadly Attacks
Asif’s remarks come amid a fresh wave of violence across Balochistan, where separatist militants have launched coordinated attacks on security installations, convoys, and public infrastructure.
Recent strikes have reportedly killed dozens of security personnel and caused extensive damage to state assets, marking one of the most violent phases in the region in years.
Despite intensified counter-operations, militant groups continue to stage high-impact assaults, raising serious questions about Islamabad’s counter-insurgency strategy.
Militants Better Equipped Than Forces?
In a startling revelation, the defence minister said insurgents are now armed with high-end rifles, thermal scopes, and laser targeting systems, some costing thousands of dollars.
He claimed that certain weapons used by militants are more advanced than those available to Pakistani forces on the ground—exposing critical gaps in preparedness and equipment.
No Talks With “Terrorists”
Asif ruled out negotiations with the insurgent groups, asserting that the government would not engage with what it considers terrorist organisations. He also alleged links between separatist militants and criminal networks operating in the region.
However, his comments have reignited debate within Pakistan over whether a purely military approach can resolve a conflict rooted in decades of political, economic, and social grievances.
A Conflict With Deep Roots
The Baloch insurgency is driven by demands for greater autonomy and control over the province’s natural resources. Despite repeated military campaigns, resentment remains widespread over underdevelopment, marginalisation, and resource exploitation.
With violence intensifying and state control weakening, Asif’s blunt admission signals a growing crisis in Pakistan’s western frontier—one that military force alone may no longer contain.
