Pakistan Mulls Zarb-e-Azb–Style Operation in Balochistan After Khuzdar Attack
The Pakistani government has indicated the possibility of launching a full-scale military operation in Balochistan akin to Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which targeted terrorist strongholds in the former Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (ex-FATA) back in 2014.
At a joint press conference on Friday, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha and Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry condemned the recent suicide bombing in Khuzdar, Balochistan, which killed at least eight people, including six schoolchildren. Both officials revealed that early investigations point to the involvement of a group identified as “Fitna al-Hindustan,” allegedly backed by India.
“If necessary, an operation on the scale of Zarb-e-Azb could be launched, but that would be a decision taken at a later stage,” said Interior Secretary Agha. He emphasized that ongoing counterterrorism operations are already under way across the region and showing results. “Every effort is being made day and night. Our security forces are fully committed, and results will be seen over time,” he added.
Agha further underscored the importance of preparing for such a major operation, ensuring all aspects of the National Action Plan (NAP) are in place to restore peace in Balochistan. He described the Khuzdar attack as a “cowardly strike on innocent children,” and stressed that it reflected a strategic shift by India from targeting military or infrastructure to soft targets like civilians.
READ MORE:
Lahore Qalandars Reach PSL X Final Without a Head Coach, Eye Historic Third Title
Lt Gen Chaudhry echoed these sentiments, condemning India’s alleged decades-long sponsorship of terrorism in the region. He stated that India had consistently attempted to destabilize Balochistan through funding and training militant groups. He recalled that in 2009 and again in 2016, Pakistan presented dossiers to the United Nations containing evidence of India’s involvement in terrorism within its borders.
“The attackers have no connection to any ethnic or religious identity in Pakistan. These are mercenaries funded and directed by Indian agencies,” he said. According to Chaudhry, captured terrorists admitted to receiving Indian funding for operations including bus bombings, attacks on migrant workers, and strikes on civilian targets.
During the press briefing, Chaudhry presented visual evidence including photos and videos of the martyred schoolchildren and slain terrorists found with advanced foreign-made weapons such as sniper rifles and night-vision equipment. He asked pointedly, “Who is supplying such high-end weapons to these groups?”
The DG ISPR also played an audio clip of an Indian Army officer, identified as Maj Sandeep, allegedly discussing the financial mechanisms India uses to support terrorist activities in Balochistan. The recording described how separate bank accounts are used for different phases of terrorist operations.
Chaudhry criticised the Indian media for celebrating attacks on Pakistani civilians and promoting disinformation. He pointed to the swift and exaggerated coverage of the October 6, 2024 attack on Chinese nationals as an example of Indian media’s apparent collusion in maligning Pakistan on the global stage.
The government and military leadership reaffirmed that Pakistan will respond decisively to terrorism and that all those involved in such heinous acts will be brought to justice.
