Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reacted to the terrorist attacks in Balochistan, saying that these acts cannot be termed as a “struggle for rights”.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he said the violence represents terrorism operating under foreign patronage, targeting both Pakistan and the people of Balochistan themselves. He said such elements show no tolerance for development or peace and therefore attack labourers, passengers and ordinary civilians.
بلوچستان میں دہشت گردی کے حالیہ واقعات پر پوری قوم کو واضح پیغام دینا چاہتا ہوں کہ یہ کسی “حقوق کی جدوجہد” کا نام نہیں، یہ بیرونی سرپرستی میں چلنے والی دہشت گردی ہے جس کا ہدف پاکستان بھی ہے اور بلوچستان کے اپنے لوگ بھی۔ یہ عناصر نہ ترقی برداشت کرتے ہیں نہ امن، اسی لیے وہ مزدوروں،…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) January 31, 2026
Asif said terrorist groups seek to destroy development projects and employment opportunities. He said these groups rely on funding from drug-based networks, extortion and smuggling. He added that they oppose projects such as CPEC and use social media to promote terrorism and recruit young people.
He said the state remains resolute, the morale of law-enforcement agencies is high, and action will continue against terrorists, their facilitators and foreign handlers, until a logical conclusion is reached.
