Quetta Double Killing Allegation Sparks Fresh Scrutiny of Balochistan Police Genocidal Atrocities

A grieving mother in Balochistan has levelled serious allegations against a senior police officer, accusing him and two alleged associates of fatally shooting her son and his friend in Quetta last month. The case has intensified concerns over police accountability and the alleged misuse of authority in the province.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Bibi Sharaf, a resident of Sariab, claimed that the Station House Officer (SHO) of New Sariab Police Station, accompanied by two associates, opened fire on her son, Noorullah, and his companions on 25 September.

According to Sharaf, the group had been returning from a picnic in the Bolan area when the shooting took place. The incident allegedly resulted in the deaths of Noorullah, who worked at a garage, and his friend, Shafi Muhammad.

A third companion, Zaheer Ahmed, was injured during the alleged attack and survived. Sharaf contends that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were subsequently concealed through the registration of what she described as a fabricated criminal case.

The bereaved mother stated that she had repeatedly submitted formal complaints to the relevant police authorities, seeking the registration of a criminal case against the SHO and the two alleged accomplices. However, she alleged that no action had been taken and that her applications had received no meaningful response.

The allegations have renewed attention on longstanding concerns regarding law enforcement accountability in Balochistan, where human rights groups and local activists have frequently called for greater transparency in investigations involving security personnel and police officials.

During her appearance before the media, Sharaf delivered an emotional warning, stating that she would set herself on fire outside the Quetta Press Club if justice was not provided. She further said that the responsible authorities would be accountable for any consequences arising from what she described as a continued denial of justice.

Demanding immediate legal proceedings against those she accuses of involvement in the shootings, Sharaf maintained that her family would continue seeking accountability for the deaths of Noorullah and Shafi Muhammad, as well as justice for the injuries sustained by Zaheer Ahmed. The case has emerged as another test of public confidence in the ability of authorities to impartially investigate allegations involving serving police officers.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

India Condemns Jordan Church Attack, Reaffirms Zero Tolerance For Terrorism After Karak Tragedy

India has strongly condemned the deadly attack on a church in Jordan's Karak governorate, where gunmen opened fire during a funeral service, killing seven people and injuring 34 others.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs described the assault as a "heinous" and "cowardly" act, expressing deep condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a swift recovery to those injured.

New Delhi affirmed its solidarity with the Government and people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan during what it called a difficult period, while reiterating its steadfast commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

"India unequivocally condemns the heinous attack at a Church in Karak, Jordan, on October 23, 2026, which resulted in the tragic loss of several innocent lives and injuries to many others. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured in this cowardly attack," the ministry said.

"India stands firmly with the government and the friendly people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this difficult hour. We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," it added.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed the government's position, saying he was "deeply shocked" by the attack and offering condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery to those wounded.

The shooting took place at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud in southern Jordan. According to reports, gunmen opened fire during a funeral gathering, turning a solemn occasion into one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in the country in recent years.

Jordanian authorities have launched an extensive investigation and manhunt for the perpetrators. Security forces were rapidly deployed to the area following the attack, while officials described the assailants as extremists.

Reacting to the tragedy, King Abdullah II vowed a decisive response, declaring that the attack would be met with the "harshest retaliation".

"Those who delude themselves into thinking that they can divide Jordanians with their bullets have no chance in the face of our unity. All Jordanians, from north to south, are partners in land and fate, and nothing stands between them. Our deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Every Jordanian life is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation," the King said.

Jordan's leaders have sought to reassure the country's Christian community, emphasising that the attack would not undermine national unity in a nation long regarded as a model of coexistence between Muslim and Christian communities.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also condemned the violence, describing it as "a despicable act of terror" that targeted mourners at a moment of profound grief.

"Today, mourners attending a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, were targeted in a despicable act of terror. This attack violated the sanctity of a place of worship and struck families at a moment of profound sorrow.

Canada condemns this violence in the strongest possible terms. My deepest condolences to the families of those killed, those who have been injured, the Greek Orthodox community, and all who are grieving this loss," he said.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres likewise denounced the attack, stressing that places of worship must remain safe spaces for all people.

"I strongly condemn the terrorist attack on a funeral service in a church in Hmoud in Jordan. Places of worship must be places of peace & safe for all. Attacks against civilians & places of worship are unacceptable. The UN stands with the Jordanian people & government," he said.

The attack has triggered widespread international condemnation and renewed calls for stronger action against terrorism, particularly attacks targeting civilians and religious sites.

It has also highlighted concerns over security at places of worship across the region, even as Jordan remains one of the Middle East's most stable countries.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Balochistan Liberation Front Claims Military Intelligence Captain, SSG Personnel Killed As Operation Almas Expands Across Gwadar

The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed that its fighters killed a Military Intelligence (MI) captain and several members of the Pakistan Army's Special Services Group (SSG) during its ongoing Operation Almas in Balochistan.

In a statement issued by BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch, the group said the operation was continuing with "full intensity and success" across multiple fronts. The organisation alleged that Pakistani security forces had suffered significant human and material losses and had been compelled to retreat from several positions following clashes.

The BLF claimed its fighters overran the main camp of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) at Gwadar Zero Point and raised the group's flag at the site. According to the organisation, this marked a significant development in the operation, which is centred on Gwadar, a strategically important coastal district and a key component of infrastructure projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The group further stated that its fighters seized control of the Muzhani police station, capturing official weapons and military equipment. It also alleged that one police official was killed during the confrontation.

In a separate incident in the Gubd area, the BLF claimed responsibility for an attack on a Pakistani security forces convoy. The organisation alleged that one army vehicle was destroyed and that several personnel were killed or wounded in the strike.

The BLF additionally claimed that fighters had taken control of the police checkpoint at Gubd Cross during the operation.

According to the organisation, Operation Almas remains active across several locations in Balochistan. The group said further operational details, including a comprehensive assessment of casualties and losses, would be released after the campaign concludes.

Additional reports linked to Operation Almas indicate that the offensive has focused on security installations and military-linked infrastructure in and around Gwadar. Some reports have also associated the operation with the BLF's Saddu Operational Battalion, named after veteran commander Mamo Saddu Marri, whom the organisation regards as a founding figure.

However, several of the casualty figures and battlefield claims made by the BLF have not been independently verified. Pakistani accounts have disputed aspects of the group's narrative, including claims regarding the capture of military facilities and the extent of security force losses.

The latest claims emerge against the backdrop of longstanding tensions in Balochistan, where separatist insurgent groups have frequently targeted security forces, government facilities and infrastructure projects. The province has also remained the focus of persistent allegations concerning enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly voiced concerns over reports of missing activists, students and political workers allegedly taken by security agencies without due legal process.

The BLF has claimed responsibility for all attacks carried out under Operation Almas and maintains that the campaign is still ongoing.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

'UN Experts' An Oxymoron? Rubio Declines To Join Debate On India Protests

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the credibility of United Nations experts during a media interaction on Wednesday, describing the phrase “UN experts” as an “oxymoron” when questioned about criticism of India’s handling of protests by opposition groups and students.

Rubio made it clear that the United States would not take a position on what he characterised as India’s internal political affairs. Responding to allegations by UN experts regarding an alleged crackdown on demonstrators, he said, “Well, the UN experts, yeah. My favourite. The UN experts, or is that an oxymoron?”

Emphasising Washington’s stance, Rubio stated, “No, it’s a domestic political matter. I mean, I am not going to get involved in their politics. This is a democracy. They have elections here. So I am not going to align on their domestic political matters.”

He noted that public demonstrations and political disagreement are normal features of democratic societies. At the same time, he drew a distinction between peaceful protests and violent unrest involving vandalism, arson and destruction of property.

Rubio argued that freedom of expression and political debate are essential democratic values. Referring to Cuba as a contrasting example, he highlighted how opposition voices there can face imprisonment, oppression or exile. However, he reiterated that India’s domestic political issues are matters for its own citizens, adding, “But we’re not going to comment on internal political matters. That’s for the Indian people to decide and navigate.”

The remarks came amid an ongoing disagreement at the United Nations over assessments of India’s human rights record. India has strongly challenged attempts to portray recent protests as evidence of broader human rights concerns and has accused certain UN-linked bodies of applying inconsistent standards.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Indian diplomat Barkha Tamrakar defended India’s constitutional and legal framework, stressing that safeguards including Article 21 of the Constitution protect human rights and guarantee due process.

Tamrakar rejected criticism based on what she described as unverified allegations and incomplete data. She said, “India firmly opposes any attempt to convert unverified allegations, incomplete statistics, or a report that contains no India country observation into a negative characterization of the world’s largest democracy… Human rights should not be used as an instrument of political pressure or selective country targeting.”

She further argued that assessments of human rights issues must remain impartial, evidence-based and free from political considerations, warning against the selective targeting of individual countries.

India’s response followed claims by certain UN experts that authorities had restricted peaceful assembly and engaged in “enforced disappearances”. New Delhi strongly rejected those allegations and questioned the basis on which they were made.

Indian representatives also highlighted what they described as contrasting reactions from international human rights officials to protests in different parts of the world. They pointed to comments by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk regarding police action against violent protests in France and elsewhere in Europe, where demonstrators were referred to as “vandals”.

According to India, such differences in tone underscore concerns about double standards in the treatment of democratic nations. New Delhi has maintained that characterisations based on unverified allegations, incomplete statistics or reports lacking India-specific observations do not accurately reflect the realities of the world’s largest democracy.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Marco Rubio Dismisses UN Criticism of India’s Protests as ‘Domestic Political Matter’; Takes A Neutral Stand

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply dismissed criticism from United Nations experts over India’s handling of protests, describing the term “UN experts” as an “oxymoron” while insisting that such issues are matters for Indians to resolve through their own democratic processes.

Responding to questions about protests involving opposition parties, students and activists, Rubio declined to comment on India’s internal political affairs. He said, “The UN experts is an oxymoron,” before stressing that Washington would not interfere in India’s domestic political debates.

Rubio underlined that India is a democracy with regular elections and maintained that political disagreements and public demonstrations are a natural part of democratic life. He said it was for “the Indian people to decide and navigate” their political issues rather than for foreign governments to intervene.

At the same time, Rubio drew a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and violent unrest. He argued that expressing different political opinions is a hallmark of democratic societies, while making clear that riots involving vandalism, arson and the destruction of property should not be confused with legitimate protest activity.

To illustrate his point, Rubio contrasted democratic systems with countries such as Cuba, where opposition voices can face imprisonment, repression or exile. He also referred to violent unrest seen in parts of Europe, separating such incidents from peaceful political expression.

The remarks came amid growing debate over criticism from more than 20 UN human rights experts, who raised concerns about alleged restrictions on peaceful assembly, reported excessive use of force against demonstrators and large-scale detentions linked to recent protests in India. The experts called for accountability and greater protection of civil liberties during demonstrations.

India has firmly rejected those allegations. Indian diplomat Barkha Tamrakar accused UN experts of selectively targeting the country and argued that human rights should not be used as an instrument of political pressure. She emphasised that India’s constitutional framework provides safeguards for human rights and due process, and said international engagement should be guided by dialogue, cooperation, transparency and non-selectivity.

New Delhi has also questioned what it sees as inconsistencies in the UN’s approach, highlighting the contrast between criticism directed at India and comments made by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk regarding violent protests in France and elsewhere in Europe. Indian officials have argued that unverified allegations and incomplete statistics should not be used to portray the world’s largest democracy in a negative light.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Anti-Indian Hate Surges Online As US Congressman Demands Action Against Big Tech

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has expressed concern over a sharp rise in anti-Indian, anti-South Asian and anti-Hindu hate across social media platforms, accusing major technology companies of profiting from the spread of online hostility while failing to take adequate action against it.

In a post on X, Krishnamoorthi stated, “Anti-Indian hate is exploding on social media, and Big Tech is profiting from it. These companies have no incentive to stop the hatred they help spread. Congress must hold them accountable.” He argued that technology firms currently face little pressure to curb harmful content despite its growing prevalence online.

Highlighting the scale of the problem, he pointed to a significant increase in hateful content directed at South Asians. According to Krishnamoorthi, the number of posts on X promoting anti-South Asian hatred has risen by more than 240 per cent within a relatively short period. He said, “Big Tech is not policing their social media platforms where there's been an explosion of anti-South Asian, anti-Indian, anti-Hindu hate.”

The Congressman further asserted that social media companies are benefiting financially from engagement generated by such content. “Unfortunately, Big Tech is profiting off of this hate. They have no incentive right now to decrease it. And so we have to at this point, at the federal level, make sure that they face the full consequences of not taking action,” he said.

His comments come amid heightened concerns over threats facing South Asian communities in the United States and follow an alleged attempted attack at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, on 11 October. Krishnamoorthi was worshipping at the temple with his family when the incident occurred.

Following the event, he led a bipartisan group of 105 members of Congress, including every Indian-American member of Congress, in calling on FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate the case as a possible federal hate crime. Lawmakers argued that the combination of alleged racial hatred, a religious setting and preparations for potential mass violence warranted a comprehensive federal response.

Prosecutors allege that 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis, who identified himself as a neo-Nazi, attempted to shoot a man outside the temple, but his rifle reportedly jammed. Authorities said he fled the scene and later communicated plans to return before a coworker alerted police, leading to his arrest the same day.

According to prosecutors, Paporakis also authored an eight-page white supremacist manifesto describing violence against people of Indian descent at a Hindu place of worship. The allegations have intensified concerns about the intersection of extremist ideologies and online radicalisation.

In their letter to the FBI, lawmakers urged authorities to ensure any potential hate-crime violations receive explicit attention. They also requested information about whether investigators were examining possible racial, ethnic and religious bias, whether online platforms or other individuals may have facilitated the alleged plot, and what measures were being taken to address threats against Indian-Americans, Hindu Americans and other South Asian communities.

The letter additionally warned against rhetoric that could contribute to racial or religious stereotyping. Lawmakers wrote that debates surrounding immigration or public safety should never justify collective suspicion towards Indian, Sikh, Hindu or other South Asian communities.

Earlier, on 20 October, Krishnamoorthi told ANI that the United States had become increasingly polarised. He argued that rhetoric from senior government officials was contributing to hostility towards minority groups and accused leaders of “villainising people”, including Muslims, Indians and gay individuals.

As an example, he cited a controversial Department of Homeland Security social media post that targeted a Sikh man named “Mr. Singh”. The post, which was later deleted, featured a Transformers-themed cartoon of an Indian Sikh man alongside the messages, “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive Mr. Singh” and “Self deport or find out”.

Krishnamoorthi linked the post to a wider climate of hostility, noting that roughly a week later a Sikh truck driver named Mr. Singh was allegedly stabbed 17 times and narrowly survived. He argued that inflammatory messaging from public institutions could have dangerous real-world consequences.

Calling for stronger action against hate crimes and discriminatory rhetoric, Krishnamoorthi said, “And this is what has to stop. If we're going to stop this horrible rash of hate, it has to stop at the top.” He added that while leadership plays a crucial role, officials at every level of government must work together to combat hatred and protect vulnerable communities.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Armed Gunmen Abduct 20 Police Recruits From Highway Van In Balochistan

A major security incident has intensified concerns in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province after 20 police recruits were abducted by armed men in Mastung district while travelling home from training.

The recruits were undergoing training at the Kalat Police Training Centre and were reportedly heading home for weekend leave when their passenger van was intercepted on the Quetta-Karachi Highway.

According to officials, a group of armed men riding motorcycles and carrying automatic weapons stopped the vehicle in the Gorgina area of Mastung before taking the recruits away to an undisclosed location.

The attackers reportedly released the van driver and several civilian passengers before fleeing with the recruits, indicating that the security personnel were the specific targets of the operation.

The abducted personnel were said to be former members of the Levies Force, which has since been merged into the police service. Many of the recruits reportedly belonged to districts within the Rakhshan division.

Security forces launched an extensive search operation shortly after the incident, deploying personnel across surrounding mountainous areas and establishing checkpoints in and around Mastung as part of efforts to locate the missing recruits.

At the time of the abduction, no organisation had formally claimed responsibility. However, reports suggested that Baloch separatist militants were among the groups being investigated in connection with the incident.

The kidnapping comes amid a wider pattern of attacks and abductions targeting security personnel and government officials in Balochistan, a province that has witnessed persistent insurgent activity, armed assaults and security operations for years.

Recent incidents in the province have included attacks on police checkpoints, kidnappings of public officials and assaults on transport routes, highlighting the continuing security challenges faced by authorities in the region.

The latest abduction has further underscored concerns about the safety of security personnel travelling through remote areas of Balochistan and the ability of militant groups to carry out high-profile operations against state institutions.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Pakistan's Minorities Continue To Face Severe Rights Violations Despite Legal Reforms

Religious minorities in Pakistan continue to experience serious violations of their fundamental rights despite recent legislative measures intended to strengthen protections, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

The report, Sanctuary Denied: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2025/26, welcomes the enactment of the National Commission for Minorities Act 2025 and legislation in Punjab and Balochistan that raised the minimum marriageable age to 18. However, it argues that a significant gap remains between legal commitments and their implementation.

HRCP noted that the National Commission for Minorities has still not been constituted months after the law was passed, preventing the body from carrying out its intended role in safeguarding minority rights.

The report highlights the continued misuse of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, stating that hundreds of people accused of blasphemy remain caught in prolonged legal uncertainty. It also raises concerns that alleged organised networks accused of entrapping individuals in blasphemy cases have yet to face investigation.

Religious minorities continue to face various forms of persecution, including hate speech, discrimination and barriers to equal citizenship. HRCP warned that blasphemy allegations are increasingly being exploited against vulnerable individuals, often with severe consequences.

Particular concern was expressed over conditions facing the Ahmadiyya community. The report documented two extremist attacks in Chenab Nagar and cited growing efforts to exclude Ahmadis from public, social and commercial life.

Christian and Hindu communities remain especially vulnerable to abductions, forced marriages and alleged forced conversions. According to the report, girls from these communities are disproportionately affected, with poverty and inadequate police responses worsening their exposure to abuse.

HRCP also identified discriminatory employment practices, the increasing Islamisation of school curricula and limited coverage of minority concerns in mainstream media as evidence of deeper structural inequalities affecting religious minorities across the country.

Speaking at the report's launch, HRCP Director Farah Zia warned that the state's approach towards religious minorities was becoming increasingly exclusionary and was failing to uphold the principle of equal citizenship.

Minority rights advocate Nabila Bhatti highlighted the case of Kamran Gill, a Christian medical practitioner in Sheikhupura whose dispensary was reportedly set on fire by a mob on 9 October following allegations that he had shared blasphemous material on social media.

HRCP Punjab Vice-Chair Raja Ashraf said blasphemy accusations were increasingly being weaponised to exploit and endanger vulnerable people.

The report urges the federal government to fully implement the minorities commission law, investigate alleged blasphemy-entrapment networks and hold accountable those responsible for inciting violence against minority communities. It also calls for stronger safeguards against forced marriages and conversions, improved law-enforcement responses and greater protection for those defending minority rights.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

India Slams OHCHR Over Delhi Protest Remarks, Warns Against ‘Selective’ Human Rights Scrutiny

India has sharply criticised the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) over its comments on the detention of protesters in New Delhi, accusing the organisation of displaying an “extremely selective” approach to human rights issues and warning that such conduct risks damaging its credibility.

The latest response from New Delhi follows remarks by UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan, who expressed concern over reports of detentions linked to a Cockroach Janata Party-led protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The demonstration was organised over allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, with protesters seeking Kumar’s resignation.

Responding to the UN statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the OHCHR’s observations as both “unwarranted” and “unacceptable”, arguing that they amounted to interference in India’s internal affairs.

Jaiswal said the UN rights body appeared to adopt an approach of “extreme selectivity”, pointing to what India views as the organisation’s failure to publicly react to protests and law-enforcement actions occurring in other parts of the world.

According to him, a continued pattern of selective criticism could weaken confidence in multilateral institutions and ultimately undermine the credibility of the organisation itself.

He stated that the concerns raised by the OHCHR ignored the broader democratic and legal framework within which Indian authorities operate and failed to recognise that security agencies are required to maintain public order and safety.

The MEA spokesperson also referred to comments he had issued earlier, reiterating India’s position that law-enforcement authorities acted strictly in accordance with the law while handling the proposed demonstration in the national capital.

In a video statement released on X, Jaiswal highlighted that India, as the world’s largest democracy, guarantees the right to peaceful assembly under its Constitution.

He stressed that these rights are protected by independent institutions, including the judiciary and a free media, while also being subject to lawful restrictions relating to public order and public safety.

Jaiswal argued that, as in any democracy, the exercise of civil liberties must be balanced against the authorities’ responsibility to prevent disorder and ensure security in public spaces. He further noted that Indian courts remain accessible to all citizens seeking redress for grievances, making the UN body's intervention unnecessary and inappropriate in New Delhi’s view.

The MEA spokesperson also criticised what he described as double standards in the OHCHR’s public messaging. He observed that violent responses to protests in India’s neighbourhood had not attracted similar comment from the organisation, adding that law-enforcement actions in locations closer to the UN’s own institutional base had likewise gone largely unaddressed.

According to Jaiswal, such inconsistencies weaken the standing of international institutions and contribute to a broader erosion of trust in multilateral mechanisms. The UN Human Rights Office, however, maintained its concerns regarding events in Delhi and called upon Indian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly.

In its statement, the organisation voiced concern over reports of mass detentions involving demonstrators, protest organisers, members of civil society groups, lawyers and journalists before and during the demonstrations.

The UN body urged authorities to immediately and unconditionally release anyone alleged to have been arbitrarily detained in connection with the protests.

It also called for restraint in the handling of demonstrators and emphasised that any restrictions imposed on peaceful assemblies should satisfy strict tests of necessity and proportionality under internationally recognised human rights principles.

Furthermore, the organisation encouraged the authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with protesters in order to address the concerns that had prompted the demonstrations. The controversy emerged after widespread preventive detentions were reported across Delhi ahead of the planned march towards Jantar Mantar.

According to Delhi Police sources, approximately 1,000 protesters were detained across the national capital while attempting to reach the designated protest location.

The exchange marks the latest episode in a recurring disagreement between India and international human rights bodies over the interpretation of civil liberties, public order requirements and the scope of external commentary on domestic law-enforcement actions.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that democratic institutions, judicial oversight and constitutional safeguards provide adequate mechanisms for addressing such issues, while international organisations have continued to emphasise the importance of protecting freedom of assembly and expression.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

India Rejects UN Rights Office Criticism Over Delhi Detentions, Calls Remarks 'Internal Interference'

India has strongly rejected concerns raised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) over the detention of hundreds of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters in Delhi, describing the comments as an unwarranted interference in the country's internal affairs.

In a sharply worded response posted on the India at UN account on X, New Delhi said the OHCHR's concerns were misplaced and suggested that the UN body should devote comparable attention to large-scale protests in other parts of the world.

India stressed that it is the world's largest democracy and said the right to peaceful assembly is protected by the Constitution and supported by robust institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media.

The government noted that, as in all democracies, the exercise of this right is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order. It further stated that authorities act in accordance with the law and that Indian courts remain available to address grievances and provide legal remedies when required.

The response came after large-scale detentions in the national capital linked to protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party.

According to reports, nearly 3,000 individuals, including CJP leaders, supporters and opposition figures, were detained by Delhi Police while attempting to reach Jantar Mantar for a planned sit-in demonstration.

The protest sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

To prevent supporters from converging on Delhi, police imposed restrictions affecting internet connectivity and transportation networks. Measures included curbs on Delhi Metro services, bus operations and railway connectivity.

In a statement issued on Saturday, UN human rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said the OHCHR was concerned by reports of mass detentions involving demonstrators, protest leaders, members of civil society organisations, lawyers and journalists before and during the demonstrations.

The UN office called on Indian authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and protected.

It also stated that any restrictions on peaceful protests should satisfy strict tests of necessity and proportionality.

Al-Kheetan urged law enforcement personnel to exercise the utmost restraint in dealing with peaceful demonstrators.

The spokesperson additionally encouraged authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the concerns being expressed by protesters.

India, however, firmly rejected the criticism and reiterated that the OHCHR's observations amounted to unwarranted interference in domestic affairs.

New Delhi further argued that the UN rights office should maintain impartiality and non-selectivity by paying similar attention to major protests elsewhere.

Delhi Police had earlier denied permission for the pressure group's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.

On Saturday morning, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and fellow leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained shortly after arriving in Delhi on a flight from Mumbai. Most of those detained during the operation were subsequently released.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Research And Advocacy Group Demands Action: Urges Delhi To Summon Pak Envoy Over PoK Human Rights Violations

The Jammu-based Research and Advocacy Group (RAAG) has called upon the Government of India to summon the Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and register a strong diplomatic protest over reports of killings, injuries, arrests, restrictions and humanitarian hardships affecting residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).

In a memorandum addressed to External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, the organisation has sought both an oral and written démarche to Pakistan, followed by an official Note Verbale formally recording India’s concerns while reaffirming its sovereign position regarding PoK.

The memorandum was submitted by Advocate Madhavi Sambyal, authorised signatory of RAAG, who highlighted reports emerging from PoK and appeals from local residents seeking protection of their lives, liberty, dignity and fundamental rights.

RAAG argued that the people of PoK are part of the wider Jammu and Kashmir community and should not be viewed as detached from India simply because they are separated by the Line of Control and live under what India considers Pakistan’s illegal occupation.

The organisation maintained that appeals being made by residents of PoK during the current crisis should not go unanswered and deserve a visible and carefully considered response from New Delhi that remains consistent with India’s sovereignty and national security interests.

In its submission, RAAG reiterated India’s longstanding position that the entire territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh form an integral part of India. It also referred to the unanimous Parliamentary Resolution adopted on 22 February 1994, which called upon Pakistan to vacate territories under its control.

Particular emphasis was placed on Section 14(4) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The provision reserves 24 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for areas presently under Pakistan’s occupation, with those seats remaining vacant until residents can elect their representatives.

According to RAAG, this provision demonstrates that Parliament has recognised not only the territory under occupation but also the people residing there as an integral part of the constitutional framework.

The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as the failure of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to discuss the conditions faced by people in PoK despite the statutory recognition accorded to them.

RAAG noted that Assembly members have previously debated international issues relating to Palestine, Gaza, Iran, Israel and the United States. However, it argued that similar attention has not been given to the hardships reportedly faced by residents across the Line of Control.

While acknowledging that concern for civilians affected by global conflicts is legitimate, the organisation questioned why people living in territory historically and constitutionally linked to Jammu and Kashmir have not received comparable institutional attention.

According to the memorandum, this absence of discussion risks creating the impression that both the territory of PoK and its residents have gradually faded from the institutional consciousness of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

RAAG stated that this perceived disconnect was among the reasons it approached the Union Government directly, seeking reassurance that the people of PoK have not been forgotten or abandoned within India’s national consciousness.

The organisation has simultaneously appealed to the Speaker and members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to initiate substantive debate on the issue and formally acknowledge the concerns and appeals emerging from PoK.

RAAG stressed that the issue extends beyond territorial claims and concerns the welfare, rights and dignity of people who, under India’s constitutional position, remain part of the broader Jammu and Kashmir community.

The memorandum ultimately urges the Government of India to formally convey its grave concern to Pakistan regarding the reported treatment of civilians in PoK and to seek an immediate end to actions resulting in loss of life, injuries, arbitrary detentions and humanitarian suffering.

Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to senior Ministry of External Affairs officials handling Pakistan-related matters, including the Foreign Secretary and officials of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran Division.

The appeal comes amid continuing debate over India’s constitutional and political position on territories across the Line of Control, with RAAG contending that the welfare and representation of people residing in PoK should remain a matter of national and institutional attention.

Comments

Continue Reading

World Sindhi Congress Demands UN Action To Protect Sindh's Territorial Integrity And Human Rights

During her intervention at the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Hafeezan Wadhio highlighted escalating international concerns regarding the rights of the indigenous people of Sindh.

Speaking on behalf of the World Sindhi Congress, where she serves as an executive committee member, she urged global human rights mechanisms to intervene before the ongoing political crisis worsens further.

She expressed serious apprehension over renewed state proposals aimed at creating additional provinces or administrative divisions within the region, warning that such measures would fragment Sindh's historically recognised territory.

Though no formal constitutional amendment to partition the province has been enacted yet, Wadhio stressed that the situation requires immediate preventive international attention to forestall irreversible damage to the region's socio-political fabric.

Delving into historical precedents, the activist noted that Karachi was detached from provincial administration shortly after the formation of Pakistan, drastically altering the region's governance dynamics.

She further pointed out that during the implementation of the controversial One Unit scheme, Sindh was stripped of its administrative autonomy and governed merely as a sub-province for fifteen years.

These historical grievances regarding territorial encroachment are currently compounded by widespread human rights violations perpetrated against the Sindhi population across various administrative sectors.

For an indigenous historical community, land rights, cultural identity, political representation, and local ownership over natural resources are deeply interconnected and cannot be separated from one another.

Every section of the Sindhi population has unanimously rejected any proposal or policy aimed at dividing or re-delineating their ancestral homeland.

Any structural attempt to fragment the territory would severely compromise the Sindhi people's fundamental rights to political participation, self-determination, and long-term cultural survival.

She called upon the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and associated special procedures to maintain strict monitoring over all executive actions altering Sindh's territorial status.

The representative urged the global body to examine how these geographical re-alignments directly threaten human rights, political inclusion, and environmental equity across the region.

The intervention followed the comprehensive Sindh Conference 2026 convened in Geneva by the World Sindhi Congress to address critical issues including resource distribution and arbitrary land acquisitions.

Scholars at the forum highlighted how vast tracts of agricultural land are being expropriated for commercial initiatives and mega corporate farming ventures, directly endangering local food security.

Delegates raised severe concerns regarding environmental justice and water allocation, particularly the diversion of the Indus River waters through newly proposed canal schemes that jeopardize downstream communities.

Experts cited reports indicating that severe downstream flow reductions have led to massive seawater intrusion, damaging nearly 12 lakh acres of fertile agricultural land along the Indus Delta.

Human rights activists further called attention to financial disparities, pointing out that resource allocation models under the National Finance Commission fail to properly compensate the region's tax contributions.

Beyond economic challenges, activists at the UN gathering detailed persistent security concerns, including allegations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial actions, and targeted intimidation of civil society members.

Community advocates also reiterated calls for robust international mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable religious minorities, uphold democratic norms, and protect women and children from gender-based abuse.

The delegation emphasised that international scrutiny remains essential to ensure that developmental projects and administrative realignments do not violate fundamental rights or undermine the rule of law.

The World Sindhi Congress reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to advocating for the democratic rights, cultural preservation, and environmental security of the Sindhi people through peaceful diplomatic channels worldwide.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Activist Tasleema Akhter Raises Concerns Over Human Rights Violations In PoK At UNHRC

In Geneva, socio-political activist Tasleema Akhter has raised serious concerns regarding the deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, commonly referred to as PoK.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held at the Palais des Nations, she highlighted severe allegations of extrajudicial killings, detentions, and communication curbs in the region.

Akhter stated that citizens in PoK are subjected to state-sponsored violence simply for demanding their basic and fundamental rights, alongside fair access to essential commodities.

The activist revealed that the administration in PoK has enacted a total internet shutdown and detained numerous journalists, media personnel, and social activists who attempted to report on the ground realities.

She described the actions of the Pakistani administration in PoK as extremely brutal, heartless, and painful, noting that the escalating violence has left residents with no choice but to speak out for their loved ones.

Akhter called upon authorities for the immediate release of all detained social activists and journalists, while demanding the swift restoration of full internet services across PoK.

Directly addressing international stakeholders, she urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to step up and assume responsibility for the ongoing loss of innocent civilian lives in the territory.

She also advocated for independent inquiries into each death caused by Pakistani state action, emphasising the need for free, fair, and unhindered access to relevant information regarding these cases.

The unrest in PoK stems largely from sustained, peaceful public demonstrations spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee and local civil society groups against sky-rocketing food inflation, high electricity tariffs, and poor governance.

The response from security personnel involved widespread arrests, physical violence, heavy-handed reprisals, and severe restrictions on local civic spaces, triggering large-scale public discontent.

Drawing a sharp contrast, Akhter pointed out the stark difference in growth, stability, and human rights between PoK and Indian Jammu and Kashmir. She noted that Indian Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing substantial socio-economic progress, driven by comprehensive skill development initiatives, entrepreneurship support, and expanding opportunities for youth.

Programs spearheaded by bodies like the Jammu and Kashmir Skill Development Mission have provided crucial training to thousands of young people across diverse domains, including technology, healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Akhter highlighted that young individuals in Indian Jammu and Kashmir are actively engaging in various constructive activities and successfully establishing their own commercial ventures.

She attributed this positive dynamic to tailored financial assistance from the government, including generous loan packages and capital subsidies intended to assist young entrepreneurs in launching and scaling Start-Ups.

Furthermore, she emphasized that peaceful conditions, robust urban and rural infrastructure projects, and flourishing tourism have resulted in a steady decline in unemployment rates across Indian Jammu and Kashmir.

In contrast, she reiterated that citizens in PoK face extreme physical violence, police brutality, and severe torture even when peacefully protesting for cheap essential goods and basic constitutional rights.

Concluding her address, Akhter urged the international community to hold Pakistani security forces and government authorities strictly accountable for the ongoing bloodshed and systemic violations occurring in PoK.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Baloch Liberation Army Claims Khuzdar Strike Under 'Operation Marg-E-Gaddaran', Five Killed

The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack near the compound of Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal in Khuzdar, alleging that five people, including a police officer, were killed in the operation. The incident was reported by The Balochistan Post.

According to the statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group’s fighters targeted what it described as an “important and active base” belonging to Mengal in the Awak area of Aranji, Wadh. The organisation claimed that all five armed men present at the site were associated with an alleged “death squad”.

The BLA further stated that its fighters seized weapons and other military equipment following the attack. Those killed were identified as Abdul Hayee, Naimatullah, Yahya, Naseer Ahmed and Noora Mohammad Zai. The group accused Noora Mohammad, described as a police officer, of working for the alleged “death squad” under the cover of a government uniform.

The attack was described as part of the BLA’s “Operation Marg-e-Gaddaran”, or “Death to Traitors”, which had been announced earlier this year against individuals and armed groups accused of operating under state patronage.

The spokesperson linked this operation to the BLA’s Majeed Brigade attack on Mengal’s main compound in Khuzdar on July 8, where the group claimed 34 of Mengal’s associates were killed, while Mengal himself escaped in a bulletproof vehicle.

The BLA said that under “Operation Marg-e-Gaddaran”, it would continue targeting what it calls “traitors” and their operatives. The organisation claimed that its military units remained continuously active in destroying alleged secret bases. It also issued what it described as a final warning to people associated with Mengal or other alleged “death squads”.

The statement urged those individuals to sever ties, end intelligence or military cooperation, and return to civilian life. The BLA said that those who withdrew from such associations would not be harmed. However, it warned that anyone continuing to provide information or assistance to Mengal would be regarded as a “national traitor” and directly targeted.

The group further declared that “Operation Marg-e-Gaddaran” would continue “with full intensity and strength” until, in its words, Balochistan had been “completely purged of traitors”. The BLA reiterated its commitment to intensifying armed operations against those it accuses of working under state patronage.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Pakistani Military Aircraft Reportedly Conduct Airstrikes In Kalat Balochistan

Pakistani military aircraft reportedly conducted airstrikes at two locations in Kalat on Monday, a day after a drone targeted a vehicle in Manguchar.

According to The Balochistan Post, helicopter shelling and quadcopter attacks were also reported from several parts of the district.

A jet aircraft reportedly carried out an airstrike in the Chappar area of Kalat. A powerful blast was heard in the area, though there was no immediate information about casualties or the extent of damage. Another explosion was reported near Took and Dasht-e-Goran. While the exact location of the blast could not be confirmed, jet aircraft were reportedly seen flying over the area around the time of the explosion.

On Sunday, a drone reportedly targeted a vehicle in Manguchar. Details regarding possible casualties or damage were not immediately available.

Separately, gunship helicopters allegedly shelled Rudeenjo and nearby areas for several hours on Sunday. Quadcopter attacks were also reported from the region. Communication disruptions and movement restrictions in the affected areas have made it difficult to independently verify the reports or obtain comprehensive information about possible casualties and damage.

The reported attacks come amid a series of military operations and aerial strikes across Balochistan in recent weeks. Several incidents have led to allegations of civilian casualties.

On September 10, four civilians were reportedly killed and several others injured after Frontier Corps personnel allegedly opened fire on a wedding gathering in Wadh, Khuzdar. Seven-year-old Shahzaib was among those injured.

Earlier, on August 21, four orchard workers were reportedly killed and three others wounded in a suspected drone strike in the Gaith area of Khadkocha, Mastung.

On August 12, more than 20 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed or injured in Gidar Goandhan, Surab, following what was described as a Pakistani airstrike on residential areas.

Pakistan’s military rejected that account, stating that militants preparing a vehicle-borne explosive device were killed when it detonated prematurely. The military further said that subsequent explosions resulted in civilian casualties.

However, residents and rights groups have rejected the military’s version of events and maintained that the casualties were caused by an airstrike.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Baloch Liberation Army And Baloch Republican Guard Claim Deadly Convoy And Lithium Site Attack

Balochistan witnessed a fresh escalation of violence as both the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated operations across Lasbela, Jiwani, Mashkel and Kachhi.

The reported incidents included a deadly attack on a Pakistani military convoy, the killing of four individuals allegedly linked to Military Intelligence, the destruction of equipment at a lithium exploration site, and road blockades in Kachhi district.

The BLA stated that its Fateh Squad targeted a convoy belonging to the Pakistani military’s 15 FF Bomb Disposal Party in the Kashari area of Wallapat, Lasbela. The attack began with an improvised explosive device blast against a military vehicle, followed by direct firing.

The group claimed that two vehicles were completely destroyed and two others severely damaged. According to the BLA, nine military personnel were killed and more than eleven wounded, including members of the Light Engineering Battalion and 15 FF.

Pakistani officials confirmed the incident but reported lower casualties, stating that four security personnel, including a Naib Subedar and two Levies personnel, were killed, while seven others, including a civilian, were injured. Authorities withheld further details.

The BLA further claimed responsibility for what it described as an intelligence-based operation in Jiwani. During this action, four individuals allegedly associated with the Pakistani military and Military Intelligence were killed.

The group also announced that its fighters seized control of a lithium exploration site in Mashkel. During the raid, four drilling machines and five vehicles were set ablaze. Employees of the company were reportedly detained but later released after being warned.

The BLA reiterated its opposition to lithium exploration and mining projects in Balochistan, warning both local and international companies against involvement. It declared that lithium extraction and exploration would be treated as legitimate targets under its strategy of “economic blockade”.

Meanwhile, the BRG confirmed that its fighters carried out road blockades and snap-checking operations at several points in Kachhi district. Vehicles were stopped and checked, while patrols were conducted in the area.

The BRG stated that no state personnel were encountered during the operations but claimed responsibility for the activities. Both organisations emphasised that such actions would continue until what they described as the liberation of Balochistan.

The targeting of lithium exploration sites highlights the growing intersection between insurgency and resource politics in the region. Lithium, considered a critical mineral for global energy transition, has drawn increasing interest from international companies.

The BLA’s explicit opposition to such projects signals a strategy to disrupt economic initiatives that it perceives as exploitative. This adds a new dimension to the insurgency, linking armed resistance with resource nationalism.

The Pakistani authorities have yet to release comprehensive details of the convoy attack or the lithium site incident. However, the claims by both groups underscore the persistence of insurgent activity across Balochistan, with operations ranging from direct military engagements to economic sabotage.

The emphasis on road blockades and snap-checking also reflects attempts to assert control over local mobility and logistics.

The BLA and BRG’s statements reaffirm their commitment to continuing armed operations until their stated objective of an independent Balochistan is achieved. The incidents further illustrate the complexity of the conflict, where military, economic and political dimensions are increasingly intertwined.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Baloch Liberation Army Claims 28 Operations, Reports 52 Pakistani Personnel Killed Across Balochistan

The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for 28 operations across Balochistan between 1 and 7 September, stating that 52 Pakistani military personnel were killed and several others injured. The group also confirmed that 12 of its fighters were killed during clashes with Pakistani forces. These claims were reported by The Balochistan Post on X.

The operations were said to have taken place in Pasni, Kharan, Kalat, Turbat, Mastung, Surab, Tump, Pishin, Jhal Magsi, Noshki, Chagai and Quetta. The BLA described the attacks as part of its ongoing campaign against Pakistani forces and infrastructure projects it considers exploitative.

According to the statement, the first operation occurred on 1 September at Zero Point in Pasni, Gwadar. BLA fighters attacked a joint police and Levies post along with checkpoints belonging to Customs and the Coastal Police. The group claimed it seized weapons and military equipment, took control of the checkpoints, and later set them on fire, destroying the posts.

The BLA also reported an ambush on a Pakistani military convoy at Albat in Kharan and an attack on personnel transporting armoured vehicles at Garari in Kalat. It claimed that several personnel were killed or injured and three armoured vehicles were severely damaged.

On 2 September, the group said its fighters targeted a Pakistani military armoured vehicle with an improvised explosive device at Guro in Mastung’s Khadkocha area. The convoy was then ambushed, with the BLA claiming four personnel were killed and more than seven injured.

On 3 September, the BLA’s Special Tactical Operations Squad carried out an attack in Hajika, Surab, using an explosives-laden vehicle against a Pakistani military convoy. The group claimed one military vehicle was destroyed and seven personnel were killed.

The Fateh Squad of the BLA was reported to have attacked Pakistani forces at Ziarat Cross in Pishin. The group claimed 18 personnel were killed and five injured, while two vehicles were destroyed. Weapons and military equipment were also seized.

Further attacks were claimed in Tump, Mastung, Kalat and Jhal Magsi. The BLA also said it was responsible for the killings of Abdul Rehman Langove, described as the Noshki district president of the Balochistan Awami Party, and Rehmat Saeed in Quetta. The group accused both of working as operatives for Pakistani forces.

The statement additionally referred to clashes at Nokchah in Chagai on 31 August. The BLA claimed 16 Pakistani military personnel, including a senior officer, were killed, while 10 of its fighters also died in the fighting.

The group reiterated its stance that its “economic blockade” against Pakistani forces and projects would continue on major highways across Balochistan. It pledged to sustain armed operations until the establishment of what it described as an independent and sovereign Balochistan.

These casualty figures and claims were reported by The Balochistan Post and attributed to the BLA. Independent verification of the group’s claims remains difficult due to restricted access to conflict zones in Balochistan.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Balochistan: Who’s In Control?

A BLA attack killed 25 Pakistani soldiers in a deadly coordinated twin attack on 6-Sep-2026

by Nilesh Kunwar

Bloody Friday

With Sarmachars (Guerillas) of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carrying out two successful attacks, Friday turned out to be a particularly bad day for the Pakistani security forces. In the first incident that occurred at Ziarat Cross, BLA freedom fighters belonging to its Fateh Squad ambushed a Frontier Corps (FC) convoy in broad daylight killing 18 soldiers and destroying two vehicles. In videos released by BLA, its Sarmachars can be seen targeting the vehicles which are ablaze.

The second incident took place in Hajika, Surab where BLA’s Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) triggered a remote controlled improvised explosive device (RCIED) killing seven Pakistani soldiers and completely destroying their vehicle. Losing 25 soldiers in a single day belies Pakistan army’s repeated claims that not only is the situation in Balochistan under control, but also that due to the security forces’ complete control over the area, Baloch fighters are on the back-foot.

Pak Army Hits Backs

Soon after the Friday killings, Pakistan army’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that the Pakistan army had carried out several intelligence based operations targeting hideouts in Mastung, Quetta, Sibi and Kalat districts of Balochistan. In these operations 48 fighters armed Baloch groups and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists were reportedly killed which is definitely commendable, if true.

However, while the Pakistan army may view the elimination of nearly 50 Baloch fighters as redemption of sorts, unfortunately it doesn’t come as any consolation for the bereaved family members of the dead soldiers. Au contraire, this incident once again throws up some very disturbing questions that need to be answered honestly, the first being, who is in actual control of Balochistan?

Secondly, why is it that after every incident in which security forces suffer major loss of lives, the Pakistan army is able to neutralise nearly double the number of soldiers killed(or at times even more), number of terrorists) in IBO’s, and that too within just 24 to 72 hours? But more on this later…

Thirdly, if the Pakistan army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) can generate such accurate intelligence regarding location of armed fighters so quickly, why can’t it be proactive and undertake such IBO’s before its rank and file are attacked and decimated?

Director General (DG) of ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry maintains that it’s the Pakistan army but deliberate attempts were being made to create a perception that the situation in Balochistan was deteriorating.

In July end, he boasted that “The way the kinetic prong of the counter-terrorism is maturing, responding and delivering, that is before you,” and provided details of military operations in Balochistan. However, rather than providing answers, his confused narrative has only raised more questions.

According to DGISPR, during the period January to July this year, security forces carried out more than 31,000 intelligence based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan, and this province recorded 1,148 incidents of clashes with armed Baloch fighters.

As these translate to an average of 164 incidents per month, or nearly six every day, it’s amply clear that the “kinetic prong” of counter-terrorism operations hasn’t really been as effective as DGISPR would like us to believe.

So what’s the truth?

Numbers Game

The Pakistan army has always been a law unto itself in Balochistan. However, after seeing a perceptible rise in its brutality against innocent civilians and indiscriminate surge in enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings it’s apparent that security forces in Balochistan have been given a carte blanche by Field Marshal Asim Munir. This isn’t a speculation but an inference backed by statistics.

Field Marshal Munir became army chief in November 2022 and as such it would be fair to analyse the efficacy of his counter-terrorism policy from 2023 onwards. Data compiled by South Asia Terrorism Portal indicates that the number of armed Baloch fighters claimed to have been killed by Pakistani forces show an incremental (125 in 2023, 186 in 2024, 436 in 2025 and 948 till September 5, 2026), which is a positive.

However, fatalities amongst Pakistani security forces and law enforcement agencies too have risen significantly (186 in 2023, 315 in 2024, 751 in 2025, and 660 till September 2026).

Despite repeated claims of extraordinary success in counter-terrorism operations and normalcy, the reality is that Pakistani security forces have not been able to get the situation in Balochistan under control. So, it has conveniently changed the narrative by trying to convince the public that success in counter-terrorism operations should not be measured in terms of reduction in terrorism related incidents but by comparing fatalities suffered by Pakistani security forces vis-à-vis those of Sarmachars.

This has been acknowledged by Lt Gen Chaudhary’s perverse boast that “in 2025, for every martyr we were taking out minimum two (terrorists) and this year, we are taking out minimum 2.5 (terrorists).” 

Isn’t this an irrefutable proof that counting body bags is Rawalpindi’s sole criteria for counter-terrorism performance? This brings us back to the earlier mentioned question-how does the Pakistan army manage to kill Baloch fighters in such large numbers after every major attack on its troops, and that too almost immediately?

Here again, one doesn’t have to look too far because a DGISPR has himself provided the answer. Readers would recall that during a media interaction session in 2019. When asked about enforced disappearances in Balochistan, the then DGISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor nonchalantly replied, “We don’t wish that anyone should be missing. But when it is war, you have to do a lot of things- as they say, all is fair in love and war; war is very ruthless.”

Coming from horse’s mouth, isn’t this revelation an incontrovertible confirmation that the Pakistan army routinely indulges in enforced disappearances? And so, isn’t it obvious that this vile practice has tacit approval of Rawalpindi? It’s no secret that the Pakistani security forces routinely present corpses of Baloch youth who had been forcibly disappeared earlier as those of armed fighters killed in encounters.

After the 2025 Jaffar Express attack, BLA published the particulars of 13 of its fighters along with their photos who had been killed in this operation. However, ISPR claimed that 33 BLA fighters had been killed, and a week after the incident 23 corpses were dumped in Quetta Civil Hospital.

That the locals weren’t allowed to identify and claim the dead bodies and the secret burial of 13 unidentified corpses in Quetta’s Kasi Graveyard in the dead of the night by policemen clearly indicates that the deceased were victims of enforced disappearance who had been extra-judicially executed and passed off as BLA fighters killed in operations.

Mention of Pakistani security forces orchestrating enforced disappearances and committing extra-judicial executions has even been recorded by Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its 2019 World Report on Pakistan. Facing severe criticism for killing innocent people and passing them off as Baloch fighters, the Pakistan army has found a cunning way out- presenting the dead as Baloch fighters.

Family members are now being coerced into holding press conferences to publicly disown their missing relatives and even falsely label them as active fighters of proscribed groups or their supporters. That’s the reason why Lt Gen Chaudhary has the confidence to publicly declare that Baloch fighters “commit terrorism, get killed, and then they turn out to be on the very list of missing persons that they created. The data for both matches completely.”

In its reply to ISPR’s claim of having eliminated nine Baloch fighters after a serving Lt Col was abducted and killed by its fighters, BLA made it clear that it “takes utmost pride in its struggle and the martyrdom of our comrades during this struggle… (and) announces all martyrdom of its members with great glory and honour. If any of our freedom fighters had lost their lives in this successful operation, we would have taken pride in making it public and paying rich tributes to them.”

On the one hand we have the security forces secretly burying unidentified bodies at night, while on the other hand we find BLA openly honouring their fallen comrades by posting their names and photos on its website. Who to believe is left to the reader.

How “Soon”?

It was in April 2025 that Field Marshal Munir assured those attending the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad that he would “beat the hell” out of the armed Baloch fighter groups “very soon.” More than a year has since elapsed, but the inordinately high casualty figures of security force personnel reveal that despite the field marshal’s assurance to “beat the hell” out of them “very soon,” armed Baloch groups are neither down nor out.

Will the field marshal therefore care to clarify as to how soon will be his “very soon”?

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author's own

Comments

Continue Reading