New Delhi: As Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir delivered a key address in Balochistan’s capital city of Quetta, separatist group Baloch Liberation Army issued a statement, claiming it had taken control of the Surab city of the restive province.
Speaking at the Command and Staff College, Munir talked about the apparent need for a peaceful resolution to the “Kashmir issue” and condemned India for what he claimed was “unlawful and legally untenable hydro-terrorism”. He was referring to the Indus Waters Treaty being held in abeyance by India post a diplomatic downgrade of relations with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.
“Commenting on the global and regional environment, the COAS shed light on the character of emerging conflict, with particular emphasis on India’s increasingly dangerous propensity to use unprovoked military aggression against Pakistan,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing, said in a statement Friday.
“While reiterating the resolve to defeat any aggression and ability to deal with threats across the entire conflict spectrum, the COAS asserted that Pakistan will never be coerced and inimical designs to distract Pakistan’s efforts against war on terrorism will be comprehensively defeated. For strategic stability of South Asia, the COAS emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of longstanding internationally recognized Kashmir dispute, and warned against the unlawful and legally untenable ‘hydro terrorism’ by India,” said the statement.
But even as Munir spoke, the Baloch insurgency was making its presence felt. The BLA, a banned separatist outfit in Pakistan, released a statement claiming it had taken control of the Surab city in Balochistan.
The group, which has intensified its activities in recent months, timed its declaration to coincide with the field marshal’s visit, a move likely aimed at undermining the military’s narrative of control and deterrence in the restive province.
“BLA fighters have taken full control of Surab, seizing key sites including the bank, Levies (paramilitary force), and police stations. Patrolling and checks are ongoing on Quetta-Karachi and Surab-Gidar roads,” the BLA said Friday, adding that a detailed statement will be released soon.
Meanwhile, Munir expressed confidence that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism would continue until its logical end is achieved, ensuring victory over all forms and manifestations of extremism.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
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