QUETTA: Member of the Balochistan Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Planning and Development, Asfandyar Khan Kakar, strongly condemned the attack on a security checkpoint in Mangocher, saying this is a new tactic in terrorism
Speaking at the Burak Digital podcast, Kakar said that enemies are trying to destabilize Pakistan, especially Balochistan. But they will never succeed,” he said.
Kakar claimed that a proxy war is being waged in the province. “Elements backed by countries like Israel and India are involved. They operate through various groups to promote violence in Balochistan,” he alleged.
He also criticized the narrative that Balochistan belongs only to Baloch people. Pushtuns are an equal part of this province. We have lived here for centuries,” he said. He questioned why separatists don’t raise their voices in Iran, where more Baloch people live, suggesting that Pakistan has shown greater tolerance.
Kakar said some individuals are exploiting the situation for personal gain. “They receive foreign funding and send others’ children to die, while their own families remain safe,” he said. “They are harming both Pakistan and the Baloch nation.”
On the issue of unemployment, Kakar offered a challenge. “If jobs are the issue, I promise the government will provide them. But that’s not the real reason. These people have other agendas,” he said.
He stressed that terrorism remains the biggest hurdle to Balochistan’s development. “We’ve made full use of the previous PSDP budget and proposed even bigger projects this time. Our goal is to create job opportunities and improve the future of our youth,” he added.
Kakar said the province needs hospitals, industries, and investment. But, he lamented, some people want to keep Balochistan underdeveloped for their interests. “They have become enemies of their region,” he said.
When asked if a military operation is needed, he responded firmly. “Yes, there should be an operation. Those who raise arms against the state don’t deserve leniency. These terrorists are even using women as weapons, which goes against our traditions.”
He emphasised that the state still prefers dialogue. “If someone has grievances, they should sit and talk. But if talks fail, action is inevitable,” he warned.
