Pakistan Army Chief says Balochistan militants are ‘foreign proxies’

Pakistan Army Chief notes Balochistan militants are 'foreign proxies' Published – August 21, 2026 02: 15 pm IST – Islamabad.

Key points

• Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Friday (August 21, 2026) described militants active in Balochistan as "foreign- proxies" working to destabilise the restive province.
• In March 2025, the BLA hijacked a train in Bolan, killing at least 59 individuals and taking hundreds more hostage.
• The BLA has over recent years stepped up attacks targeting security forces, administration installations, Chinese nationals and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• In May, the BLA carried out a suicide bombing attack on a shuttle train in Quetta, killing at least 47 individuals and injuring 98 others.
• Asim Munir speaks during a ceremony at the joint military command headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Asim Munir speaks during a ceremony at the joint military command headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. File Photo Credit: AP.

Mr. Munir created the remarks while interacting with prominent figures and political leaders from Balochistan, according to a statement issued by the army.

Balochistan has been facing a long-running separatist insurgency led by groups, including the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). It seeks independence for the mineral-rich province.

Mr. Munir stressed that the present and future of Balochistan and Pakistan are "one and forever".

Without naming any country, he alleged that militants active in the province "are foreign- proxies being employed by hostile elements to destabilise Balochistan, obstruct its development and create a wedge between the state and its people".

Mr. Munir remarked the destiny of Balochistan rests only in the hands of its residents.

Insurgents demanding independence for Balochistan have been alleging political marginalisation and exploitation of the province's natural resources by the central administration.

Meanwhile, the BLA has over recent years stepped up attacks targeting security forces, administration installations, Chinese nationals and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In July, militants attacked a police check post in the Ziarat area, in which 27 policemen were killed.

In January, the group carried out coordinated attacks throughout a number of districts of the province, targeting security installations, administration buildings and civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel.

In short, pakistan Army Chief says Balochistan militants are 'foreign proxies' is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.