Field Marshal Munir reaffirms peace, prosperity of Balochistan central to state’s efforts | The Express Tribune

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday said the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Balochistan were core to the state’s efforts, according to the military’s media wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Field Marshal Munir visited Quetta Garrison and interacted with commanders and commanding officers of field formations.

He reaffirmed that the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Balochistan remained central to the state’s efforts.

“ A stable and secure environment would continue to facilitate development initiatives, economic opportunities and improved prospects for the people of the province,” he said.

During the visit, he was given a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness and measures being taken to maintain peace and stability across the province.

Read: 48 terrorists killed in IBOs across Balochistan over 72 hours: ISPR

Matters relating to institutional coordination and support for the socio-economic development of Balochistan were also reviewed, the statement said.

The army chief appreciated the professionalism, operational readiness and selfless commitment of the troops.

He underscored the importance of continued coordination among law enforcement agencies and other state institutions to consolidate peace and maintain an environment conducive to sustained economic activity and development.

Field Marshal Munir also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs and appreciated the dedication of officers and troops in the discharge of their duties.

He was received earlier on arrival by the Quetta Corps commander.

Terrorism is a growing problem for Pakistan, with the number of attacks rising every year since 2022, according to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a global monitoring organisation. Data from ACLED shows attacks in Pakistan rose nearly fourfold to 2,425 in 2025 from 658 in 2022, and over the same period, TTP attacks increased more than sevenfold to 838 from 118.

Although Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has borne the brunt of terrorism, Balochistan has also remained a major target of Indian proxies, which often target civilians and military installations in the province.

The forces continued operations across the provinces against what the state describes as Indian-sponsored terrorists and their proxies, but despite these efforts, the groups have continued to target civilian and defence installations.

In one such operation earlier this week, security forces killed 48 “Indian sponsored terrorists” in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan.

In another operation, security forces killed 21 terrorists in a series of operations in Balochistan’s Chagai and Pishin districts and at Ziarat Cross. Six security personnel, including two officers, and a Customs official were also martyred during the engagements.