The Pak Army has announced a nationwide military operation dubbed “Azm-e-Istehkam” (Resolve for Stability). Reportedly there has been increased military activity in multiple areas of Pak-occupied-Balochistan province, raising concerns among local populations.
In Kalat district, a surge in the presence of Pak Army forces and Army-backed militias (known as death squads) in Harboi, Gazg, and surrounding areas are witnessed. This escalation follows days of ongoing military operations in the region.
Simultaneously, large-scale military supplies have been observed arriving at installations in Mastung district, PoB, suggesting a potential intensification of operations.
The operation, approved in June, aims to combat militancy and address rising armed violence across the country. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, has reportedly sought US arms support to ensure the operation’s success.
However, the military campaign has faced criticism from Baloch and Pashtun communities. Khalil Baloch, former chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), characterized “Azm-e-Istehkam” as ongoing military “brutality” in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He suggested the operation’s true purpose is to secure the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and appease Chinese interests.
The Army’s operations in PoB and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have always resulted in mass killings, enforced disappearances, mass destruction, and the relocation of entire populations.
Military operations have become frequent in Pak-occupied-Balochistan, innocent Baloch community are living in fear and atrocity since the forceful occupation in 1948.