By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Army Chief Highlights Security and Development Priorities
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring peace and progress in Balochistan, warning that India-backed proxies such as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij were working to destabilize the province. Addressing participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Tuesday, the army chief stated that these hostile networks were pursuing anti-people and anti-development agendas aimed at spreading violence.
“All necessary actions are being taken to pursue these terrorists and rid the province of this menace,” he asserted, emphasizing the military’s determination to safeguard national security and regional stability.
Balochistan as a Symbol of National Pride
Field Marshal Asim Munir described Balochistan as “the pride of Pakistan,” highlighting the resilience, patriotism, and strength of its people. He praised the province’s potential for socio-economic growth, pointing out that the federal and provincial governments were focusing on people-centric development projects to transform Balochistan’s economic landscape.
The army chief underscored that real progress in Balochistan depended on unity and collaboration among all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, and local communities. “The province is endowed with vibrant and patriotic people who are its true wealth,” he said, noting that their participation is vital for long-term prosperity and social harmony.
Role of Civil Society and Youth Empowerment
COAS Munir commended civil society organizations for their role in promoting education, social cohesion, and empowerment among the youth. He stressed that the younger generation represented the backbone of Pakistan’s future and must be engaged in constructive efforts to counter divisive and extremist narratives.
Highlighting the importance of an informed and active youth, he said that young Pakistanis should resist manipulation by external elements and focus on nation-building. “The youth of Balochistan are full of potential, and their inclusion in development programs is essential for sustainable progress,” he added.
Commitment to National Sovereignty and Regional Peace
While emphasizing Pakistan’s desire for regional peace and stability, Field Marshal Asim Munir made it clear that any attempt to violate the country’s territorial integrity — whether direct or indirect — would be met with a decisive and firm response. He reaffirmed that the armed forces were fully capable of defending the nation against internal and external threats.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which participants discussed development priorities, national security, and governance challenges in Balochistan.
Ongoing Challenges in Balochistan and KP
Recent reports from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) reveal that Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) continue to bear the brunt of terrorism-related incidents, accounting for more than 96% of total violence across the country. Balochistan alone witnessed nearly 25% of total fatalities, underscoring the urgency of sustained counterterrorism and development efforts.
During his last visit to the province, Field Marshal Munir emphasized the importance of coordinated civil-military efforts to address long-standing issues faced by the people of Balochistan and to promote peace, stability, and progress across the region.