From Political Grievance to Criminal Cartels
Addressing the National Assembly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif laid down a firm marker for the state: there is no longer any room for “rationalizing violence.” While acknowledging that the unrest in Balochistan once held genuine political and nationalistic undertones. Asif argued that the movement has undergone a dark transformation.
The Minister contended that what was once a push for rights has been “hijacked” by a powerful smuggling mafia. This transition, he explained, was fueled by trillions of rupees lost to illicit trade—specifically oil. As the government tightened border controls and cracked down on smuggling, these criminal elements reportedly pivoted. By using the cover of a “freedom movement” to protect their financial interests.
The Nexus of Smuggling and Insurgency
Asif painted a picture of a complex “nexus” involving corrupt bureaucracy, certain tribal leaders, and criminal gangs. He highlighted the staggering profits at stake, noting that some groups were making up to Rs4 billion daily by selling smuggled Iranian oil at massive markups. According to the Minister, the recent spike in violence is a direct retaliation against the state’s efforts to dismantle these lucrative illegal networks.
He further challenged the popular narrative of “missing persons,” suggesting that many individuals. These lists are actually militants killed in active combat. To Asif, the current conflict isn’t about human rights or regional deprivation, which he dismissed by citing Balochistan’s significant share of national funds and infrastructure, but rather a calculated effort by a “criminal mafia” to maintain their grip on the province’s resources.
Khawaja Asif: A High-Tech Threat and the State’s Response
The scale of the challenge is both geographical and technological. Asif reminded the House that Balochistan is vast. Sparsely populated terrain makes patrolling an immense physical hurdle. More concerning, however, is the sophisticated weaponry being used by militants. He pointed out that groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) are equipped with high-end gear, including rifles and thermal sights worth thousands of dollars—equipment that often outclasses local law enforcement.
In the wake of coordinated attacks that left dozens of civilians and security personnel dead, the Minister’s message was uncompromising: the state will not negotiate with those who target innocent people or use “freedom” as a mask for organized crime. He called for a unified front from the political leadership, urging them to set aside differences and stand firmly behind the security forces to reclaim the province from criminal influence.
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