BLA has advanced weapons, our army unable to counter them: major admission by Pakistan defence minister

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan’s security challenges in Balochistan appear to be growing as Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted in the National Assembly that the Pakistani army has failed to effectively counter the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) active in the province. He said both the government and the military have been unsuccessful in controlling insurgent activities in Balochistan.

Khawaja Asif stated that the BLA possesses sophisticated and modern weapons, which in several cases are superior to the resources available with the Pakistani army. He acknowledged that Pakistani security forces have suffered heavy losses in recent violent clashes. The BLA has claimed that more than 200 Pakistani soldiers were killed in three days of fighting, though these claims have not been independently verified.

The defence minister said that Balochistan accounts for more than 40 percent of Pakistan’s total land area, making security arrangements across such a vast region extremely difficult. He added that army personnel are under immense pressure, and patrolling and surveillance over the large terrain have become increasingly challenging.

Asif further revealed that Baloch insurgents are equipped with modern rifles, night vision devices, heat-detecting lasers, and full combat gear. He admitted that many of these advanced tools are available to the Pakistani army only in limited numbers. He also accused the insurgents of targeting Punjabi labourers, civilians, and people from economically weaker sections.

However, the defence minister ruled out any possibility of talks with the BLA, calling it a terrorist organisation. He said there could be no compromise with those who target women and children.

This admission comes at a time when BLA fighters have claimed growing influence in more than 15 cities of Balochistan and control over several areas. The statement highlights Pakistan’s internal security challenges, with separatist activities in Balochistan continuing to intensify.