Pakistan says it has ‘concrete proof’ of Indian role in Balochistan terrorism

Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership on Saturday accused India of sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan, vowing to crush all foreign-backed militant networks operating in the restive province.

“We have concrete proof of India’s hand behind terrorist networks operating in Balochistan,” said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the chief of army staff, during a rare joint appearance with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a grand tribal jirga in Quetta.

“This Indian-sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden,” Munir said. “It is an open malicious act of terrorism waged on our people, our progress, and our peace.”

The jirga, held at Zehri Auditorium, brought together senior military commanders, government officials, and tribal elders to discuss the evolving security situation in Balochistan — a province that has long struggled with insurgency and underdevelopment.

‘No space for enemies of peace’

The prime minister warned that Indian-backed groups such as “Fitna Al-Hindustan” are attempting to exploit local grievances and disrupt peace through sabotage and propaganda.

“These proxies have intensified efforts to destabilize the province and derail development initiatives led by the government and armed

forces,” Shehbaz said. “But the enemies of peace will find no space to operate within Pakistan.”

He said the state would pursue terrorism to its “logical conclusion” with the full force of law enforcement, the military, and the public.

Field Marshal Munir assured the tribal elders that the Pakistan Army remains fully alert and prepared to counter any threat to national sovereignty.

“The nefarious attempts of the enemy will fail,” he said. “The Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people, will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty.”

Peace in Balochistan 'non-negotiable'

The army chief reiterated that peace in Balochistan was “non-negotiable” and that the region’s stability was essential to Pakistan’s future.

Both leaders praised the resilience of the Baloch people and the sacrifices made by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in battling terrorism. Shehbaz offered full support to the families of fallen soldiers and vowed that no terrorist or facilitator would be spared.

The prime minister also stressed the need to deliver the benefits of development directly to the people of Balochistan, saying inclusive governance and grassroots engagement were crucial to lasting peace.

“The people of Balochistan have historically played a key role in safeguarding Pakistan’s unity,” he said. “We must remain vigilant against foreign-backed subversion.”

The tribal elders at the jirga pledged their full support to the government and armed forces, promising to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with state institutions in their efforts to restore order and prosperity.

Earlier in the day, Shehbaz visited the Command and Staff College in Quetta, where he addressed military officers and faculty. He called for professional excellence and strategic foresight as Pakistan navigates “emerging and hybrid threats” — particularly those linked to terrorism in sensitive border regions like Balochistan.

“The government remains deeply committed to strengthening defense institutions and enhancing national security,” he said.

India has consistently denied allegations of supporting terrorism in Pakistan. However, Pakistani authorities maintain that they possess actionable intelligence and have repeatedly raised the issue in diplomatic and international forums.

The sharp remarks from Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership come at a time of heightened regional tension and renewed militant activity in Balochistan.