People of Balochistan fully understand their bond with Pakistan: DG ISPR

Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that the Pakistan Army has no interest in harming innocent civilians under the guise of counter-terrorism operations.

Speaking to students from Balochistan, the DG ISPR said that misconceptions are often spread about the province. “We are made to believe that the people and youth of Balochistan are disconnected from Pakistan. In reality, the people of the province fully understand their bond with the country and with their own province,” he added.

فوج کا کوئی انٹرسٹ نہیں کہ معصوم لوگوں کو دہشتگردی کے الزام میں مارے، اُن کا تو کوئی قصور نہیں ہے، ہاں سہولت کاروں کو نتائج بُھگتنا پڑیں گے، دہشتگردی کی سزا پورے علاقے، پورے گائوں اور پورے شہر کو نہیں دی جا سکتی، ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر pic.twitter.com/RQSVTuPNNk

— Khurram Iqbal (@khurram143) August 16, 2025

Paying tribute to Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar, who was martyred in a recent operation, Gen Chaudhry described him as an exceptional officer and “a proud son of the soil.” He recalled that Major Kakar had earlier played a key role in neutralising terrorists involved in the Gwadar attack.

The DG ISPR highlighted that military actions are based on intelligence information to ensure precision and safeguard civilian lives. He noted that successful operations rely on cooperation from the local residents in identifying militants, rather than indiscriminate clearance operations.

“If threats are left unaddressed, they may resurface once troops withdraw,” he cautioned.

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Gen Chaudhry further warned that those who shelter militants or keep explosives in their homes would face consequences, but insisted that entire communities should not be punished for the actions of a few individual.

He praised the people of Balochistan for standing against extremism, noting that the army works closely with local administrations and the public to apprehend terrorists and their facilitators.

Highlighting Pakistan’s founding principles, he said the state was created on the basis of the Kalma, transcending ethnic and linguistic divisions.

He cited examples of educated and accomplished Baloch citizens, including scientist Samad Yar Jang, sportsman Shahzaib Rind, and women serving as deputy commissioners to illustrate that the province’s youth are shaping their own futures.

The ISPR chief also pointed out that Balochistan is home to a diverse population, with Pashtuns comprising over 30 per cent of its residents, while more ethnic Baloch live outside the province than within it.