Islamabad: Pakistan’s military has announced the conclusion of an intensive counter-insurgency campaign in the restive province of Balochistan, saying it has killed at least 216 militants linked to separatist violence and other armed groups. The announcement on Thursday comes after days of heavy clashes that have marked one of the most serious escalations in the decades-long conflict in Pakistan’s southwest.
The large-scale operations, launched in response to coordinated militant offensives, involved sustained engagements between security forces and fighters in multiple districts across Balochistan. Military authorities reported that after days of pursuit and clearance operations, the campaign had achieved its immediate objectives, with the official tally of militant fatalities reaching 216.
The surge in violence began late last month when armed fighters, including elements of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and similarly designated groups, orchestrated near-simultaneous attacks on civilian and security targets across the province. These assaults struck police stations, banks, markets, and other infrastructure in an unprecedented offensive that shocked residents and authorities alike.
In one of the worst incidents, militants seized control of the police station and several government offices in the desert town of Nushki, triggering a fierce three-day standoff. Security forces were eventually able to retake control, supported by reinforcements that included helicopters and armed drones a tactic reflecting the intensity and scale of the confrontation.
While the military’s focus has been on eliminating militant threats, the violence has taken a heavy toll on civilians and security personnel. Independent reports suggest that coordinated militant attacks have resulted in dozens of civilian deaths, including women and children, alongside casualties among law enforcement and military ranks.
In some engagements, Baloch fighters reportedly employed tactics such as using civilian populations as shields while launching assaults on state security installations complicating efforts to protect non-combatants and maintain order.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, is rich in natural resources and strategically significant due to its borders with Iran and Afghanistan and its hosting of major infrastructure projects, including parts of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The region has long been a flashpoint for separatist aspirations and periodic insurgent campaigns rooted in ethnic nationalism, perceived political marginalization, and economic grievances.
Analysts note that while security operations can temporarily disrupt militant capacities, they do not address deeper grievances that fuel the insurgency. Past efforts have shown that meaningful political dialogue and socio-economic development are essential components if long-term peace is to be achieved in Balochistan.
Islamabad has consistently labelled the insurgent violence as not only separatist, but also influenced by external support a claim strongly denied by neighbouring countries. The state’s designation of armed groups under labels such as “Fitna al-Hindustan” underscores the political framing of the conflict as one intertwined with regional rivalries.
International observers, including the United Nations Security Council, have condemned recent militant attacks and expressed concern over the civilian casualties, underscoring the urgent need for restraint and protection of non-combatants.
Although military officials have declared the operation concluded, sporadic clashes and smaller insurgent actions are expected to continue given the entrenched nature of the conflict. Observers point out that that without a comprehensive strategy blending security measures with political reforms and economic investment, Balochistan’s cycle of violence may persist despite recurrent crackdowns.
For now, authorities are focused on consolidating gains from the operation, restoring public services disrupted during the clashes, and reassuring local communities as normalcy slowly returns to affected areas. Nonetheless, the events of recent weeks serve as a reminder of how deep-seated and complex the challenge of stabilising Balochistan remains both for Pakistan and for the broader region.