The operation will focus on targeting the key terrorist organizations active in Balochistan.
Pakistan has decided to launch a comprehensive military operation against militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan following a series of deadly attacks. The Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan approved the operation on November 19, 2024, during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with senior civil and military officials, including Army Chief General Asim Munir, in attendance.
The operation aims to target the major terrorist groups operating in Balochistan, such as the Majeed Brigade, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), and Balochistan Raaji Anjou-R-Sanger (BRAS). These groups have been responsible for attacks on civilians and foreign nationals, aiming to destabilize Pakistan’s economy by creating insecurity under the influence of hostile foreign powers.
The meeting focused on “Reinvigorating Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism (CT) Campaign” and addressed the evolving security situation, counterterrorism measures, and other key challenges, including law and order, efforts to promote sub-nationalism, religious extremism, and the illegal crime-terror nexus. Additionally, the committee discussed strategies for combating disinformation campaigns.
A key outcome of the meeting was the emphasis on a unified political approach and a cohesive national narrative to tackle these challenges effectively. Participants stressed the importance of political support across party lines and national consensus for a renewed counterterrorism effort under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework. They agreed to revitalize the National Counterterrorism Agency (NACTA) and establish National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centres.
A holistic approach was adopted, integrating diplomatic, political, intelligence, socio-economic, and military efforts to address the security challenges. Strengthening collaboration between the federal and provincial governments, as well as between relevant institutions and ministries, was highlighted as essential for the seamless execution of the counterterrorism campaign.
The meeting also decided to form district coordination committees under the Provincial Apex Committees to ensure the effective implementation of directives from federal and provincial authorities. The forum demonstrated political commitment to dismantling the crime-terror nexus and illegal networks fueling insecurity.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif urged all stakeholders to implement the proposed initiatives with urgency and dedication, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, safeguard its citizens, and promote economic and social stability. The Army Chief reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s commitment to eliminating all threats to national security and supporting the government’s peace and stability initiatives.
