ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday stated that India’s reaction to the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan has, in effect, validated Islamabad’s longstanding concerns about external involvement in destabilizing activities within the country.
During his weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized Pakistan’s continued commitment to regional peace, dialogue, and diplomacy, while asserting that the country would firmly safeguard its sovereignty and national interests.
Last month, militants belonging to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carried out coordinated attacks across various districts of Balochistan, resulting in the martyrdom of 22 security personnel and 36 civilians.
According to a January 31 statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attacks were attributed to militants linked to India-sponsored “Fitna al-Hindustan.” The assaults targeted civilian areas in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies responded with extensive clearance operations throughout the province, during which 92 alleged India-backed militants, including three suicide bombers, were killed.
Addressing broader regional issues, Andrabi also noted that this month marks the 19th anniversary of the Samjhauta Express bombing, an attack that claimed over 70 lives. He referred to reported confessions by Swami Aseemanand and Indian Colonel Shrikant Purohit in connection with the case, adding that the accused remain at large.
The spokesperson criticized India for failing to ensure accountability in the Samjhauta case and dismissed a recent statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs as unfounded.
Reiterating Pakistan’s position, Andrabi concluded that Islamabad seeks peaceful relations in the region but will continue to raise concerns over what it views as hostile actions undermining its internal security.
