India’s Hybrid War in Balochistan

Описание: Defence and security analyst Brigadier (retd) Waqar Hassan Khan said the recent surge in militant attacks in Balochistan was part of a broader regional power contest aimed at destabilising Pakistan and slowing development in the resource-rich province. He argued that India had pursued a sustained policy of backing separatist violence for more than a decade, citing past cases and public statements by Indian officials, and said the latest coordinated assaults reflected both foreign support and militant frustration after security forces disrupted networks in recent months. Khan said the attacks were designed to project instability through violence, chaos and a parallel information campaign, even as he claimed militant groups had suffered heavy losses and left trails that could help security agencies dismantle remaining cells.

Khan said a purely military response would be insufficient, calling instead for a comprehensive strategy combining security operations with political engagement, economic reform and youth inclusion. He said long-standing grievances, underdevelopment and poor governance had left space for militant recruitment, while external actors exploited regional rivalries linked to Gwadar, CPEC and instability along the Afghan and Iranian borders. While backing firm action against armed groups, he said dialogue should remain open for those willing to abandon violence and rejoin the mainstream, with greater responsibility placed on provincial leadership and tribal elites. Pakistan, he added, must also counter India through diplomatic, economic and information channels while accelerating development and visibility in Balochistan to undercut militant narratives.