Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, has accused foreign intelligence agencies of fueling unrest in the southwestern Balochistan region and supporting militant groups.
In recent statements to Asharq Al-Awsat, he revealed that Pakistan had obtained what he described as “irrefutable” evidence linking these unnamed agencies to the region’s turmoil.
Islamabad has implemented stricter regulations on foreign funding to insurgent groups, unveiling a plan to dismantle militant hideouts and curb the infiltration of terrorist elements across its borders.
On the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Jeddah, Dar reiterated his country’s firm rejection of any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from their homeland.
He stressed the urgent need to prevent the continuation of Israel’s illegal settlement activities, labeling them a blatant violation of international law, United Nations resolutions, and the principles of justice and fairness.
The minister also expressed Pakistan's appreciation for the relentless efforts of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the Arab League, and other international partners, all of whom are working tirelessly to restore peace in the region and craft a tangible plan for the reconstruction of Gaza.
“The extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah is being convened at a critical time. There is widespread public outrage in the entire Muslim Ummah at Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza and other Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) for the last 17 months,” Dar told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, and Israel continues to prevent critical aid from reaching millions of Palestinians in dire need. Israeli atrocities in the Occupied West Bank also continue,” he added.
Describing the OIC meeting as timely, Dar said it offers another pivotal platform to amplify voices in condemning the ongoing injustice being inflicted upon the Palestinians, by taking a unified and resolute stance in support of Palestine.
Dar linked the making of peace in the region to the necessity of ending the war in Palestine and Lebanon, and halting Israeli aggression in Syria.
“Peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without Israel's complete withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as other occupied Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan,” he said.
“Israel’s continued occupation as well its repeated violations of international law, and aggression against countries of the region from Syria to Lebanon remain at the heart of the ongoing instability in the region,” added Dar.
“We have, and will continue to, stand by the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination, which will ultimately lead to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” he affirmed.
“We will also continue to urge the international community to take immediate and decisive steps to end Israeli impunity for lasting peace in the region.”
Regarding the plan to address Israel's refusal to allow aid and food into Gaza, Dar said: “The Government of Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms all Israeli actions aimed at restricting humanitarian aid to Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Israel’s recent decision to block aid from entering Gaza, during the Holy month of Ramadan.”
“Such actions constitute a blatant violation of international law by the occupying power, and could imperil the ceasefire agreement. Irrespective of which plan is implemented on ground to deliver aid, it is imperative that the Israeli impunity is ended forthwith,” he added.
“The international community must ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, and to hold Israel accountable for the imposition of collective punishment through denial of humanitarian aid to millions of civilians,” noted Dar.
Dar reiterated that Pakistan will continue to press for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for meticulous implementation of all stages of the agreement.
He underscored his country’s clear stance on the Palestinian issue and the importance of ending the war against Gaza.
He stressed the necessity for the return of all displaced Palestinians to their homes, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Palestinian territories, and the increase in humanitarian aid.
This includes the continued operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), as well as international efforts to rebuild Gaza as soon as possible.
“Pakistan will also continue to unequivocally oppose any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their ancestral lands, expand illegal Israeli settlements or to annex any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” asserted Dar.
“We have always, and shall continue to stand by our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their just struggle for self-determination, as well as for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” he reiterated.
Regarding the present and future of Saudi-Pakistani relations, Dar said: “Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoy strong and historic relations that are manifested in the form of strategic ties for a multifaceted partnership aimed at mutual prosperity.”
“We remain strongly committed to further strengthening bilateral economic and strategic ties between our two countries, including by exploring avenues for broad-based collaboration in trade, investment, energy, defense, and commercial sectors,” he added.
As for efforts made by the government to address the security challenges in the Balochistan province, Dar confirmed that the government of Pakistan has undertaken a multi-faceted approach to address the security concerns, incorporating military operations, law enforcement reforms, socio-economic initiatives, and counterterrorism measures.
“The government has launched multiple military operations targeting insurgents and terrorist networks operating in Balochistan. These include intelligence-based operations (IBOs) led to dismantle militant hideouts and curb cross-border infiltration of terrorist elements,” he said.
“The Federal and Provincial governments have prioritized enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, including equipping the police, levies forces, and paramilitary units with modern surveillance and combat equipment,” he added.
“There is a particular focus on training and recruitment to bridge personnel shortages in security forces. Socio-economic development is central to the government's strategy.”
“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, particularly Gwadar Port, road networks and industrial zones are aimed to improve economic opportunities and reduce local grievances that contribute to instability.”
“The construction of Gwadar International Airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity and trade.”
“There is irrefutable evidence of foreign intelligence agencies fueling unrest in Balochistan by supporting militant groups,” revealed Dar.
“To counteract this, besides making diplomatic efforts, the government has prioritized border security enhancements, and stricter regulations on foreign funding of insurgent groups,” he clarified.
According to Dar, the government has also initiated programs to reintegrate former insurgents into society through amnesty schemes and economic rehabilitation projects. These efforts are aimed to encourage militants to abandon violence and engage in constructive activities.
