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India must inflict sustained punishment on Pakistan to end proxy war in Kashmir

Nilesh Kunwar
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India must inflict sustained punishment on Pakistan to end proxy war in Kashmir

Sound and Fury
The international community’s vociferous condemnation of the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack on tourists in J&K’s Pahalgam area is indeed reassuring, and so is its unconditional expression of solidarity with India in its war against terror. However, there should be no cause for celebrations because past experience has proved beyond any doubt that expecting anything meaningful to emerge from this high decibel global rhetoric would be puerile.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) disclosed that US President Trump had spoken to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the phone and “strongly condemned the (Pahalgam) terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack.” While he had also stated that “India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror,” by subsequently saying that “they’ll (India and Pakistan) get it figured out one way or the other, Trump conveniently washed his hands off this horrendous terrorist attack involving religious profiling. UK’s Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer appeared to be more forthright. He announced that “We want to see the perpetrators held to justice properly, and we will be supporting India to do so.” He also clarified that though the BBC had referred to this attack as “militancy,” the British government held the view that “this was a horrific terrorist attack.” However, in an apparent bid to pacify the British Muslim community, Falconer tried to give this barefaced terrorist attack a modicum of legitimacy by linking it to the Kashmir issue and calling upon India and Pakistan to resolve the same through “direct dialogue.”

Defiant Perpetrator
Despite sponsoring terrorist groups and employing them for waging proxy wars against India for over three decades, Pakistan remains defiant since the international community has shamelessly allowed it to (in the words of then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) keep “snakes” in the backyard for biting neighbours.

The fact that UN Security Council designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed carrying a US$10 million bounty announced by Washington under its ‘Rewards for Justice’ programme for masterminding the horrific 9/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks was able to roam about freely in Pakistan for seven years is, but one example of US double speak regarding its commitment.

Even Trump had in 2018 called out Pakistan’s perfidy by saying that “we have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists [Afghan Taliban] that we are fighting.” But despite hosting both the Taliban, Al Qaida founder and 9/11 attack mastermind Osama bin Laden and a slew of other designated global terrorists, Washington took no action against Pakistan.

Accepting Terrorist Links
In a 2015 TV interview, Pakistan’s former President and ex-army chief Gen Pervez Musharraf unabashedly accepted that Pakistan was sponsoring terrorist groups. He revealed that “In the 1990s, the freedom struggle [sic] began in Kashmir. At that time Lashkar-e-Taiba and 11 or 12 other organisations were formed. We supported them and trained them as they were fighting in Kashmir at the cost of their lives.”

A few days ago, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was reminded by a journalist about Islamabad’s “long history of backing and supporting and training and funding these terrorist organisations.” Asif not only unhesitatingly admitted that “we have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades, you know, and the West, including Britain,” but even had the gall to say that “If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and later on the war after 9/11, Pakistan’s track record… was an unimpeachable track record.”

And just the other day, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar openly flaunted Islamabad’s continued patronage to terrorist groups by disclosing that he had got reference to The Resistance Front [TRF] which had taken responsibility for the Pahalgam attack on tourists removed from the UN Security Council statement on this incident. He even came to TRF’s rescue by contending that it was merely a “forum” and as such couldn’t be classified as a terrorist group. 

Despite Islamabad coming out in open support of a terrorist group that killed tourists after subjecting them to religious profiling, the international community’s stoic silence on Pakistan’s institutionalised patronage and such groups of cold-blooded murderers is inexplicable. It also goes to show that despite talking glibly about rejecting terrorism in all its forms and defending human rights, the world really doesn’t care or doesn’t want to get involved in addressing the growing scourge of terrorism.

India’s Response
While New Delhi has rightly been raising diplomatic ante against Pakistan’s proxy war through its sponsored terrorists posing as so-called “freedom fighters,” the fact that Islamabad is impervious to any civil discourse renders this approach futile. Hence, India needs to supplement diplomacy with other hard measures that hurt Pakistan because that’s the only language it seems to understand. However, the temptation to solely restrict such means to kinetic measures needs to be avoided for several reasons.

Firstly, striking terrorists and the infrastructure they use would only cause only temporary disruption in their activities. So, while kinetic actions definitely act as deterrents, it doesn’t hurt Rawalpindi much for two reasons- one since it has no obligation towards the next of kin of deceased terrorists, loss of terrorist fighters matters little especially since there are plenty of radicalised and unemployed youth to replace those killed. Two, infrastructure in terrorist training and billeting camps is rudimentary and requires little time and money for re-establishment.

Secondly, after the Balakot air strikes, ISI has started creating terrorist camps in close vicinity of populated areas and this greatly increases the chances of collateral damage. Even if this does not happen, it’s very easy for the ISI to orchestrate the same after any punitive attack. Moreover, repeated retributory strikes would give Pakistan the opportunity to portray India as an irresponsible muscle-flexing country as well as play the victim card, and with opportunist allies like China, Islamabad would be able to have its way.

Thirdly, assets (both individuals and equipment) being used for punitive strikes per se run the risk of attrition, no matter how well planned and professionally executed with advanced the technology the strikes may be, and the downing of seven state of art US drones including M9 Reapers by Houthis in Yemen during the last six weeks is a case in point. Hence, while the possibility of losing assets shouldn’t be an inhibiting factor, the financial implications and psychological impact in such an eventuality needs to be carefully weighed against the benefits being accrued.

Cost Effective Alternatives
While responding to a provocative act with appropriate force does have some salutary effect and placates public anger, it seldom serves as a permanent solution to the problem. In fact, this approach more often than not degenerates into an ongoing cycle of violence as governments try to and slake their peoples’ insatiable thirst for revenge. Hence despite its disadvantages, physical retribution becomes an indispensable part of every country’s national policy.  

So, India should definitely consider punitive actions against Pakistan for not only masterminding the Pahalgam massacre but also defending the perpetrators. However, using indirect means to inflict sustained punishment on Pakistan needs to become the cornerstone of India’s anti-proxy war policy and New Delhi’s momentous decision of holding Indus Water Treaty in abeyance is a major step in this direction as it will undoubtedly hit Pakistan where it hurts the most.

Many analysts and experts opine that this action lacks legal legitimacy and have pointed out that New Delhi’s objective of not allowing a drop of water to reach Pakistan is unattainable as India doesn’t have the requisite infrastructure to store the diverted water. While this exposition does have merit, to rubbish the same on the grounds of it being legally untenable would be a grave mistake.

Indus Water Treaty may not have any provisions for unilateral actions. But then, when Pakistan has been openly violating international laws as well as UN Security Council resolutions by harbouring proscribed terrorist entities and groups as well as waging a proxy war in J&K, isn’t India well within its rights to find and exploit legal loopholes to combat Islamabad’s nefarious designs by holding Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance?

Holding that “The language of ‘abeyance’ is deliberate,” Nishant Sirohi, a Law and Society Fellow at Transitions Research brings out the fact that “India has neither withdrawn from the [IWT] treaty nor altered river flows, but paused procedural cooperation-using law, not water, for leverage.” He calls this “Legal diplomacy, where restraint amplifies impact,” emphasising that “India has not withdrawn from the treaty; nor has it diverted water flows or breached allocation quotas.” Sirohi’s argument is compelling. He has clarified that “India has temporarily suspended procedural cooperation, i.e. participation in dispute resolution forums, joint mechanisms, and routine diplomatic engagements tied to treaty operation.” Accordingly, he’s sanguine that New Delhi’s action “is not abandonment [of IWT]; it is a calibrated form of legal restraint, undertaken in the face of a long-standing, unaddressed wrongful state-sponsored act of terrorism that strikes at the core of trust on which the IWT was premised.”

Another viable option for New Delhi is to allocate and so position its Special Forces and sophisticated military hardware that they are capable of carrying out punitive strikes at short notice across the Line of Control [LoC]. The aim should be to present a credible and perpetual ‘threat in being’ that would tire-out the Pakistan Army and wear-out its equipment through prolonged deployment, forcing it to squander a substantial part of its meager foreign reserves for importing sophisticated military equipment to counter this threat.  

As diplomacy has failed to resolve the issue of cross-border terrorism being sponsored by Pakistan, New Delhi needs to expand its armoury with an array of initiatives that by inflicting insufferable retribution that’s enduring in nature can drive sense into Islamabad. While the old adage about the way a man’s heart being through his stomach implies that a well fed person is amenable, doesn’t an empty stomach too make people equally agreeable?

The Kashmiri Muslim who didn’t fall in Pak’s trap during Pahalgam terrorist attack

Nilesh Kunwar
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The Kashmiri Muslim who didn’t fall in Pak’s trap during Pahalgam terrorist attack

It couldn’t have been more perverse. On April 22, 2025 tourists enjoying the scenic beauty of Pahalgam’s famous Baisaran meadows in Kashmir were accosted by terrorists armed with M4 carbines and AK rifles. After establishing their religious affiliation, the terrorists singled out non-Muslims and shot them dead at point blank range in front of their family members. In this horrific attack, while 28 people were killed, more than 20 were seriously injured. Reminiscent of the Pakistan Army’s repulsive practice of using circumcision as a means to identify and segregate Hindus during the 1971 military clampdown (Operation Searchlight) in erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

The April 22nd targeted killing of Hindus also comes hard on the heels of the Pakistan Army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir’s questionable remark during his address at the Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad that fundamental incompatibilities between Hindus and Muslims make co-existence of these two communities impossible. 

Gen Munir had said, “Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different… That was the foundation of the Two-Nation Theory. It was laid on the belief that we are two nations, not one.” This utterance merits deliberation especially since the Pakistan Army chief has invoked what he contends is the belief of Pakistan’s forefathers.

In her seminal piece (Pakistan’s Descent into Religious Intolerance), former Pakistani Parliamentarian Farahnaz Isaphani mentions that “When Pakistan was created in 1947, its secular founding fathers did not speak of an Islamic State. Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared that non-Muslims would be equal citizens in the new country. Reflecting his secular views, Jinnah – himself a Shia – tried to establish a multi-confessional state, and he nominated a Hindu, several Shias and an Ahmadi to Pakistan’s first cabinet.”

If a Hindu’s “thought” is different from that of a Muslim, why was he included by the Qaid-e-Azam Jinnah in Pakistan’s first cabinet? And in any case, isn’t every religion, its customs, traditions as well as thoughts different from each other? So, while Pakistan was created to accommodate the Two-Nation theory, Gen Munir’s attempt of extending this ill-considered compromise package given by the departing British with utter disregard to historical realities for justifying irreconcilable religious incompatibility between Hindus and Muslims is indeed laughable.

Gen Munir apologists may contend that the timing of his rabid anti-Hindu rant and the Pahalagam terrorist attack targeting people belonging to this community (Hindus) is a mere coincidence. However, the fact of the matter is that for someone who is heading the army of a country that has a Hindu population (albeit only a miniscule percentage) as well as a sprinkling of this community in its rank and file to exhibit such religious intolerance is unbecoming of one in the honourable profession of arms and fuels religious radicalism.

The moot point is- where was the need for Gen Munir jumping-in to defend the Two Nation theory? Wasn’t his recent clarion call invoking the spirit of “Pakistaniat” (the unique national identity of Pakistan encompassing shared cultural heritage, values and a sense of belonging) good enough to galvanise public solidarity with the army?  However, given his own tottering image and plummeting public popularity of the Pakistan Army, Gen Munir’s desperate attempt to arouse anti-India sentiments and
invoke religion in a bid to salvage the situation is understandable.

From the visuals released by the Pakistan Army’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations [ISPR], it appears that the well educated audience of overseas Pakistanis appreciated Gen Munir’s Kashmir being Pakistan’s “jugular vein” chant and seemed to agree with his view that Hindus and Muslims couldn’t co-exist. While Gen Munir may be congratulating himself on the positive response to his speech, unknown to him, a humble Kashmiri has blown his fanciful narration apart.  

This person is Syed Adil Hussain Shah. In his early thirties, Shah was a pony owner who hailed from the village of Hapat Nar, about 20 Km from Pahalgam and earned his livelihood by taking terrorists to visit the Baisaran meadows from Pahalgam bus/taxi stop. On that fateful Tuesday (April 22), he was at the meadows with a tourist riding on his pony when the terrorists struck. Faced with an armed terrorist baying for the blood of Hindus, being a Muslim and a local, Shah knew that he was under no threat of bodily harm as long as he didn’t annoy the killers.

Syed Adil Hussain Shah

However, when Shah saw the tourist who had hired him being singled out for extinction by a terrorist, he decided to intervene. He first reasoned and then even argued with the terrorist but when the killer refused to spare the tourist, instead of letting things happen, Shah tried to snatch the terrorist’s rifle in an attempt to save his pony’s hirer.  Being unarmed Shah was unfortunately no match for the weapon wielding blood thirsty terrorist who pumped several bullets into the pony owner’s body killing him on the spot.

Shah was a devout Muslim while the tourist who had hired his pony was a Hindu. If Gen Munir’s claim of irreconcilable differences between Hindus and Muslims is indeed true, then Shah should have turned a blind eye and kept aloof as the terrorist proceeded to summarily dispatch the tourist. After all, the tourist had hired a pony and not requisitioned Shah’s services as a bodyguard; so why did this Kashmiri youth choose certain death for the sake of an unknown person?
Would Gen Munir please like to explain?

Since this question will remain unanswered, let’s analyse Shah’s motivation for laying down his life. Unlike Gen Munir, Shah may not have had extensive knowledge of Quranic teachings, but he certainly knew what Islam is all about. And perhaps it’s the “Whoever kills an innocent person it is as if he has killed all of humanity,” and “standing firm in justice” holy edicts that made him embrace death like a true Muslim.

Lastly, though Allama Muhammad Iqbal propagated the idea of a separate Muslim state, one of his famous lines is “mazhab nahin sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna” [religion doesn’t teach us to hate each other]. So, when Iqbal [who is hailed as the ‘Spiritual Father of Pakistan’] has this to say about inter-faith amity, aren’t Gen Munir’s attempts to incite Hindu-Muslim animosity by citing differences of religions pathetic?

Pashtuns & Baloch plan post-Eid uprising against Pakistan Army’s oppression

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Pashtuns & Baloch plan post-Eid uprising against Pakistan Army’s oppression

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has intensified its political mobilization, holding key meetings in Karachi and Khyber in response to Pakistan Army’s brutal crackdown on Baloch activists. PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen announced that Pashtuns and Baloch will unite in a common struggle against Panjabi Pak Army repression, with a decisive action plan set to launch after Eid.

“In the future, we Pashtuns and Baloch will unite and embark on a new journey. We are formulating a plan of action for this,” PTM said. The latest wave of suppression against Baloch protesters has triggered mass demonstrations across Pak-occupied-Balochistan. In Lasbela, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee organized a rally against the Pak forces’ violent crackdown on peaceful sit-ins and demanded the immediate release of detained activists. The protest drew large crowds, including families of enforced disappearance victims, further exposing the systematic persecution of ethnic minorities in Pakistan.

Panjabi-establishment under fire

For decades, Pakistan Army establishment—of the Panjabi elite—has exploited, marginalized, and oppressed Pashtuns and Baloch. While resources from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are plundered, the people of these regions face enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and military crackdowns under the guise of “national security.” The PTM has repeatedly highlighted how the Pakistan Army operates as an occupation force in these regions, silencing dissent with brute force.

At a political and organizational meeting in Sohrab Goth’s UC-2, PTM activists reaffirmed their commitment to the movement. “The movement in Karachi is fully prepared. We are not a silent movement; we are waiting for the right moment,” declared PTM leaders. They vowed that after Eid, PTM would enter the political arena with renewed strength, alongside comrades from the Khyber National Jirga.

In a blatant attempt to stifle political activism, Islamabad’s Judicial Magistrate Mureed Abbas, acting at the behest of the military establishment, has issued arrest warrants for prominent human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari, as well as PTM leaders Ali Wazir and Manzoor Pashteen. Despite the Paki establishment’s continuous repression, movements like PTM and Baloch activists remain steadfast in their struggle.

Under Pak Army pressure, court issues arrest warrant of Pashtun leaders

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Under Pak Army pressure, court issues arrest warrant of Pashtun leaders

In yet another display of Pak judiciary acting as a tool of the establishment, Islamabad’s Judicial Magistrate Mureed Abbas has issued arrest warrants for human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari, along with Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leaders Ali Wazir and Manzoor Pashteen. The move is widely an attempt to silence critical voices and suppress any resistance against the deep state’s authoritarian grip.

The court justified the arrest warrants by citing the repeated absence of the accused from court proceedings. However, many argue that these legal proceedings are nothing more than politically motivated tactics to intimidate and harass activists who have consistently called out the Pak Army’s oppressive policies in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and beyond. The accused are facing charges of allegedly organizing an anti-state march and disrupting public order—common accusations used by the establishment to target dissenters.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 26, with the court ensuring the presence of the accused through the issuance of arrest warrants. However, the absurdity of the judicial process is exposed by the fact that one of the accused, Ali Wazir, has already been imprisoned for the past nine months. The issuance of an arrest warrant for a man already behind bars reeks of incompetence or, more likely, deliberate malice by the Army apparatus. Wazir has been targeted for years due to his outspoken criticism of the Pak Army’s role in Pashtun lands, and this latest development only reinforces how the judiciary is weaponized against those who dare to speak up.

Criticism of the move has been swift. Imaan Mazari, a fierce critic of the military’s excesses and human rights violations, condemned the decision, calling it a blatant mockery of the legal system.

Pakistan’s deep state has long used fabricated cases, forced disappearances, and legal intimidation to break dissenters. The judiciary, instead of upholding justice, continues to function as an extension of the military’s will, ensuring that no voice of opposition remains free to challenge the status quo.

Jafar express BLA fidayeens laid to rest with honour in Mastung

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Jafar express BLA fidayeens laid to rest with honour in Mastung

The funeral of the Baloch Liberation Army’s (BLA) Fidayeen fighters, Osama Umar Baloch and Ahkamuddin Baloch, who were involved in the Jafar Express attack, was attended by a large number of mourners in their native village, Teri, Mastung. The funeral was held with full honors, as emotions ran high and grief enveloped the region.

A somber atmosphere prevailed during the funeral prayer, with men, women, and children gathering to pay their respects. Tears welled in every eye as the martyrs were laid to rest. Flowers were showered over their bodies and graves as a tribute to their ultimate sacrifice. The local community stood united in honoring their courage and commitment to their cause.

Earlier, the bodies were handed over to their families at Quetta Civil Hospital. However, the handover was not without turmoil, as Pak Army reportedly subjected the grieving families to violence, further aggravating their pain. Despite the hardships, the remains of the fallen fighters were transported to their ancestral village, where they received a hero’s farewell.

It should be noted that Quetta Civil Hospital had recently received around 23 bodies, most of whom were reportedly involved in the Bolan operation. Even now, grieving families remain stationed outside the hospital, desperately searching for their loved ones and awaiting identification.

BLA Martyrs Laid to Rest 

Both Osama Umar Baloch and Ahkamuddin Baloch played a significant role in the Jafar Express attack in Bolan, an operation that also involved taking Pak Army personnel hostage. The BLA, while releasing details of the two fighters, emphasized their bravery and commitment to the movement.

Osama Umar Baloch, known as Salal Baloch, was a 21-year-old from Sefaid Bulandi, Laki, in Mastung. He joined the BLA in 2022 and, after years of dedicated struggle, sacrificed his life in 2025. His journey from a young recruit to a martyr of the cause has left an indelible mark on the resistance.

Ahkamuddin Baloch, also known as Badal Baloch, belonged to Major Chowk, Mastung. As per the organization’s statement, he was a fearless commander in the Bolan region, where he played a crucial role in resisting opposing forces. He joined the BLA in 2021 and, within a year, pledged himself to the elite Majeed Brigade. His selfless dedication and leadership have ensured that his name will be remembered as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of the resistance.

Their funerals have once again ignited strong sentiments within the Baloch community, who continue to bear the brunt of conflict. The sacrifices of these martyrs have left a lasting impression, further strengthening the resolve of their supporters. The grief-stricken yet resilient community stands firm, honoring the fallen and vowing to keep their memories alive.

Kashmir: Save Sharda Committee welcomes Yatri Niwas announcement for Sharda Temple

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Kashmir: Save Sharda Committee welcomes Yatri Niwas announcement for Sharda Temple

The Save Sharda Committee Kashmir (Regd.) has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for announcing the construction of a Yatri Niwas at the historic Sharda Temple in Teetwal, Kashmir. The announcement was made during an assembly session in response to a question by MLA Javed Mirchal (Karnah). Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed plans for a cafeteria and emphasized the promotion of border tourism through home stays in the Karnah region. 

In an official statement, Ravinder Pandita, Head and Founder of the Save Sharda Committee, welcomed the decision but also raised concerns about the management of the Yatri Niwas. “Once completed, the Yatri Niwas should be handed over to our committee for its operation and maintenance,” Pandita said.

The committee has played a key role in constructing and managing the Sharda Temple and a Sikh Gurudwara at the site, with Ajaz Ahmad serving as the local coordinator. Pandita further urged the Tourism Department to allocate funds for the renovation and upgrade of home stays to accommodate the growing number of visitors. 

Last year, over 10,000 pilgrims and tourists visited the Sharda Temple at Teetwal, highlighting the urgent need for improved accommodation facilities. Currently, 31 home stays have been identified from Bag Bella to Teetwal to cater to the increasing influx of devotees and tourists. 

Pak Army raid homes in Quetta, abducts Baloch leader Nasser Qambrani

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Pak Army raid homes in Quetta, abducts Baloch leader Nasser Qambrani

In yet another case of enforced disappearance in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan (POB), Pakistan Army raided multiple homes in Quetta last night, forcibly abducting tribal leader Nasser Qambrani and transferring him to an undisclosed location.

At approximately 2 a.m., Pak security forces, along with CTD personnel and intelligence operatives, stormed the Killi Qambrani neighborhood, targeting the home of National Party leader Ghafar Qambrani and activist Bebo Baloch. The occupying forces subjected the residents to physical abuse, spreading terror within the community.

Shortly afterward, another raid was conducted at the residence of 59-year-old tribal elder Nasser Qambrani, where he was forcibly taken into custody and disappeared. As of now, his whereabouts remain unknown. Family members reported that Pak forces not only abducted Qambrani but also brutalized the household, confiscated their mobile phones, and left them in a state of fear and helplessness.

This is not the first time Nasser Qambrani has been targeted. He was previously abducted by Pak forces on August 20, 2015, and subjected to years of disappearance before being released in June 2018. His re-abduction underscores the Paki establishment’s continued campaign of terror against Baloch civilians.

Nine More Missing

This brutal raid is part of the systematic oppression and violence unleashed by the Pakistan Army since its illegal occupation of Balochistan in 1948. Over the decades, the Army has relied on enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture to crush dissent and tighten its grip on the region while exploiting its vast natural resources.

The enforced disappearances in POB have reached staggering levels, with countless students, political activists, and tribal elders falling victim to Army-sponsored abductions. Just yesterday, nine individuals were forcibly disappeared from Nushki by Pak forces, with no updates on their status.

Meanwhile, in Mastung and Mangchar (Kalat region), families of missing persons are staging protests, demanding justice and the return of their loved ones. Demonstrators have blocked major highways, highlighting the Baloch people’s growing resistance against Pakistan’s brutal policies.

For decades, the Pakistan Army has used abductions, assassinations, and fear tactics to suppress the Baloch people’s struggle for freedom, while simultaneously looting the region’s natural wealth. By targeting students, families, and civilians, the Paki establishment aims to cripple the Baloch national movement and erase their identity. Despite these atrocities, the Baloch people’s resilience remains unshaken, and their demand for justice and self-determination continues to grow.

Pak Army assassinates Pashtun scholar Mufti Munir Shakir

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Pak Army assassinates Pashtun scholar Mufti Munir Shakir

Pakistan’s oppressive military establishment has once again silenced a vocal critic through violence. Mufti Munir Shakir, a respected Islamic scholar and supporter of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), was assassinated in a bomb blast outside a mosque in Peshawar. The attack, widely believed to be orchestrated by Pakistan Army-affiliated gunmen, highlights the military’s continued persecution of Pashtuns and who challenge Panjabi Pakistani policies.

Mufti Munir Shakir was an outspoken critic of Panjabi Pakistani policies and its exploitative policies against the Pashtun people. His support for PTM—a grassroots movement demanding justice for enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and military excesses—had unsettled Rawalpindi’s military elite. Despite his popularity among locals, his opposition to the military’s stranglehold on Pakistan’s political and religious structures made him a prime target.

Pashtun Leaders Condemn the Murder

At his funeral in Bagh-e-Naran, Barkat Afridi, spokesperson of the Pashtun National Jirga, strongly condemned the assassination, calling it yet another example of the Paki establishment’s brutal oppression of Pashtuns.

“There should be no question whether Pashtuns are oppressed—it is an undeniable fact,” Afridi declared. He revealed that the Pashtun National Jirga had repeatedly sought justice from provincial and federal occupying-governments, but their pleas were ignored. He called Mufti Munir Shakir’s murder a “turning point” that would further unite the Pashtun nation in its struggle against the Paki establishment’s systematic suppression.

Mufti Munir Shakir’s transformation from a local cleric into an ethno-nationalist leader had alarmed the military establishment. His critiques extended beyond military excesses—he exposed how Pakistan Army’s intelligence agencies manipulated religious seminaries (madrasas) to influence domestic politics and advance their foreign policy goals.

Terror Against Pashtuns

Former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh, known for his staunch opposition to Pakistan’s interference in Afghanistan, noted on social media platform ‘X’ that Mufti Shakir’s assassination was inevitable given his increasing influence.

In the aftermath of his assassination, Mufti Munir Shakir’s son publicly accused Pakistan’s intelligence services of orchestrating the attack. This accusation aligns with the military’s long history of targeting Pashtun activists, journalists, and political leaders through extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Mufti Munir Shakir had also condemned the Pak Army Chief’s hypocrisy in selectively quoting Quranic verses to justify crackdowns on dissent while detaining thousands of innocent Pashtuns. His fearless criticism of the establishment’s religious exploitation was likely another factor leading to his assassination.

Since Pakistan’s continued exploitation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military has used extreme measures to silence resistance. The enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and state-sponsored terrorism against Pashtuns have long been tools of governance for the Paki establishment. Mufti Munir Shakir’s murder is yet another example of how the military systematically eliminates those who challenge its power.

BLA: ISPR’s claim of ending the operation is a pack of lies; the war continues

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BLA: ISPR’s claim of ending the operation is a pack of lies; the war continues

More than 30 hours have passed since the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took control of Jaffar Express, with tensions continuing to escalate. In response, the Health Department has issued directives for all hospitals in Quetta to maintain a 24/7 presence of doctors and medical staff, anticipating casualties from the ongoing clashes.

Hospital says, ambulances carrying bodies and injured personnel from Bolan are en route to Quetta. The remains of killed and abducted security personnel are being transferred to the city. In light of the situation, the Pak Army has increased patrols across major roads, while security at hospitals has been further tightened.

Meanwhile, the BLA has released all women, children, and elderly hostages, while over 200 military personnel remain in their custody, according to a statement from the militant group. Several freed passengers, who arrived in Quetta late last night, confirmed in media interviews that they were released unharmed by the attackers.

BLA rejects prisoner exchange, executes 50 captive soldiers

In a new statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch claimed that the group rejected Pakistan’s warnings and an offer for a prisoner exchange, leading to further escalations. He said that Pak Army attempted to advance using heavy artillery and weapons, resulting in intense clashes between the two sides.

Baloch said that BLA fighters successfully repelled the offensive, forcing the military into a humiliating retreat. He also confirmed that three BLA fighters were killed in battle, whom he hailed as heroes of the Baloch national freedom struggle.

In response to Pakistan’s aggression and refusal to negotiate a prisoner swap, the BLA claims to have executed 50 captive personnel, who have committed war crimes, enforced disappearances, and resource exploitation in Balochistan.

BLA Challenges Pakistan’s Victory Claims

Following reports from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) that the operation had ended, the BLA dismissed the claims as false propaganda to cover up military failures.

“The reality on the ground is that the war is still ongoing across multiple fronts, and the Pakistan Army is suffering heavy casualties,” said BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch. He further challenged Pakistan to allow independent journalists and neutral observers access to conflict zones, claiming that only then would the world see the true scale of military losses.

The BLA has warned that the conflict is spiraling beyond the Paki establishment’s control, asserting that the military’s defeat is inevitable. The group remains committed to continuing the battle on its own terms until its objectives are achieved.

Meanwhile, after failing in direct combat, Pak forces have begun targeting civilian areas in an effort to retaliate.

POGB uprising: Mass protests intensify against Pakistan’s Diamer-Bhasha Dam displacement plan

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POGB uprising: Mass protests intensify against Pakistan’s Diamer-Bhasha Dam displacement plan

Protests against Pakistan’s exploitative policies in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) have intensified, with affected communities demanding justice for their displacement due to the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. Religious leader Maulana Hazratullah has presented a 31-point charter of demands to the occupying-govt’s committee, pressing for compensation, local employment, and a fair share of the dam’s royalties.

For years, the people of PoGB have been systematically exploited by the Paki establishment, which has prioritized Punjab’s interests while neglecting the rights and welfare of PoGB’s indigenous population. The construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam epitomizes this exploitation, as vast tracts of land have been seized without fair compensation, while the generated electricity and revenues are funneled to Punjab, leaving locals in perpetual deprivation.

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a massive 422-billion-rupee project launched on May 13, 2010, with Chinese and Frontier Works Organization (FWO) involvement, stands as a symbol of this exploitation. Since its inception, neither WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) nor the occupying Paki establishment has addressed the legitimate grievances of the displaced people.

Key Demands of the Protesters:

  • 80% royalty from the Diamer Dam and 30% from the Dassu Dam for PoGB.
  • Free electricity for Diamer district and discounted rates for the rest of PoGB.
  • Compensation for 18,000 acres of seized land and financial relief for 3,000 displaced families.
  • Six kanals of agricultural land per affected family and eligibility for the “Chulha Package” for every married couple.
  • Infrastructure development, including schools, hospitals, and sewerage systems.
  • Employment rights for local workers, including the regularization of daily wage laborers involved in the project.

The people of PoGB have sacrificed everything—ancestral lands, homes, and even the graves of their forefathers—to make way for the dam, yet they have received nothing in return. Over 80,000 affected individuals have still not received compensation.

Despite their repeated appeals, the people of PoGB have been subjected to broken promises by WAPDA and the Paki establishment. The affected communities have now vowed to halt all dam construction activities until their demands are met.

Punjab’s greed at PoGB’s expense

The ongoing protests expose a long-standing pattern of exploitation by the Punjabi-Paki establishment. The wealth generated from PoGB’s natural resources—including water, minerals, and hydropower—is shamelessly diverted to benefit Punjab, while the locals remain in poverty, joblessness, and energy deprivation. Despite being rich in water resources, PoGB faces severe electricity shortages.

Moreover, political and religious leaders across Pakistan remain deafeningly silent, unwilling to challenge the Punjabi Pak Army establishment that profits from PoGB’s suffering. The denial of basic rights, political suppression, and economic exploitation underscore Pakistan’s colonial-style governance over the region.

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