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First Post
3 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Pakistan's proxy war against Baloch people: ISKP's threats and militarisation of Balochistan
In a region already plagued by decades of militarisation, enforced disappearances, and economic marginalisation, the insertion of an extremist element like ISKP could lead to widespread civilian casualties and further radicalisation read more Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people through political dialogue, the state appears to be repeating the failed tactics of proxy warfare. The image shows Baloch people protesting against the enforced disappearance of their family members: X/@MahrangBaloch_ In a striking development, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) recently released a 36-minute propaganda video declaring war on Baloch armed groups, particularly the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). The group accused these Baloch organisations of killing its members and dismantling an ISKP terror camp in Mastung, Balochistan, during March 2025. More alarmingly, ISKP threatened to target unarmed Baloch civilians, marking a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This declaration of hostility by ISKP has not received a response from Baloch armed groups yet, but it has raised serious concerns about the involvement of state-aligned forces in deploying religious extremism as a counter-insurgency tool against Baloch nationalist movements. Understanding ISKP: Origins and Evolution ISKP emerged in late 2014 in eastern Afghanistan as a regional offshoot of ISIS at a time when the latter was at its peak in Syria and Iraq. Composed of former members of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban as well as recruits from Central and South Asia, ISKP quickly gained notoriety for its indiscriminate violence and anti-civilian operations. After a brief period of decline, the group resurfaced with new force after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021. One of ISKP's deadliest attacks occurred on August 26, 2021, during the US withdrawal from Kabul, killing 13 US servicemen and over 100 civilians at the airport. Since then, it has targeted Taliban officials, foreign diplomats, and religious minorities, using social media for recruitment and propaganda. Its ideological stance rejects the Taliban's vision of Sharia governance, accusing it of betraying Islamic law. Balochistan as a Strategic Ground: The Proxy Element The presence of ISKP in Balochistan has been reported multiple times over the years. Some sources allege that senior ISKP operatives have held meetings with remnants of ISIS leadership from Syria and Iraq in this region, indicating efforts to establish a strategic hub in Balochistan to expand its terror activities into South Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban government, recently stated that ISKP militants were trained in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces under the supervision of Pakistani intelligence agencies and were used for cross-border attacks. Although both Islamabad and Kabul have traded accusations of supporting terrorism, neither side has presented concrete evidence. However, recurring ISKP activity in Balochistan lends weight to suspicions of covert facilitation. The timing of ISKP's video, closely following a press conference by Pakistan's military spokesperson (DG ISPR), who explicitly declared war against Baloch armed groups and BYC leadership, suggests a coordinated psychological and ideological campaign. State Strategy: Religious Extremism Against Nationalist Movements The use of extremist proxies is not unprecedented in Pakistan's counterinsurgency doctrine. In the past, groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba, Musallah Defa Tanzeem, and Jaish al-Adl were reportedly used to suppress Baloch nationalist sentiment. These outfits often targeted intellectuals, professors, students, and common citizens under the guise of religious orthodoxy, particularly in regions such as Awaran during the Zikri-Muslim tension. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such tactics aimed to divide Baloch society along sectarian lines and delegitimise the secular-nationalist leadership. However, these efforts largely failed and instead generated further alienation, resistance, and political awareness among Baloch youth. BYC Under Siege: Targeting Nonviolent Resistance The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a peaceful political organisation advocating for the rights of Baloch people, has become the face of civilian resistance. Led by figures like Mahrang Baloch, BYC has mobilised mass protests demanding the return of forcibly disappeared persons, accountability for state violence, and an end to resource exploitation in Balochistan. Despite its peaceful nature, BYC is now facing a harsh crackdown. Since late March, key leaders have been arrested under draconian laws such as the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO), while the military has accused BYC of being an Indian proxy—without presenting any credible evidence. Connecting the dots between the DG ISPR's statements, the ISKP video, and threats to target BYC rallies, many analysts argue this reflects the old 'religious card' being played through a new proxy. The fear is that BYC's unarmed members, especially women and students participating in rallies, may become easy targets for both state-backed repression and extremist attacks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Resilience of Baloch Armed Groups and Civil Society The Baloch armed resistance today is at its most advanced phase in decades. Compared to previous insurgencies, groups like the BLA and BLF have developed a more structured command, modern weaponry, and guerrilla capabilities suited to Balochistan's rugged terrain. Reports suggest that Baloch fighters dismantled an ISKP camp in Mastung, allegedly killing up to 30 militants—though no group has formally claimed responsibility. This not only shows their operational strength but also sends a message: Balochistan will not be allowed to become a haven for religious terrorism. Historically, Baloch nationalist groups have rejected religious extremism, advocating for a secular and democratic political future. They have consistently accused the Pakistani state of creating and manipulating extremist outfits to undermine their cause. A Dangerous Escalation with Regional Implications The ISKP video declaring war on Baloch insurgents, coupled with threats to civilian movements like BYC, marks a troubling turn. It reflects a broader strategy to criminalise both armed and peaceful resistance by invoking religious extremism as a counterforce. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a region already plagued by decades of militarisation, enforced disappearances, and economic marginalisation, the insertion of an extremist element like ISKP could lead to widespread civilian casualties and further radicalisation. Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people through political dialogue, the state appears to be repeating the failed tactics of proxy warfare. This not only threatens Baloch society but could destabilise the region further, drawing in regional powers and worsening cross-border tensions. If history is any guide, such strategies are unlikely to succeed in crushing the Baloch movement—but they may succeed in deepening the tragedy of Balochistan. Amir Naeem (X: @AmirNaeem800124) is a student of International Relations, International University Islamabad, hailing from Balochistan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Afghanistan: Taliban Restrictions On Women's Rights Intensify
1 May 2025 The mission continued to receive reports that Afghan women are being denied the opportunity to join the workforce, are unable to access services without a male relative while girls are still deprived of their right to education. Since the Taliban took over the country from the democratically-elected Government in August 2021, women and girls have been systemically excluded from equal participation in society, the report confirms. UNAMA, whose mandate includes monitoring human rights, also reported public floggings, shrinking civic space, and brutal attacks on former government officials. Beauty salons shuttered Officials have reportedly shut down beauty salons run by women in their homes and women's radio stations in various provinces, UNAMA said. In the province of Kandahar, de facto inspectors asked shopkeepers in a market to report women unaccompanied by a guardian (mahram) and deny them entry into their shops. At one hospital, authorities ordered staff not to provide care to unaccompanied female patients. Forced conversions Taliban authorities have also increased enforcement of repressive restrictions on media outlets, ramped up corporal punishment, and the clampdown on religious freedom and re-education. Between 17 January and 3 February, in Badakhshan province in northeastern Afghanistan, at least 50 Ismaili men were taken from their homes at night and forced to convert to Sunni Islam under the threat of violence, the report details. More than 180 people, including women and girls, have been flogged for the offences of adultery and practicing homosexuality during the reporting period, in public venues attended by Taliban officials. Taliban claim support for women's rights Despite documented evidence from the report that de facto authorities are continuing to violate international norms and rights protections, Taliban officials disagree. 'Ensuring the dignity, honor, and Sharia-based entitlements of women remains a paramount priority for the Islamic Emirate,' Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a social media post on March 8, International Women's Day. 'All fundamental rights afforded to Afghan women have been safeguarded in strict accordance with Islamic Sharia law, as well as the cultural and traditional frameworks of Afghan society,' he added. International legal action UNAMA has called for action to restore women's and girls' rights at the international level. In January, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Taliban Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqan over persecution on gender grounds, a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute. The Taliban rejected the ruling, citing national sovereignty and religious traditions.
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
US weapons used in train hijacking: WP
A US-made rifle, originally shipped to Afghanistan over seven years ago for Afghan security forces, surfaced at the site of a train hijacking in Pakistan last month, lending weight to claims that American weapons left behind in Afghanistan are now being used in terrorist activities. According to a US media report published Monday, a Colt M4A1 carbine rifle was among billions of dollars' worth of US military equipment provided to Afghan forces, much of which was abandoned following the American troop withdrawal in 2021. The Washington Post report said that many of these leftover weapons, including the Colt rifle, have ended up across the border in Pakistan, now in the hands of terrorists. The incident highlights how the consequences of America's failed war continue to echo years after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. On March 11, the Jaffar Express, travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, was hijacked by militants belonging to the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) after a series of explosions on the railway track in a remote, rugged area in Balochistan. A 30-hour siege followed. However, Pakistani security forces successfully carried out a daring operation to rescue over 300 passengers on board. A total of 33 militants, including suicide bombers, were killed during the operation. Following the incident, Pakistani officials displayed M-16 rifles, night vision devices, and other advanced weapons recovered from the attackers. Officials clearly stated that the recovered weapons were American-made and had been left behind in Afghanistan by US forces. The newspaper, citing local officials, noted that US-supplied assault rifles, machine guns and night-vision goggles are now being used by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists and other militant groups to carry out attacks across Pakistan. Pakistani authorities granted The Washington Post access to dozens of weapons seized from captured or killed militants, the report added. Pakistan has expressed deep concerns over the presence of advanced US weapons in the hands of terrorists. Recently, US President Donald Trump threatened to permanently cut suspended aid to Afghanistan unless the Taliban returned the US-supplied military equipment. However, Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the weapons now belonged to Afghanistan. A United Nations report last year concluded that Afghan Taliban "rank and file" directly supply the group with weapons and equipment. Pakistani officials are pinning their hopes on the Trump administration, stressing that the US should do something about these weapons.
Washington Post
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
The Taliban leader says there is no need for Western laws in Afghanistan
The Taliban leader said Sunday there was no need for Western laws in Afghanistan and that democracy was dead as long as sharia laws are in effect. Hibatullah Akhundzada made the comments in a sermon marking the Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr, in the southern city of Kandahar's Eidgah Mosque. The 50-minute audio of his message was published on X by the Taliban government's chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
Memri
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Taliban Government Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid: Military Equipment Left Behind by the Americans in Afghanistan Belongs to Us; Afghanistan Seeks Diplomatic Relations with the United States
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban government of Afghanistan, discussed his country's relations with the United States in a March 25, 2025, interview that aired on Al-Arabiya Network (Saudi Arabia). He stated that Afghanistan would like to have relations and understandings with the United States and is interested in the resumption of diplomatic missions between the two countries. When asked about the demands by U.S. President Donald Trump to return the military equipment left behind in Afghanistan, Mujahid said that these weapons belong to the Taliban government. He explained that these weapons were given to the previous Afghan government by the U.S., and once the Taliban came to power, they fell into their hands. However, Mujahid emphasized that the Taliban has no intention of using them against any other country and that they will only be used for defensive purposes.
