Baloch Group Slams Pak Airstrikes; Supports Afghan Sovereignty

On Tuesday, the Baloch National Movement (BNM), terming a blatant violation of the neighbouring country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, denounced Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan on Monday, February 23, whilst alleging that unarmed civilians were deliberately targeted

The reaction came after Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence issued a statement on Sunday, following deadly Pakistani air raids on residential areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, reportedly leaving several civilians dead.

According to the Ministry, the strikes hit a madrasa and multiple homes, resulting in the death and injury of  ‘dozens of civilians’, including women and children.

The BNM reiterated its unequivocal support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and its inherent right to self-defence by demonstrating solidarity with the bereaved Afghan families.

The outfit alleged that for the past 79 years, the principal source of instability in the region has been the policies of the Pakistani state, driven by overt and covert expansionist designs.

The rights body claims Pakistan forcibly annexed Balochistan in 1948, ending its autonomy under an oppressive, ‘Punjabi-dominated regime’.

The group maintained that several ‘oppressed nations’ within Pakistan struggle for their ‘national survival’.

“The world is witness to the fact that Pakistan today stands politically and socially fractured,” the statement said.

Furthermore, it added, “And these internal fissures have themselves triggered a deepening crisis for the state”.

The BNM alleged that Islamabad has failed to resolve its internal challenges despite prolonged military operations and suppression of political dissent.

It said Pakistan is attempting to deflect blame onto neighbouring countries, worsening regional instability and fuelling a war-like atmosphere.

The group warned that the Pakistani military’s stance poses a serious threat to the wider region and called for greater unity and a coordinated regional response to address the situation.

Also read: Pakistani Airstrikes Hit Afghan Border Provinces, Dozens Of Civilians Killed