Balochistan govt moves to seek Interpol red notices for foreign-based militant leaders

Quetta (Web Desk): The Balochistan government has decided to take its campaign against outlawed militant groups to the international stage, moving toward legal action against their leaders who are believed to be directing operations from abroad.

The decision was reached during a high-level meeting in Quetta on Thursday, chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

Officials at the session agreed to request Interpol to issue red notices for more than 300 militants wanted in major cases, and to initiate proceedings in relevant international courts.

Authorities said they have compiled substantial evidence connecting overseas militant chiefs with their local associates, including phone records, money transfers, and detailed organizational data.

The government also approved a stepped-up prosecution drive against leaders of proscribed outfits such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch Republican Army (BRA), Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), United Baloch Army (UBA), Baloch Republican Guard (BRG), and Lashkar-e-Balochistan.

All evidence, officials noted, will be arranged according to global legal criteria to strengthen Pakistan’s case at international forums.

Chief Minister Bugti instructed provincial departments to work in close coordination with the federal Interior Ministry and the Foreign Office so that the request for Interpol notices can be processed without delay.

He stressed that militants should not find refuge anywhere, calling the new measures “decisive and all-encompassing,” targeting both foreign handlers and their networks within Balochistan.

He further directed the Home Department to activate the special cell created under the Provincial Action Plan and to speed up investigations into all sensitive cases.

The meeting gave the go-ahead for an immediate crackdown on militant commanders abroad and those assisting them inside Pakistan.

Officials briefed the participants that the government has credible information on terrorist funding channels, internal structures, and cross-border activities, which will now be shared at international platforms.

Reaffirming the province’s commitment to restoring peace, Bugti declared that Balochistan will not allow its land to be used for violence, saying, “No terrorist will be able to hide in any corner of the world.”

He said exposing militant leaders who attempt to appear under political covers is the responsibility of the state, and stressed that all actions will be taken strictly within counterterrorism laws.

Pointing to external involvement, the chief minister said the state has entered a critical phase in confronting groups that challenge its authority.

He accused foreign actors of supporting militant agendas and vowed “zero tolerance for enemies of Pakistan and Balochistan until the last facilitator is brought before the law.”

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat, and senior security officials, who collectively endorsed the new aggressive approach.