Pakistan's Defence Minister Admits 'Physical Handicap' in Balochistan Amid BLA Escalation

• Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted security forces are 'handicapped' in controlling the insurgency in Balochistan due to its vast geography.
• His remarks follow an unprecedented escalation by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), including coordinated suicide and gun attacks across multiple districts.
• Asif ruled out negotiations with the BLA, calling their actions 'mischief' and a 'cover to legitimise criminal activities'.
• He alleged that Baloch militants use sophisticated American-made weapons and operate from Afghan soil, also blaming internal political patronage and oil smuggling for instability.
• The BLA's 'Operation Herof' led to conflicting casualty claims, with the BLA asserting higher Pakistani military losses than officially reported.