Missing Persons in Pakistan Shocking Reality What is Pakistan Army Doing in Balochistan

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The issue of missing persons and fighting terrorism, despite the significant achievements of its law enforcement agencies, has been an ongoing challenge for Pakistan. Recent reports shed light on key data, highlight developments over the past two decades, and explore untold stories surrounding the nation’s struggles. This article delves into the realities of these challenges, offering insight into the activities of various groups in Balochistan, the role of the Pakistan Army, and narratives that shape public opinion.

What is BLA and Other Terrorist Groups? How Do They Operate?

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a proscribed group in Pakistan that carryout terrorism in Balochistan. It is known for miscreant activities including suicide bombing, conducting targeted attacks on security forces, and spreading anti-state narratives. The BLA claims to fight for the independence of Balochistan, using propaganda and misinformation against Pakistan and the government of Balochistan.

Their operations begin with recruiting individuals, often through subversion of vulnerable youth. They exploit dissatisfaction, marginalization, or local grievances of Baloch people, painting the state of Pakistan and government of Balochistan as the oppressors. Brainwashing techniques include isolation, manipulation of personal stories, and staging fake scenarios to create distrust against the government and military. For instance, they may simulate kidnappings or rescues to portray the military as aggressors while positioning themselves as saviors. To instigate the initial subversion and radicalization of youth in Balochistan, the BLA and other terrorist groups utilize socially disruptive proxies such as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC).

Once recruited, members are trained in armed combat, intelligence gathering, and propaganda dissemination. These groups use social media, fake news, and targeted campaigns to amplify their narrative and gain sympathy both locally and internationally. Their network often includes external financial and ideological support, fueling their operations and enabling them to sustain their activities i.e. Terrorism Incidents in Balochistan.

While presenting themselves as activists , their actions frequently lead to harm for civilians and the destabilization of the region, with the groups openly acknowledging and taking responsibility for these activities. Terrorist activities in Balochistan like the recent suicide bombing at Quetta railway station, by Suicide bomber Rafiq bozenjo identified with Foreign Weaponry are overshadowing any legitimate grievances they might highlight. Raising voice against their destructive plans is crucial for curbing the genocidal activities of the BLA and fostering peace in Balochistan.

What Does Pak Army Do to Missing Persons In Pakistan ?

The Pakistan Army has been playing a vital role in Balochistan, not only in combating terrorism but also in improving the quality of life for the local population . While actively engaged in countering extremist threats, the military has simultaneously prioritized health and education as part of its outreach efforts to foster development in the region.

Recently in Mashkey, the army has organized numerous medical and educational camps, providing free healthcare services, distributing medicines, and offering basic educational facilities to underserved communities. These initiatives aim to build trust with the local population and address fundamental issues, such as limited access to medical care and educational resources.

These efforts reflect the army’s commitment to holistic progress in Balochistan, ensuring that despite ongoing security challenges, the region’s development remains a key focus.

The Story of a mother:

Since the provincial government supports the army camps and collaborates on their follow-ups, a team of local government representatives and Pakistan Army recently visited a rural area in Mashkaye. During their visit, an elderly mother approached them and said, “Beta, toh fouji ent, man-e maaf kan” (Son, you are soldiers, right? Please forgive me).

The head of the team, curious about her words, asked a member to interpret. The team member explained, “She is asking for forgiveness.”  The head of the team, asked a member let her speak and she then shared the story.

Mother Said:

Two months earlier, a team of Pakistan Army came to my house and said, “If there are children in your family who need education or if you require any help with health, we have started camps in your area.” I reacted, “If you are government officials, bring me my son back!” My tone was too aggressive, the mother said.

One of the young men asked, “Where is your son?” I told him, “He is taken by the Pakistan Army.” He further asked, What did he do?” I answered, “he was at work, and the army took him.” The officer’s questions felt like a burden, but I answered, the mother continued.

The young man then asked, “How do you know?” I replied angrily, “Everyone knows.” I was furious and I was cursing the Army because I was not knowing the realities. The young man kept quiet and then said, “Your front wall is broken, let us fix it for you.” They fixed our wall and left.

After more then a month just a week ago, some army vehicles came to our village. I heard a loud noise, almost like people celebrating or becoming emotional. I ran toward the door, but before I could reach it, I saw my son enter, an army soldier in uniform with him. The soldier asked, “Mother, may I come in?” and said, “Your son is safe, I am happy for you.” I cried and asked the soldier, “Why did you take him?” He smiled and said, “Your son will tell you.”

My son hugged me and said, “Mom, they die for us. I saw three soldiers injured, one of them martyred. I was not alone; they rescued 11 more guys, and from our village, me and one other were brought back. So, we are two. Come with me, I will tell you everything.”

Then my son told me everything: how the BLA traps people, kidnaps them, malign the Pakistan Army and then acts as if they are rescuing them to brainwash them. My son said, “If this army action of rescuing us had not been done, I could have soon become a BLA member because of so much misconceptions.”

The lady, with tears in her eyes and regret in her voice, confessed, “I was offensive and I didn’t realize I was cursing and speaking ill of the army in front of the soldiers themselves, the day they came for camps and fix my wall, I offended those who ultimately saved my son.

What Do Pakistani Say About Pakistan Army?

Over the past two decades, Pakistan has faced significant challenges in the battle against terrorism and even other rescue operations, such as those during earthquakes and floods caused by heavy rainfall. The Pakistan Army, police, and other law enforcement agencies have sacrificed more than 80,000 lives, from high-ranking officials like Lt Generals to soldiers and from senior officers to constables. Despite these sacrifices, some individuals and groups continue to blame the Pakistan Army. What was once whispered in private has now become more organized, with politicians, social activists, NGOs, TV anchors, and people like Manzoor Pashteen, Imaan Mazari, and Mahrang Baloch openly accusing Pakistani institutions.

The younger generation of Pakistan is becoming more aware and critical of the ongoing propaganda. They recognize that while some people accuse the state and its institutions, they fail to acknowledge the real issue—terrorism and the sacrifices made by the Law Enforcement Agencies. These young individuals see the bigger picture, where the focus should be on the real acts and facts. The youth can differentiate between those who point fingers at the institutions and those who understand the reality of the sacrifices made to protect the country.

This is why the Propagandists receive so much hate—many young people have expressed their frustration by openly criticizing them on all platform including media and social media. These individuals, who accuse the Pakistan Army and the state, are often met with harsh backlash from the youth, and the youth literally abuse them and consider these Propagandists anti state, anti-Pakistan.

What Pakistan Army Has Done in the Last Two Decades

Pakistan Army has taken significant steps to improve people’s lives and security in Balochistan. While combating terrorism, the army has organized health and education camps, providing vital services to remote areas. These efforts have not only delivered essential aid but an important outcome of these efforts is that the people of Balochistan expressing their feelings for a general sense of safety among local residents.

What is a Propaganda and How Is It Implemented?

Propaganda is a form of communication designed to influence people’s beliefs, opinions, or behaviors, often by presenting biased or misleading information. It works similarly like a branding in marketing, where the goal is to create a specific image or perception in the audience’s mind. Just as a brand uses consistent messaging, logos, and ads to associate a product with certain values or qualities, propaganda uses repeated messages, symbols, and narratives to shape how a group of people sees an issue, group, or state.

In propaganda, the focus is not necessarily on providing accurate or balanced information, but rather on reinforcing a particular perspective. This can be achieved through emotional appeals, selective facts, or distortion of the truth. For instance, a group might brand an enemy or a government as evil or oppressive by continuously portraying negative images, such as showing them in a harmful or threatening light, much like a brand creates associations in the minds of consumers.

As with branding, propaganda seeks to form a connection or identity. People start to associate the ideas presented with their own sense of identity or beliefs. Over time, if the messaging is effective, the propaganda can influence entire societies or groups, much like a successful branding campaign can shape public perception of a product

So, this is how some propagandists dream of achieving their goals—by spreading misleading narratives and creating distrust towards the Pakistan Army and the state. However, the connection between the Pakistan Army and the nation remains unbreakable. Despite the ongoing destructive efforts by critics and propagandists to sway public opinion, the strong bond between the military and the people has proven resilient. This is why these critics often face intense backlash, both in public spaces and on social media, where many individuals, especially the youth, continue to praise and admire the army’s role in maintaining security and stability in the country.