Parshia: Pakistan Using Former Afghan Soldiers in Operations Against Baloch People

DID Press: Pakistan’s military institutions have settled some former Afghan military personnel in different parts of Balochistan and are deploying them in military operations and raids on Baloch homes, according to a report by the international news agency Parshia. The reported deployment has drawn criticism from Baloch leaders and raised concerns about its potential impact on the historic ties between Afghans and Baloch people.

In a recent report, Parshia said Pakistani military institutions began recruiting former Afghan military personnel after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The report alleges that these personnel are now operating alongside Pakistani forces in operations against Baloch communities. Some have reportedly been stationed in Dalbandin, Nushki, Quetta, Kuchlak and Kharan, where they are taking part in counterinsurgency operations.

A former Afghan army soldier identified by the pseudonym “Khan” said he had been offered a monthly payment of about 40,000 Pakistani rupees to participate in the operations but rejected the offer.

Mehrang Baloch, the imprisoned leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, described the reported presence of former Afghan soldiers as a source of concern and anger among Baloch people. She warned that Afghans’ participation in operations against Baloch communities would not only target the Baloch people but also conflict with Afghanistan’s historical traditions and national dignity.

Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, a member of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and representative for Zhob in the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, also said thousands of personnel who served under former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s government were now present in Balochistan.The Balochistan National Party, led by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, has condemned the reported use of former Afghan military personnel against Baloch communities.

Following public protests in Sooran, some of the personnel were reportedly transferred to other areas. Zia Langove, Balochistan’s home minister, confirmed the transfers, although the provincial government has yet to issue a comprehensive position on the matter.