A senior security official briefed media persons in detail on key issues including the state's position on Kashmir, regional security challenges emanating from Afghanistan, and the security situation in Balochistan on Tuesday.
Pakistan's Mediation Role and Regional Stability
The security official said Pakistan's civil and military leadership motives for mediating are not narrow; rather, they focus on stability in the region and peace amongst the Muslim Ummah. Through consultation and cooperation with all key stakeholders, Pakistan, especially Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saved the region from a major war that was planned to be imposed with serious consequences, the official remarked. This was a war won by FM Asim Munir through sincerity, competence, brilliance, and Allah's Blessings for the greater good of humanity without actually being fought, which is the pinnacle of strategy. This sensitive diplomatic process requires utmost confidentiality, responsibility, and caution, the official added.
As a responsible mediator, Pakistan cannot afford any form of speculation and therefore will not go into the contents and substance of any talks and what's next. Spoilers and multiple detractors will continue to try to subvert peace efforts; however, Pakistan will continue with partners in utmost sincerity to pursue peace. Great credit goes to Muslim countries, especially KSA, who showed masterly leadership, restraint, and strategic patience, and concerned with FM wisdom to avoid a war that could have engulfed the region and pitched Muslim against Muslim, the official remarked.
Military diplomacy and relations with any friendly country cannot be viewed through a single, narrow lens; rather, these relations fall under the ambit of both countries' broader diplomacy based on national interests, the official concluded.
Jammu and Kashmir: An Unfinished Partition Component
The official described Jammu and Kashmir as an unfinished component of the partition process, stating that the issue remains central to regional peace and stability. He noted that the 1948 war was fought jointly by the Pakistan Army, Kashmiri people, and tribal volunteers, while several conflicts have since been fought over the disputed territory. According to the official, slogans such as 'Kashmir Banega Pakistan' and 'We are Pakistanis, Pakistan is ours' continue to reflect the aspirations of many Kashmiris and Pakistanis.
He argued that economic incentives, subsidies, and development projects introduced by India in Indian-administered Kashmir cannot override what he described as the political aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The official further claimed that demographic changes and legal measures undertaken in the territory cannot negate the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. He described Indian-administered Kashmir as one of the world's most heavily militarized regions and maintained that the underlying dispute remains unresolved.
Developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
Addressing developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the official alleged that India was attempting to exploit internal unrest to create instability. He said the government had consistently prioritized dialogue and negotiations to address public grievances and had engaged with stakeholders over the past two years. The official stated that while the Awami Action Committee initially emerged around public issues, authorities believed certain elements within the movement pursued broader objectives. He alleged that some protesters had resorted to violence, arson, and anti-state activities despite government efforts at engagement.
He emphasized that constitutional arrangements, including reserved seats linked to the Kashmir cause and the right to self-determination, could not be altered through coercion or violence. The state, he said, would deal with any unlawful activities in accordance with the law and would not permit challenges to state authority under the guise of rights-based activism.
Afghanistan and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Turning to Afghanistan, the security official described terrorism as Pakistan's foremost security challenge and linked a significant portion of the threat to militant groups operating from Afghan territory. According to figures shared during the briefing, security forces and law-enforcement agencies conducted 32,092 counter-terrorism operations across Pakistan during the current year. The official claimed that 2,170 terrorist incidents had occurred during the period, resulting in the deaths of 1,861 militants, while 640 Pakistani security personnel were martyred in the line of duty.
The official alleged that militant groups, including what Pakistan refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, continue to receive support and sanctuary inside Afghanistan. He maintained that Pakistan's diplomatic engagement with the Afghan Taliban government has remained transparent and focused on the demand that Afghan soil not be used against Pakistan. He further stated that any cross-border military actions undertaken by Pakistan were based on precise intelligence and targeted terrorist infrastructure.
The official accused the Taliban administration of failing to curb militant activity and of demonstrating insufficient commitment to human rights, particularly regarding women and children. According to the briefing, Pakistan engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts with the current Afghan authorities between 2021 and 2025 in an effort to resolve security concerns through dialogue. However, the official claimed that continued militant activity and the lack of meaningful action against terrorist networks ultimately compelled Pakistan to target cross-border militant hideouts.
Balochistan Situation and Development
Discussing Balochistan, the official described the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), referred to by Pakistan as Fitna al-Hindustan, as a terrorist organization allegedly backed by India and certain external actors. He argued that anti-state narratives being promoted on social media do not reflect realities on the ground and are part of a broader effort to undermine Pakistan's development initiatives in the province. The official noted that more than 18,000 vehicles travel daily on Balochistan's 32,000-kilometer road network.
He said militants exploit the province's vast geography to carry out isolated attacks, which are then amplified through social media and some foreign media outlets to portray an exaggerated picture of insecurity. He further alleged that militant facilitators and handlers based abroad coordinate propaganda campaigns against Pakistan and accused hostile actors of exploiting women for political and militant objectives, a practice he described as contrary to both Islamic values and Baloch traditions.
On development, the official highlighted the Balochistan government's efforts to ensure transparent allocation of funds, effective project selection, and timely implementation of development schemes. He identified the Reko Diq mining project and other mineral ventures as major opportunities for economic growth and public welfare in the province. According to the official, royalties and revenues generated from these projects would contribute significantly to Balochistan's development and prosperity. 'Development of Balochistan is synonymous with the development of Pakistan,' the official concluded, reiterating the state's commitment to security, economic progress, and national cohesion.
Water Security and Indian Rhetoric
The senior security official said the NSC declaration of 24 April 2026 was read out to participants. It is clearly stated in the declaration that water is a national interest that will be protected at all cost with the full spectrum of national power, security sources said. He said Pakistan's economic and social fabric is closely linked to water, agriculture, and food security, and therefore, what and when needs to be done to protect it will be done. The security official said while there is no doubt on the military response, capability, and resolve, Pakistan has also launched a highly successful legal and diplomatic response on Indian violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
'Better water management and conservation is however mandatory. Irrespective of what the military can and will do, we must go for more storage canals and better regulatory structures,' security sources said. 'Indian rhetoric on water stems from their domestic political compulsions to keep building a narrative around Pakistan,' security sources said. He said India failed militarily during Marka-e-Haq, faltered diplomatically in its aftermath, and its self-declared 'Vishwaguru' is now being questioned also internally. Security sources said rhetoric on water is to justify its 90 billion dollar plus defence budget and political face-saving. India is great without greatness and historic without history, remarked the security official.
