By: Major Waseem Mahmood Butt (Retd.)
President, PESAF (PAKISTAN Ex-Servicemen Of the Armed Forces’ Veterans, Great PAKISTAN
Security & Defence Analyst | Columnist
Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal Recipient)
PAKISTAN’s peace, stability, and national unity are inseparable from a peaceful Balochistan.
Having served in Balochistan—including as Officer In-Charge, District Monitoring Team, District Pishin (7,770 sq. km area) during the devastating drought, where I was privileged to receive the Golden Trophy from the people of District Pishin in recognition of public service—I remain convinced that lasting peace is achieved not only through security operations, but through the confidence and trust of the people.
The Pakistan Armed Forces, Frontier Corps, Police, Levies, and intelligence agencies have rendered extraordinary sacrifices in defending the nation. Their contributions deserve our deepest respect. Yet experience from around the world demonstrates that security operations may suppress violence, but only good governance, justice, and public trust can address its root causes.
The Way Forward
• Continue robust security operations against terrorists without compromise.
• Build public trust through justice, transparency, and respectful engagement with local communities.
• Ensure administrative continuity by retaining competent officers long enough to establish credibility and effective local intelligence.
• Institutionalise dialogue with tribal elders, youth, scholars, and elected representatives. Listening to citizens strengthens—not weakens—the State.
• Conduct honest After-Action Reviews after every major incident to identify institutional gaps and continuously improve performance.
• Accelerate development by prioritising education, healthcare, water, employment, and infrastructure, ensuring that local communities are the primary beneficiaries.
• Counter hostile narratives through effective strategic communication and greater public participation.
Conclusion
Balochistan does not need another announcement; it needs continuity, accountability, public confidence, and responsive governance.
When citizens believe that the State listens to them, protects them, and treats them with justice, they become its strongest defenders.
*Winning hearts is not an alternative to national security – it is its surest guarantee.*
Excellent analytical write up, relevant Suggestions/ recommendations under d Title “The Way Forward n finally encompassed views discussed into a concise conclusion.Well done dear brother Waseem Mahmood Butt.