‘Looks Like Civil War’: Pakistan Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Worsening Security in Balochistan

Last Updated:May 16, 2026, 17:49 IST

Lawmakers in Balochistan warn the provincial government is losing control as militant attacks, extortion and unrest rise, with ministers calling the situation akin to civil war.

Pakistan’s worsening security situation in Balochistan has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, with members across party lines warning that the provincial government is steadily losing control over law and order.

During a session of the Balochistan Assembly chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, legislators from both treasury and opposition benches voiced concerns over rising militant activity, extortion threats and increasing attacks across the province, according to Dawn.

Senior provincial minister and parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Mir Sadiq Umrani, painted a bleak picture of the situation, saying there was little reason for lawmakers to remain in office if the state could not ensure the safety of ordinary citizens.

Umrani described conditions in the province as resembling a “civil war", alleging that an open conflict was underway between state forces and armed groups. He claimed attacks on police stations, incidents of weapons being snatched and extortion demands had become commonplace, with elected representatives now also being targeted.

Referring to his own experience, Umrani said his residence in Dera Murad Jamali had come under attack five times despite his position as a provincial minister. He further alleged that insecurity on major highways had disrupted movement and isolated several districts.

The minister also criticised bureaucratic hurdles and judicial stay orders, arguing they prevented the government from transferring underperforming officials. He urged the assembly to explore legislative reforms to address the issue.

Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai acknowledged concerns over administrative interference and remarked that criticism of the deteriorating security environment effectively reflected on the performance of the provincial government itself.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Home Minister Zia Langove admitted the security situation remained unsatisfactory. Defending current measures, he said assembly members had been provided six security guards each, while ministers were assigned eight personnel.

Langove also urged political parties to publicly condemn militant organisations operating in the province, Dawn reported.

The remarks come amid continued unrest in Balochistan, where separatist violence and attacks on security forces have intensified in recent years, raising fresh concerns over governance and stability in Pakistan’s largest province.

News world ‘Looks Like Civil War’: Pakistan Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Worsening Security in Balochistan

Read More