Pakistan rules out talks with separatist BLA group following surge in attacks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Sunday discussed regional security and defense cooperation with a visiting US Congressional delegation, with both sides signing a memorandum of understanding for training collaboration in the field of information technology.
The two countries share a long history of defense cooperation dating back to the Cold War, when Pakistan was a key US ally in the region. However, their relationship was subsequently marked by phases of cooperation as well as tension, including US sanctions on Pakistan at various points.
The two countries reaffirmed their partnership in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks, when the US-led forces invaded Afghanistan, but diverging strategic interests led several American analysts to describe Pakistan as a “frenemy.”
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides emphasized the importance of sustained engagement “based on mutual respect, shared values, and converging strategic interests” during the meeting.
“Discussions during the meeting encompassed a range of issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on regional security and defense cooperation,” the ISPR said.
“The visiting US lawmakers commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring contributions to regional peace and stability,” it added.
The US delegation, led by Representative Jack Bergman along with Representatives Thomas Souzzi and Jonathan Jackson, conveyed its commitment to advancing broad-based cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the fields of security, trade, investment and economic development, while underscoring respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The army chief thanked its members for their visit and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further deepen and diversify its longstanding partnership with the US in a way that serves both countries’ national interests.
During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was also signed to formalize training cooperation in information technology.
Earlier in the day, the US delegation also met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and held discussions on counterterrorism cooperation and bilateral investment.
Pakistan and the US are expected to hold a counterterrorism dialogue in June.
The cooperation gains particular significance amid a recent surge in militant attacks in Pakistan’s western provinces bordering Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Sunday it hoped for full Iranian cooperation to investigate the killing of eight of its nationals in Sistan-Baluchistan province and was working to ensure the prompt repatriation of the victims’ bodies.
The news of the killings emerged in Pakistani media on Saturday evening, though the federal authorities initially remained silent.
Later at night, the foreign office confirmed the development in response to media queries, saying its officials were in contact with Iranian authorities and would comment once details were confirmed.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the attack, which was claimed by a Baloch separatist group, and voiced concern that the incident had occurred on Iranian soil.
“Eight Pakistani nationals were tragically killed yesterday in Mehrestan County, Sistan-Baluchistan province, located approximately 230 kilometers from the Pakistan-Iran border,” the foreign office said in a statement. “Our Mission has already requested consular access to verify their identities.”
“Pakistan strongly condemns the inhumane and cowardly killing of its nationals in Iran,” it continued. “We hope for Iranian side’s full cooperation in investigating the matter and timely repatriation of victims’ remains.”
The foreign office said the country’s embassy in Tehran and consulate in Zahedan were in constant touch with Iranian authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation and swift transfer of the bodies.
A day earlier, Afghanistan’s Khaama Press News Agency reported the victims were all auto mechanics.
Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly from underprivileged backgrounds, regularly cross into Iran for informal work in industries such as auto repair, agriculture and construction.
The Balochistan National Army (BNA), a separatist group from Pakistan’s southwestern region, claimed responsibility for the killings, alleging that the victims were affiliated with Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency.
Balochistan, a resource-rich but restive province of Pakistan bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has witnessed a low-level insurgency for nearly two decades.
Baloch militant groups accuse the central government of exploiting local resources while neglecting the population. Islamabad denies the allegations and says it is committed to regional development.
On Saturday night, the Pakistani premier called on the Iranian government to investigate the attack thoroughly and publicly share its findings.
“Terrorism is a scourge that is devastating for all countries in the region,” he said, urging regional states to adopt a coordinated strategy to root out militancy.
The Iranian embassy in Islamabad also condemned the killings earlier today and emphasized the need for joint efforts to combat terrorism.
“Combating this ominous phenomenon requires collective and joint efforts by all countries to eradicate all forms of terrorism and extremism that have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people in recent decades,” it said.
The incident echoes a similar attack in January 2023, when nine Pakistani laborers were killed and three others critically injured in Saravan, another city in Iran’s southeastern region. Those victims were also reportedly employed at an auto repair shop.
That attack had taken place at a time when Pakistan and Iran were seeking to normalize ties following tit-for-tat missile and drone strikes.