Speaking on Aaj Shahzaib Khanzada Kay Saath on Geo News on 03 February 2026, Lieutenant General (R) Aamir Riaz highlighted Balochistan’s demographic reality. The province covers 43 percent of Pakistan’s land area. Its population stands at nearly 12 million.
A significant portion of this population falls between 19 and 40 years of age. This group needs employment and economic stability. Lt Gen (R) Aamir Riaz stated that for a state like Pakistan, providing jobs to this population is not an impossible task.
He emphasized collective responsibility. Federal, provincial, district, and local political leadership must work together. Major business groups must also partner with the state. Employment generation requires coordination and shared commitment.Local Governance and Development Mechanisms
Lt Gen (R) Aamir Riaz also pointed to improvements in local governance. He noted that in districts where District Coordination Committees operate, local government systems function more effectively. These committees receive funding and work with local representatives.
They implement development programs at the district level. This approach improves service delivery. It also strengthens state presence at the grassroots level.
He stressed that governance at the local level helps address genuine public concerns. It narrows the gap between citizens and institutions. Over time, this reduces frustration and builds confidence in the system.
Reko Diq, Gwadar, and Strategic Economic Projects
Addressing major development projects, Lt Gen (R) Aamir Riaz rejected claims of exploitation. He termed the narrative around Reko Diq as misleading. He clarified that the Balochistan government holds a 25 percent share in the project.
The provincial government also maintains oversight of operations and management. The project is expected to generate revenue, employment, and skills development within the province.
He warned that hostile actors are attempting to create insecurity in Chagai and surrounding areas. Their objective is to sabotage projects like Reko Diq. Similar tactics appear in Gwadar, where attacks on laborers aim to undermine the port’s development.
According to him, such actions harm local communities and weaken economic progress.
External Influence and the Case for Peaceful Politics
Lt Gen (R) Aamir Riaz acknowledged that Baloch citizens face real issues. He stated that addressing these concerns remains the responsibility of the state. However, he drew a clear distinction between peaceful political struggle and violence.
He stressed that constitutional and non-violent methods are legitimate. Terrorism and armed action against the state are not. He cautioned against external manipulation. Foreign actors, he said, exploit local populations for their own interests.
He cited examples from Iraq, Libya, and Syria. In these cases, external sponsors abandoned local populations after using them.
He concluded by stating that Pakistan’s state has the capacity to listen and absorb political dissent. Rights can and should be pursued within the constitutional framework. Violence, he warned, only leads to loss and long-term instability.
Terrorism, Development, and External Influence in Balochistan: A Strategic Perspective
Speaking on Aaj Shahzaib Khanzada Kay Saath on Geo News on 03 February 2026, Lieutenant General (R) Aamir Riaz highlighted Balochistan’s demographic reality. The province covers 43 percent of Pakistan’s land area. Its population stands at nearly 12 million.
A significant portion of this population falls between 19 and 40 years of age. This group needs employment and economic stability. Lt Gen (R) Aamir Riaz stated that for a state like Pakistan, providing jobs to this population is not an impossible task.
He emphasized collective responsibility. Federal, provincial, district, and local political leadership must work together. Major business groups must also partner with the state. Employment generation requires coordination and shared commitment.Local Governance and Development Mechanisms
Lt Gen (R) Aamir Riaz also pointed to improvements in local governance. He noted that in districts where District Coordination Committees operate, local government systems function more effectively. These committees receive funding and work with local representatives.
They implement development programs at the district level. This approach improves service delivery. It also strengthens state presence at the grassroots level.
He stressed that governance at the local level helps address genuine public concerns. It narrows the gap between citizens and institutions. Over time, this reduces frustration and builds confidence in the system.
Reko Diq, Gwadar, and Strategic Economic Projects
Addressing major development projects, Lt Gen (R) Aamir Riaz rejected claims of exploitation. He termed the narrative around Reko Diq as misleading. He clarified that the Balochistan government holds a 25 percent share in the project.
The provincial government also maintains oversight of operations and management. The project is expected to generate revenue, employment, and skills development within the province.
He warned that hostile actors are attempting to create insecurity in Chagai and surrounding areas. Their objective is to sabotage projects like Reko Diq. Similar tactics appear in Gwadar, where attacks on laborers aim to undermine the port’s development.
According to him, such actions harm local communities and weaken economic progress.
External Influence and the Case for Peaceful Politics
Lt Gen (R) Aamir Riaz acknowledged that Baloch citizens face real issues. He stated that addressing these concerns remains the responsibility of the state. However, he drew a clear distinction between peaceful political struggle and violence.
He stressed that constitutional and non-violent methods are legitimate. Terrorism and armed action against the state are not. He cautioned against external manipulation. Foreign actors, he said, exploit local populations for their own interests.
He cited examples from Iraq, Libya, and Syria. In these cases, external sponsors abandoned local populations after using them.
He concluded by stating that Pakistan’s state has the capacity to listen and absorb political dissent. Rights can and should be pursued within the constitutional framework. Violence, he warned, only leads to loss and long-term instability.
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