Pakistan using LeT under ISKP banner in Balochistan

Former TTP commander alleges state-backed militant redeployment for strategic objectives.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

With reports of Pakistan military-backed terror groups carrying out operations in the Balochistan region, The Sunday Guardian spoke to Ehsanullah Ehsan, former senior Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan commander who has also served as the organization's spokesperson in the past.

Based on what he found through his extensive and widespread network in the restive region, Ehsan returned with responses to queries shared by this newspaper.

He said the Pakistani military is using Lashkar-e-Taiba under the ISKP banner to serve multiple strategic purposes: easing pressure on regular forces by outsourcing operations in Balochistan, exerting pressure on the Afghan government, projecting LeT as a pro-state group to build public acceptance, and suppressing Baloch independence movements to safeguard Chinese investments.

Edited excerpts

Q. Has the Pakistani military shifted to using proxies in Balochistan?

A. Indeed. The Pakistani military has adopted a deliberate policy of activating its proxies in Balochistan after failing to counter the Baloch nationalist movements through direct military means. The strategy now is to confront them via proxy groups.