In a bold and measured response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir . The operation, lasting only four days, neutralized nine militant sites linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish‑e‑Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen—while steering clear of civilian and frontline military installations .
Sindhi, Baloch, Pashtun & Seraiki Factions Praise Precision & Restraint
Separatist voices within Pakistan— notably the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) led by Zafar Sahito—have lauded India’s decisive yet restrained action. In a recent public message, Sahito applauded India for striking “resolute action” against terror groups and spotlighted how Sindhi communities have long endured extremism and oppressive state measures amplified by Pakistan’s military elite and external backers, including China .
Speaking out, Sahito remarked, “we commend India’s resolute stance against terrorism,” highlighting that his community has borne the brunt of extremism fostered by both domestic and foreign agendas.
Similarly, Baloch and Pashtun representatives—traditionally sidelined in Islamabad’s narrative—have also voiced support, interpreting the strikes as targeted manoeuvres against militancy, not civilians . Analysts have noted these voices avoided backing Pakistan’s military posture during the crisis.
Escalating Unrest: Balochistan & KP See Surge in Militant Activity
In the aftermath, Balochistan witnessed a surge in BLA activity. On May 11, the Baloch Liberation Army claimed over 70 coordinated strikes across 50+ locations — assaulting military convoys, checkpoints, and mineral transport routes. They framed these actions as retaliatory measures to alleged human rights abuses .
Simultaneously, Tehrik‑i‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensified operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and some elements even moved into Balochistan. Government drone strikes in tribal areas have elicited strong criticism from civil society, including the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). In one disturbing incident in North Waziristan, three children were killed and several women injured, sparking widespread condemnation .
Sindh Protests Highlight Humanitarian Concerns
In Sindh, JSFM-led sit-ins have attracted attention on issues like enforced disappearances, extrajudicial detentions, and water scarcity—conditions worsened by development projects in Punjab . Protesters decry alleged heavy-handed state tactics and demand the release of nationalist activists.
CPEC & China’s Footprint Under Scrutiny
China’s flagship CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) has intensified regional frictions since its launch in 2015. Nationalist groups in Sindh and Balochistan argue they have seen little benefit, while Chinese investments and personnel remain frequent targets of militant attacks .
For some separatist factions, India’s precise strikes are also interpreted as a tactical message aimed at undermining Pakistan’s defense ties to China.
India’s Global Messaging & Diplomatic Push
Backed by its military operation, India swiftly moved to shape international opinion. Over 50 politicians and diplomats from BJP, Congress, DMK, NCP(SP), and others toured 33 countries, briefing their global counterparts on India’s anti-terror stance and pressing for Pakistan’s accountability—a campaign Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as putting “India’s voice forward” .
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced this position in Brussels, stating India would again strike “deep inside Pakistan” if future terror attacks occurred .
Broader Implications & Path to Stability
Experts suggest that addressing militant unrest in Pakistan’s western and southern provinces demands more than military action—it requires governance reforms, respect for ethnic autonomy, and improved human rights protections. India’s Operation Sindoor has already enabled critics to spotlight Islamabad’s neglect of minority voices and shift the regional dialogue toward inner governance issues.
Yet, amid rising calls for autonomy and humanitarian accountability, navigating Pakistan’s intertwined security, federal, and regional dynamics remains a formidable challenge. Voices from Balochistan to Sindh and KP underscore a shared truth: durable peace hinges on inclusive dialogue and structural reforms, not just military intervention.
