A massive protest has erupted against the Pakistani Army and their Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)Asim Munirafter Islamabad refused to accept that their soldiers were held captive by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) even after theyprovided video evidence of Pakistani troops held captivewith their names and photo IDs. Pakistan people protesting against the government exposed the government's lie saying that the captured jawans were known to them, adding that Rawalpindi should stop behaving like cowards.
On Friday, theBaloch Liberation Army (BLA)had released a video of captive Pakistani soldiers, showing them with their ID cards, who were pleading for help. The development has come as another embarrassment for Pakistan, as it had earlier denied that any of its troops were held captive by the Baloch rebels.
BLA’s media wing, Hakkal, spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch claimed that they had detained 17 members of Pakistani security forces during what it describes as the second phase of "Operation Hero.” The rebels later released 10 of them while keeping seven in custody and conditioning their fate on a potential prisoner exchange.
According to BLA, those freed were identified as ethnic Baloch connected to local policing structures, including Levies personnel. The group said they were let go after warnings, arguing that the move reflected what it termed ground realities and the broader interests of the Baloch population.
The remaining detainees are described by the BLA as members of regular units of the Pakistan Army. The armed group says it convened proceedings in what it calls a Baloch National Court, where the captives faced accusations ranging from involvement in actions against civilians to aiding enforced disappearances and taking part in what the organisation labels genocide.
Hakkal maintained that, during the hearing, the men were allowed to respond to the allegations, evidence was presented and statements were recorded before a guilty verdict was delivered.
Despite announcing the convictions, the BLA leadership said they granted Islamabad seven days to formally indicate readiness for an exchange of prisoners of war. If such willingness is demonstrated within the timeframe, the group claims the seven detainees could be swapped for Baloch prisoners.
The statement further alleged that previous offers of exchanges were not pursued and accuses Pakistani authorities of failing to prioritise the lives of their personnel. It reiterates that implementation of the sentences would follow if no practical progress is made within a week.
There has been no immediate official response from the military or the government, and independent verification of the claims remains difficult given limited access to conflict-hit regions.
Moreover, Pakistan has repeatedly denied that any of soldiers were held captive by the Baloch Liberation Army.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
