India-backed proxy group, the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), declared by the state as Fitna al-Hindustan, once again failed to sustain its presence on the ground in Balochistan and instead resorted to circulating false claims and fabricated propaganda aimed at misleading the public, fellow militant outfits, and external handlers.
On Wednesday, the proscribed group attempted to spread two separate pieces of disinformation from different parts of the province, both of which collapsed when checked against the actual situation on the ground.
Fake claim of “control” over Kharan exposed
The first false claim was circulated on social media by BLA-linked accounts alleging that militants had taken control of Kharan city. However, a ground check of Kharan Bazaar showed the claim to be entirely baseless.
Business activity in the city remained normal, shops were open, buying and selling continued uninterrupted, and residents were seen moving freely without fear or disruption. Locals confirmed that there was no situation resembling a takeover or loss of control in any part of the city.
Residents said BLA militants briefly entered the area with the intent of looting a bank, recorded a few short videos for social media, and then fled. They stressed that the videos were later used to falsely project a narrative of control that had no basis in reality.
Citizens categorically rejected claims of insecurity or occupation, stating that the propaganda was designed solely to create panic and distort facts.
Mashkel blockade propaganda also proven false
Separately, propaganda circulated by the same group regarding an alleged blockade at Kaman Road in the Mashkel area was also found to be false and misleading.
According to local accounts, anti-development elements set fire to a vehicle belonging to a local contractor and then attempted to falsely portray the incident as a checkpoint or blockade operation to exaggerate their presence and impact. No blockade or disruption of movement was reported from the area.
Residents of both Kharan and Mashkel stated that such fabricated claims were part of a broader attempt to spread fear and undermine public confidence but added that people are now fully aware of these tactics and no longer take them at face value.
Public rejection of militant narratives
People from the affected areas reiterated their resolve to stand with the state and security institutions, stating that hostile elements would not be allowed to succeed in their objectives through misinformation.
Local administration confirmed that the law-and-order situation in Kharan remains fully under control and that security arrangements have been further strengthened as a precautionary measure.
It is pertinent to note that a security operation was carried out in Kharan earlier in the day, resulting in the killing of seven terrorists. Authorities, however, clarified that daily life in the city remained unaffected and normalcy prevailed throughout.
