Mir Shafiq’s Covert Role in Balochistan’s Extremist Consolidation

Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal, a controversial tribal leader from Khuzdar, has been appointed to oversee operations aimed at consolidating extremist groups in Balochistan. According to top intelligence officials, this move represents a significant shift in Pakistan’s counter-insurgency tactics, effectively outsourcing military operations to radical jihadist proxies.

This covert initiative involves coordinating arms and logistical support for various extremist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). The intelligence inputs suggest that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has handed over operational control to these groups, with Shafiq at the helm of logistics, recruitment, and financing within the province.

Strategic Objectives Behind the Appointment

Sources indicate that Mir Shafiq’s role includes arranging safe houses, training camps, and recruiting operatives through religious seminaries and underground networks. Officials monitoring the situation suggest that Pakistan aims to establish a “controlled conflict zone” in Balochistan. This strategy could serve multiple purposes, such as justifying a permanent military presence and attracting Western counter-terrorism assistance.

The intent appears to be to frame ISIS as the primary perpetrator of any forthcoming violence, providing plausible deniability for the Pakistani authorities. Observers anticipate that high-profile attacks may soon be attributed to ISIS, despite the orchestration potentially being linked to other actors. Moreover, the expansion of ISKP infrastructure in Balochistan could destabilize neighboring regions, particularly impacting Iran and Afghanistan.

Concerns Regarding Human Rights and International Image

Mir Shafiq has long faced allegations from human rights organizations of leading a death squad, reportedly with backing from the ISI, targeting Baloch nationalists and dissidents. His new responsibilities in coordinating logistics for ISIS-linked activities signify a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict.

These developments could complicate Pakistan’s international image, as the government has consistently portrayed itself as a victim of terrorism. Critics argue that engaging with extremist groups undermines Islamabad’s credibility and raises serious questions about its commitment to counter-terrorism.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Pakistani government or the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) regarding these serious allegations. Regional analysts suggest that the upcoming months will be crucial, with a heightened risk of orchestrated violence attributed to ISIS potentially changing the security dynamics in Balochistan and the broader Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan tri-junction.