'Increased kidnappings in Balochistan 'source of generating funds' for militants: Pak FC

Islamabad, Jan 20 (ANI): Inspector General Frontier Corps of Pakistan Major General Ubaidullah Khan Khattak has said that incidents of kidnappings have increased in Balochistan at an alarming level and have become a source of generating funds for militants.

The Express Tribue quoted Khattak as saying, that that while Balochistan had witnessed a decline in rocket attacks and bomb blasts, particularly targeting gas pipelines, power pylons and railway tracks, incidents of kidnappings for ransom have increased.

"Militants, whether Taliban or Baloch, are using kidnappings to generate funds. They target foreigners with the intention to get ransom money in dollars," he said, adding that people from Waziristan entered Balochistan and kidnapped BRSP workers and others.

However, he said the kidnappers of ICRC's British officials are "not currently in Balochistan".

He also said there were no links between the Taliban and Baloch rebels.

The IG declared Quetta, Dera Bugti, Sibi and Turbat as volatile regions, where violence and attacks have increased.

"The FC observed a rise in incidents in these four districts, while Kohlu is stable. Security forces managed to retain peace in Nasirabad and Panjgur, where concerns were raised after several attacks," he said.

Commenting on the recent deadly ambush on Frontier Corps in Turbat and Behlol, near Kohlu district, Khattak said Dr Allah Nizar's organisation was behind the Turbat attack and while the defunct Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) was responsible for the other attack.

Urging the Baloch youth to drop their weapons and join hands for peace, he said: "I have complete sympathies with the Baloch youth who are being used as a tool. This country belongs to them as well and it is up to them what they choose. But I shall make one thing clear - the security forces will not compromise over disrupting peace and the troops will not be weakened."

"I have told the FC commandants to provide complete protection to those Baloch youth who want to lay down their weapons. Their families will also be provided protection," he added. (ANI)