Quetta, 28 October (H.S.): Former Afghan Army commander Matin Agha was seriously injured in an explosion at Mount Taran in the Dalbandin area of Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Two other former Afghan Army personnel were also killed in the blast.

Journalist Bohot Baloch confirmed the incident by sharing photographs of Agha receiving treatment at a hospital, along with images from the scene of the explosion.

According to a report by The Balochistan Post, Shahu, described as a prominent member of an armed group allegedly backed by the Pakistani government, was also killed in the explosion.

The incident has renewed concerns over the presence of former Afghan military personnel in Balochistan. Allegations have surfaced that the Pakistani military is using former Afghan servicemen in operations against the Baloch National Movement. These claims have not been independently verified.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an armed separatist organisation active in the province, has also reportedly said that former Afghan Army personnel were among those killed in an attack on the residence of Shafiq Mengal in Khuzdar.

Members of Baloch nationalist organisations, including the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the Balochistan National Party (BNP), as well as members of the Balochistan Assembly, have expressed concern over the reported presence of retired Afghan military officers in the province.

These political groups have alleged that the former commanders are accompanying Pakistani military personnel during military operations in Balochistan and are involved in other criminal activities. Such allegations remain unverified.

Local residents in Pashtun-majority areas have also accused former Afghan commanders of involvement in rioting, theft and other criminal activities. However, there has been no clear official statement establishing the extent of their presence or role in the region.

Abdul Rahman Khetran, a former provincial minister and a Pakistan Muslim League lawmaker, has also acknowledged the presence of former Afghan government commanders in border areas of Dera Bugti and Barkhan.

Meanwhile, sources cited in the report alleged that Pakistani military agencies were considering deploying former Afghan servicemen in military preparations involving the Afghan Taliban and operations against the Baloch National Movement. These claims could not be independently confirmed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar