Quetta — Large crowds across Pakistan staged rallies, prayer gatherings and demonstrations in support of the Pakistan Army and security forces after a series of cross-border incidents attributed to Afghan territory, local officials and participants said.
Organisers and participants in multiple cities of Balochistan, including Quetta and district towns, held processions and public prayers in which speakers and crowds voiced strong condemnation of the reported Afghan actions and expressed solidarity with troops on the frontier. “In the face of any external aggression, the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces,” one organiser told reporters. Many attendees said they were prepared to back the military “with every sacrifice” to defend the country.
Speakers at the gatherings criticised what they described as Kabul’s failure to curb militant activity, and some participants accused Indian actors of exploiting Afghanistan to destabilise Pakistan. “For four decades Pakistan sheltered millions of Afghans; it is regrettable to see elements, with external backing, they allege, now using Afghan soil against us,” a demonstrator said.
Officials and community leaders invoked Pakistan’s long record of hosting Afghan refugees and urged Kabul to honour responsibilities to prevent Afghan territory being used as a launchpad for attacks. Several speakers warned that while Pakistan preferred diplomacy, it would act to protect its citizens if cross-border threats continued.
Rallies were largely peaceful, organisers said, though some of the language used in speeches and chants was emotive and forceful. Organisers called for unity and prayer for the safety of security personnel and civilians affected by recent violence.
Government and military spokesmen reiterated a dual message of resolve and restraint. Authorities emphasised that Pakistan seeks a de-escalatory, diplomatic resolution while retaining the right to defend its territory. Local administrations in affected provinces coordinated security arrangements as demonstrations took place.
Civil society groups and human-rights observers urged calm and restraint on all sides, warning that incendiary rhetoric risks further escalation and civilian harm. They called for continued diplomatic engagement alongside measures to protect border communities and ensure humanitarian needs are met.
The rallies underline deep public concern over cross-border tensions and broad popular support for security forces. At the same time, analysts say the episode highlights the urgent need for credible, verifiable steps by Kabul to address militancy, and for regional diplomatic channels to remain open to prevent miscalculation.
