Gunning Gwadar

It was disheartening to see the citadel of Pakistan’s geo-economics come under the fire. The attack on the Gwadar Port Authority was another despicable act by elements who do not want to see the country rise on its socio-economic merits. But salute goes out to the brave soldiers of the security forces who foiled the conspiracy of a major disaster, and successfully gunned down as many as eight terrorists. The exchange of fire, coupled with multiple blasts, was quite unnerving for not only the locals but also the foreign entities at work in the port city of Balochistan. It is consolation though that no casualties were reported, as the intruders were taken out professionally by two sepoys of the army at the cost of their lives.

It is worrisome to note that the dreaded Majeed Brigade had claimed responsibility for the attack. This offshoot of Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is widely known as a sleeper cell busy in clandestine activities at the behest of foreign instigators. But, of late, it has been targeting military and developmental sites, which makes it horrendous. While they reportedly maintain sanctuaries along the Pakistan-Iran border, it has become a bone of contention between the two neighbouring countries. The skirmishes between the two states owing to presence and activities of non-state actors has mapped the restive province in volatility. Perhaps, this is why there has been an increase in terror incidents in Balochistan, and unfortunately Chinese interests are on the receiving end.

Attacking installations in the port of Gwadar must be seen as a message against Pakistan’s sovereignty. The unscrupulous characters are out to kill two birds with one stone by derailing not only growth prospects but also relations with neighbouring countries, especially China and Iran. Such attacks must be dealt with on two fronts: militarily by repulsing the terrorists; and politically by reaching out to people who nurse serious grievances with the state of Pakistan. While Gwadar is the future of Pakistan’s versatility, securing and making it serene is a challenge.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2024.

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