Balochistan - the bleeding wound of Pakistan

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out a series of coordinated attacks in various parts of Balochistan on the night between August 25 and 26, 2024, resulting in the killing of at least 74 people. These attacks, called 'Operation Herof', not only brought tragic loss of innocent lives, but also destruction of infrastructure and disruption of daily life in the province.

It is not the first attack by the BLA. It is not the first time that people belonging to Punjab have been killed after identification. It is not the first time that a bus has been stopped on the main highway and pessangers held hostage for point blank shooting. It is not the first time that a Prime Minister of Pakistan has condemned the attack and resolved to become stringent and more stern in retaliation. And it might not be the last time that the BLA or the TTP in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa would have attacked their targets with ease.

The question is: how long will the state tolerate this nuisance while blaming the external forces for the mayhem, the possiblity of which cannot be ruled out? While our soliders are laying their lives by thousands every year, the sophistication and operational skills of terrorists are becoming increasingly daunting to get done with them.

Isn't it time to think beyond kinetic strategies?

The BLA is a separatist organisation that has been active in Balochistan for several decades. The group's primary goal is to achieve independence for Balochistan, and it has used violence, including bombings, kidnappings and assassinations, to pursue its objectives.

The BLA's ability to launch such a sophisticated attack raises questions about the effectiveness of the Pakistani state's intelligence agencies. The fact that the group was able to coordinate attacks in multiple locations simultaneously suggests that they had advanced planning and significant resources at their disposal. The failure to prevent or disrupt these attacks could be attributed to a variety of factors.

The BLA may have infiltrated government agencies or security forces, allowing them to gather sensitive information and plan their attacks.

The intelligence agencies may have been constrained by limited resources, hindering their ability to monitor and track the BLA's activities.

There may have been deficiencies in intelligence sharing between different agencies,preventing them from connecting the dots and identifying the impending threat.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, has long faced socio-economic disparities and a sense of neglect from the central government. These factors, coupled with historical grievances and a perceived lack of autonomy, have contributed to the emergence of separatist movements, including the BLA.

Balochistan is one of the poorest provinces in Pakistan, with high rates of poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. The province is rich in natural resources, but many Baloch people feel that these resources are being exploited by the federal government and outside interests, with little benefit to the local population.

The Baloch people have a long history of resistance against outside rule, dating back to the British colonial era. This sense of resistance has been fueled by a perceived lack of autonomy and control over their own affairs.

The Pakistani government has adopted a multifaceted approach to address the situation in Balochistan. This includes military operations against the BLA and other militant groups; development initiatives to improve the socio-economic conditions of Balochistan; and political engagement with Baloch political leaders and civil society organisations.However, these efforts have been hampered by the ongoing violence and the deep-seated mistrust between the government and the Baloch people.

The BLA's decision to target the migrants from Punjab in their recent attacks is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to this choice. The gap in economic development between Punjab and Balochistan is significant, leading to a perception that Punjabis are benefiting at the expense of Baloch people. Targeting Punjabis can be seen as a way for the BLA to send a message to the Pakistani government and the wider public that they are serious about their demands for independence and justice.

The silence of Mehrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist, on the recent BLA attacks is particularly noteworthy, especially given her vocal support for Balochistan's cause. While Balochistan is a complex issue with multiple stakeholders, Mehrang Baloch's failure to condemn the attacks and acknowledge the suffering of the victims is a significant omission.

Several possible explanations for Baloch's silence can be considered, including political affiliation and fear of repression and outrage from her foreign handler. Regardless of the reasons for her silence, Baloch's failure to condemn the BLA's attacks is a missed opportunity to promote unity and solidarity among the Baloch people.

The BLA's recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan highlight the need for significant improvements in the Pakistani state's intelligence capabilities and a more unified approach to addressing the conflict in the region. The silence of prominent figures like Mehrang Baloch on these attacks further complicates the situation and underscores the challenges of achieving peace and reconciliation in Balochistan.