Editorial

Another Quetta bombing

Balochistan, despite a downturn in violent incidents in recent times, remains the terrorist’s grisly playground

Editorial October 20, 2015

Rescue operations underway after a blast in Quetta on October 19, 2015. PHOTO: INP

Yet again, it was the poor and the innocent that were in the crosshairs of the terrorists. Horror and carnage returned to Quetta on the evening of October 19 when a bomb, probably planted in luggage on the roof, ripped through a crowded bus. As many as 11 died and around 24 were injured, some of whom are likely to succumb to their injuries. Balochistan, despite a downturn in violent incidents in recent times, remains the terrorist’s grisly playground. Reports suggest that most of the passengers on the bus were poor labourers returning from work — which may indicate that they were targeted for being something other than ethnic Baloch, but thus far nobody is claiming responsibility.

There are at least three separate violent strands to the many afflictions of Balochistan. The religious extremists of varying adherences, the separatist groups that are far from united themselves, and as a subset of the separatists, the avowedly sectarian groups. This adds up to a complex environment of competing and conflicting groups, all of which have the common purpose of wreaking havoc among those least able to protect themselves, the most vulnerable and the poorest end of society as a whole.

The victims are invariably those who have no political power and no voice. They are buried in their hundreds every year and those who survive attacks lead lives blighted by disability, far from the headlines and noticed by nobody. The terrorising of the weak appears to have done little or nothing to advance the cause of any of the groups committing atrocities. The response of assorted governments over decades has been either equivocal or the imposition of state-sanctioned suppression in various forms that has only served to alienate the people of Balochistan. There has been no effective engagement by any government that might point to a political solution and in the midst of all this India is stoking the fires behind the scenes. Despite the recent lull in atrocities committed by all sides, there has been no attempt to capitalise on a period of relative quiescence, no matter how it was achieved. An oversight worthy of rectification.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2015.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

COMMENTS (1)

US CENTCOM | 9 years ago | Reply We again saw this week in Quetta Pakistan; terrorists attack a public bus killing 11 civilians in a blatant and ruthless attack that took the lives of two children among women and elderly. Terrorism is a challenge that continues in the region. No one can deny the fact that terrorist attacks have decreased considerably in Pakistan, but the attack this week and the one last month at the military base in Peshawar is a stark reminder that the elusive enemy is waiting to strike whenever they get a chance. The time is ripe for all parties concerned to work together to eliminate this menace in the region. The common citizen has suffered for long in the hands of the terrorists. Recently the US commander in Afghanistan, General John F Campbell testified to the US Senate Armed Services Committee, “Senior Pakistani military officers have repeatedly declared that they can no longer discriminate between ‘good and bad’ terrorists. They appear to be taking meaningful actions to back up their words.” He was referring to the ongoing massive military operation, codenamed Zarb-e-Azb, against terrorists in North Waziristan Agency, the once stronghold of local Taliban and their foreign cohorts, and the subsequent offensive in the strategic Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. Tomorrow when President Obama hosts Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the White House, counter-terrorism and regional stability will be part of the agenda. The White House Press Secretary said in a statement, “The visit will highlight the enduring nature of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship and provide an opportunity to strengthen our cooperation on issues of mutual concern, including economic growth, trade and investment, clean energy, global health, climate change, nuclear security, counterterrorism, and regional stability. The President looks forward to discussions with Prime Minister Sharif on ways we can advance our shared interest in a stable, secure, and prosperous Pakistan.” We hope to see elimination of terrorism in the region so peace and prosperity can return to the people who so deserve.

Replying to X