ISPR presser

The Jaffar Express attack – which claimed the lives of 26 people – could have been a lot worse had the swift operation carried out by Pakistan’s security forces not been successful in neutralising the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists. However, while the military aspect of counterterrorism is crucial, it is imperative to also focus on the deeper, more systemic issues that have allowed such insurgencies to take root. During a media briefing on Friday, Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry unequivocally pointed at India for sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan, claiming that the BLA militants were in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan and using foreign-made weapons. The role of the Indian media in amplifying the propaganda of the BLA has been quite noticeable and could lend credence to the claim that external forces are seeking to destabilise Pakistan, particularly Balochistan. However, while external involvement cannot and should not be ignored, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the internal issues that have long plagued Balochistan and have fueled discontent.

Balochistan has historically suffered from neglect, marginalisation and underdevelopment. Despite being rich in natural resources, the province has one of the lowest literacy rates, inadequate healthcare facilities and a lack of basic infrastructure. The grievances of the Baloch people are not just the propaganda of anti-state elements; they are deeply rooted in the political and economic deprivation that successive governments have failed to address. The distinction between terrorists and genuinely disaffected Baloch must be made clear, something Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also encouragingly pointed out in the media talk. Equating all voices of dissent with insurgency is not just an oversimplification but dangerous as well. The issue of missing persons continues to haunt the province. While CM Bugti attempted to dismiss the severity of the problem by suggesting that some individuals had ‘disappeared themselves’, the reality is that enforced disappearances remain a pressing concern. Ignoring this issue or using it as a pretext to dismiss legitimate grievances only serves to deepen the divide between the state and the people of Balochistan. Addressing the missing persons crisis with transparency and accountability is essential for fostering trust between the state and the province.

Balochistan needs a dual-pronged approach: a kinetic one for the terrorists and a political one for the people. The true nationalist Baloch leaders – those who believe in dialogue, democracy, and peaceful advocacy – must be brought back into the political fold. They are the real representatives of the Baloch people, not those that have allowed external powers to manipulate them into taking up arms against their own people. Successive governments have failed to listen to legitimate Baloch voices, pushing them further away from mainstream politics. A sincere effort must be made to integrate them into the parliamentary system so they can fight for their rights through political means rather than being left disillusioned and unheard. If the state continues to focus solely on a military solution without addressing the political, economic and social issues in Balochistan, such tragedies will persist. Counterterrorism is crucial, but so is countering the alienation of the Baloch people. This is the balancing act the state and government need to maintain and for this, they will need help and buy-in from all stakeholders.