2 weeks Ago
Balochistan stands at a precarious juncture. Attacks by the Balochistan Liberation Army, supported by militants in Afghanistan and Iran, have escalated to the point where large parts of the province are now effectively beyond the state’s control. This is not a sudden shift but the result of a steady and unchecked expansion of violence against the state and its institutions—an issue that has worsened under the current government.
Neither law enforcement agencies nor the military have been able to curb this insurgency effectively. Compounding the crisis, political opposition to the government—particularly against its heavy-handed response to protests—has fuelled a fresh wave of demonstrations. This has created a vicious cycle where protests provoke state crackdowns, which in turn trigger further protests, with no resolution in sight.
Previously, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), led by Maharang Baloch, was at the forefront. Now, the movement has expanded, with the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) joining the fray. Its leader, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, has vowed to continue demonstrations and sit-ins despite government efforts to suppress them.
The government must recognise that brute force alone will not resolve this crisis. It needs to acknowledge that it and the people of Balochistan share common goals: better living conditions, improved infrastructure and connectivity, increased investment, and an end to violence. Perpetuating an approach that alienates the people will only deepen the divide.
Now is the time for meaningful dialogue—with the BNP, the BYC, and the people of Balochistan—to ensure unity in the fight against terrorism. The state cannot afford to be embroiled in internal conflicts while extremist elements continue to exploit the province’s instability..
