The southwest region of Pakistan, especially Balochistan, has been witness to violent attacks in recent times. The attack on the Jafar Express on March 11 has exposed the increasing instability in the region. In this incident, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) allegedly killed 21 people and took the train passengers hostage.
The Pakistani army claimed to kill 50 attackers and save passengers safely, but on the other hand, BLA claimed to kill 50 soldiers, rejecting these claims of the Pak Army.
Balochistan has been a stronghold of separatist rebellion for a long time, but the attack shows a major change in BLA’s strategy. This was the first time a rebel organization hijacked the entire passenger train and openly challenged the security forces. The question arises that why violence in Balochistan is increasing and what are the real reasons behind it?
Father raised demands regarding the safety of CO Anuj Chaudhary, expressed objection to Sanjay Singh’s statement
Balochistan: Roots of unrest and rebellion
1. Balochistan: Pakistan’s most neglected region
Balochistan is the largest province in Pakistan, but it is also the lowest populated and economically backward area.
- The region is rich in natural resources (gas, copper, gold).
- The local Baloch community alleges that its property benefits only to the Central Government and Army of Pakistan, while the local people remain neglected.
- For a long time this dissatisfaction has been causing the separatist movement.
2. Role of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
Bla is a rebel organization banned in Pakistan, struggling for the independence of Balochistan.
- It has been active since the 2000s and is now adopting an aggressive strategy against the Pakistani Army.
- Earlier BLA used to target military bases and government properties, but now the civil is also targeting locations and transport systems.
- The attack on Jafar Express reflects BLA’s new and aggressive strategy.
3. China and CPEC are also on target
Bla is targeting not only the Pakistani Army, but also Chinese citizens and its investment.
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is running several major projects in Balochistan.
- BLA claims that this project is not beneficial for Baloch people, but is exploiting their resources.
- Over the years, BLA has attacked several Chinese citizens and CPEC projects.
Bla’s increasing strength and Pakistan’s concern
4. Has Bla Pakistan Taliban (TTP) become as dangerous?
- Experts believe that BLA has now become as dangerous as Pakistan Taliban (TTP).
- This organization is now attacking Balochistan and attacking Karachi and other big cities as well.
5. India accuses, stress from Iran also
- Pakistan, as usual, has accused Bla of getting India’s support, which India rejected.
- Apart from this, another cause of violence in Balochistan is also increasing tension between Pakistan and Iran.
- Recently, the two countries carried out air strikes on each other’s border, which further worsened the security situation.
6. Impact on Pakistan’s economy
- Increasing violence in Balochistan can also affect Pakistan’s sinking economy.
- Foreign investors are already scared of the instability of the country, and such attacks can tarnish the image of Pakistan.
Political and social influence of attack
7. Is Bla getting local support?
Some security analysts believe that this attack of BLA can also damage his image.
“Baloch public usually does not support attacks on innocent civilians. Such violence may also be reversed to BLA. ” – Security expert Syed Muhammad Ali
What will happen next?
- The Pakistan government has conducted several military campaigns against BLA, but no permanent solution was found.
- BLA is becoming continuously and powerful, due to which the security crisis for Pakistan is increasing.
