Balochistan’s Ongoing Crisis: Terrorism, Militancy, and the Need for a Comprehensive Solution

Naveed Hussain

As we begin 2025, it is painfully clear that the security situation in Pakistan remains dire. Just a month into the year, terror has already reared its ugly head again, with a devastating terrorist attack in Kalat, Balochistan, on the night of Friday and Saturday. At least 18 soldiers lost their lives in this assault, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by the region. While Pakistan’s security forces were able to thwart the attack and eliminate 23 terrorists in subsequent operations, these tactical successes obscure the deeper, more complex issues in Balochistan – issues that require a solution far beyond military action.

Balochistan, a province long afflicted by insurgency and militancy, faces a crisis rooted in political, economic, and social discontent. Separatist groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have capitalized on these longstanding grievances, launching violent attacks that claim the lives of both security personnel and innocent civilians. Though some of the grievances voiced by these separatist groups may be genuine, the methods they employ, which often involve senseless violence, only perpetuate a cycle of conflict and suffering. It is critical to acknowledge that no cause, no matter how justified, can ever legitimize the kind of bloodshed these groups perpetuate. Yet, while unequivocally condemning acts of terrorism, we must also recognize that a purely militaristic approach, one focused solely on counterinsurgency operations, is doomed to fail unless the deeper, underlying issues are addressed.

In the wake of such violent attacks, political leaders often issue statements reaffirming the state’s resolve to combat terrorism, which is expected but ultimately insufficient. While these statements may offer temporary reassurance, they fail to tackle the root causes of the violence, which are deeply political. The situation in Balochistan is a political issue as much as it is a security one. The lack of consistent and meaningful development policies, the absence of human rights protections, and the failure to engage in genuine dialogue with the people of Balochistan have all contributed to the province’s ongoing instability. Issues like enforced disappearances, economic marginalization, and the absence of political representation for the Baloch population have resulted in the alienation of many in the region. As long as these grievances remain unaddressed, military action alone will only provide short-term relief, not lasting peace.

Over the years, there have been several attempts to address these issues through political means. The Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package, introduced by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in 2009, and the 18th Amendment, which granted greater provincial autonomy, were steps in the right direction. However, the implementation of these initiatives fell short, and the promises made to the Baloch people were not fully realized. To resolve the crisis in Balochistan, these political measures need to be revisited and strengthened with renewed, genuine political commitment. The federal government must prioritize inclusive governance, the upliftment of the provincial economy, and the protection of fundamental rights for the people of Balochistan. These actions are crucial in preventing external actors from exploiting the situation for their own interests and advancing the agenda of violent extremist groups.

Beyond the security apparatus, a comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis in Balochistan must include efforts to rebuild trust between the state and the people of Balochistan. The Baloch people deserve peace, development, and dignity, and it is the responsibility of the state to deliver these basic rights. The state must recognize that counterterrorism cannot be limited to military interventions or battlefield victories; it must also extend to the arenas of education, healthcare, and employment. Creating opportunities for the Baloch people to participate meaningfully in their economy and society is critical to ensuring that they no longer feel marginalized or excluded.

The attack in Kalat should serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s leadership to adopt a holistic strategy for Balochistan – one that combines strong security measures with substantive political and economic reforms. Only through such a multi-faceted approach can the province begin to see lasting peace and stability. Furthermore, while political reform is essential, groups like the BLA, which resort to violent tactics, must not be allowed to continue to gain ground. Their violent actions should not be romanticized or equated with a legitimate struggle for justice. Instead, their attacks only fuel further bloodshed and suffering. Therefore, the state must be firm in distinguishing between genuine political grievances that deserve a peaceful resolution and violent extremism that seeks only to destroy.

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Addressing the core political issues in Balochistan is not only a matter of restoring peace, but also of recognizing the rights and aspirations of the Baloch people. One of the key challenges is overcoming the deep sense of alienation that many Baloch feel towards the state. This alienation has its roots in historical and ongoing injustices, which include the imposition of outside authority without respect for the region’s unique cultural and political identity. The state must take decisive action to address these issues by ensuring that Balochistan is given a genuine voice in national decision-making processes and that the province is not overlooked in terms of political representation.

Economic development is equally critical. The people of Balochistan have long been denied access to resources and opportunities that are available in other parts of the country. Many Baloch communities live in poverty, and the province’s vast natural resources have not been used to improve the livelihoods of its people. In fact, the exploitation of these resources by external actors without benefiting the local population has fueled resentment and anger. A concerted effort to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in Balochistan is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement that feeds militancy and extremism.

Additionally, the state must work to strengthen human rights protections in the province. Enforced disappearances and violations of Baloch rights have only exacerbated the conflict, contributing to a growing sense of injustice and mistrust. These human rights abuses must be addressed through accountability mechanisms and efforts to ensure that the Baloch people feel safe and respected in their own land.

Finally, meaningful dialogue with Baloch leaders is vital for long-term peace. The state must engage in open and honest discussions with representatives of Balochistan’s various political and ethnic groups. These dialogues should focus on resolving the region’s political, economic, and social issues, rather than merely suppressing the insurgency. A genuine commitment to reconciliation, backed by political and economic reforms, is essential for bridging the divide between Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan.

In conclusion, the attack in Kalat is a tragic reminder of the ongoing crisis in Balochistan, but it should also serve as a catalyst for change. The Pakistani state must recognize that security measures alone will not resolve the deep-rooted issues in the region. A comprehensive approach that includes political reform, economic development, human rights protections, and meaningful dialogue with Baloch leadership is necessary for achieving lasting peace. The people of Balochistan deserve a future free from violence and marginalization, and it is the responsibility of the state to create the conditions for that future to become a reality.

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