Balochistan, the beautiful province of Pakistan, needs no introduction. Geo-strategically and geopolitically, Balochistan holds immense significance for Pakistan. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Balochistan is the heart of Pakistan and just as a body is incomplete without a heart, Pakistan, too, cannot complete without Balochistan.
In recent months, the security situation in Balochistan has deteriorated significantly. This has caught the attention of international media, which is actively reporting on the region. These incidents have compelled the common Pakistani to question why the country’s largest and most crucial province is left at the mercy of terrorists. Who are the people responsible for disrupting peace and stability in Balochistan? What objectives do they seek to achieve through chaos and anarchy? Who are the forces that do not want to see development in Balochistan and aim to sabotage its large projects. One of the most alarming incidents this month was the attack on the Jaffar Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. Terrorists targeted this train, which consisted of nine coaches and carried over 400 passengers. The train departed from Quetta at 9 AM and a powerful explosion occurred in the Kachhi Bolan district. Following this attack, international media started highlighting Balochistan’s unrest.
Such incidents are not new, but it is crucial to investigate the factors that are destroying peace in Balochistan. The first name that emerges in this context is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). What is the BLA? Who are its members? The people of Balochistan are patriotic and peace-loving. However, a small faction within the province opposes development projects to such an extent that they resort to targeting innocent civilians, including women and children, under the pretext of fighting for Baloch rights.
The origins of the BLA can be traced back to the 1990s, but its activities became more pronounced between 2000 and 2025. During this period, the group engaged in large-scale terrorism, targeting Pakistan’s security institutions, including the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps, inflicting irreparable damage. Since July 2022 alone, this extremist group has claimed numerous innocent lives.
Several figures have been linked to the leadership of the BLA. From 2000 to August 2006, Sardar Akbar Khan Bugti was considered its leader. In 2007, Mir Balach Marri took charge, followed by Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri until 2014. Later, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti’s grandson, Brahamdagh Bugti, who is currently based in Switzerland, was believed to be leading the group. The BLA is known to receive support from India and anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan. Other notable names associated with the group include Bijar Khan (killed in a clash in July 2015) and Aslam Achu.
An analysis of BLA activities reveals that it is the greatest violator of Baloch rights. Whenever Pakistan initiates developmental projects in Balochistan, this terrorist group sabotages them to serve the interests of its foreign sponsors in the U.S., India and Afghanistan. The BLA operates under different names and disguises at various times. Despite the Pakistani government’s attempts to address the grievances of Balochistan’s people, the BLA remains focused on creating unrest and instability.
Why does the BLA target Balochistan specifically? One major reason is that Balochistan plays a central role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Internal and external factors are working to destabilize Pakistan, particularly those forces that have viewed Pakistan’s existence with hostility since its inception. These adversaries use groups like the BLA to spread chaos within the country.
One of the primary sources of funding for the BLA is India’s intelligence agency, RAW, which actively supports its terrorist activities. However, it is important to clarify that the vast majority of Baloch people are patriotic Pakistanis who welcome and participate in the development projects running under CPEC.
The recent attack on the Jaffar Express, where 430 passengers were taken hostage, was another attempt by the BLA to spread terror. However, we must commend the Pakistan Army and security forces for their swift and courageous response in rescuing the innocent passengers and neutralizing the terrorists.
The critical question remains: Why is the international community silent? Afghanistan’s internal factors continue to destabilize Pakistan, despite Pakistan’s long-standing support for Afghanistan’s security and economic stability. Afghanistan’s trade depends heavily on Pakistan, as it is a landlocked country. However, remnants of the Ashraf Ghani regime and Hamid Karzai’s allies continue to operate alongside Indian elements to create unrest in Pakistan. RAW’s activities in Pakistan are no secret; its objective is to portray Pakistan as a failed state.
What is the solution to these issues? The Pakistani government must recognize the gravity of the situation and take decisive steps to resolve Balochistan’s problems. All political parties must come together to form a comprehensive mechanism to address these challenges. The question remains: How long will we continue to lose our brave soldiers to terrorist attacks? How long will these extremist groups operate with impunity?
It is time for all stakeholders to unite for the peace, stability and development of Balochistan. Even students from different universities across Pakistan express deep concern over the ongoing issues in Balochistan. The future of Pakistan depends on ensuring peace and prosperity in this crucial province.
