Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, is witnessing a sharp escalation in militant violence, marked by a series of devastating incidents.
The unrest began with the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train on March 11 in the Mushkaf area, and has since spiraled into a wave of attacks across the region.
March 15: A day of violence
On March 15, Balochistan experienced three separate blasts in a single day. In Quetta, an Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) vehicle was targeted, leaving six soldiers injured, one of whom later succumbed to his injuries.
Another explosion on Qambrani Road targeted a mobile shop with a hand grenade, injuring two civilians but causing no fatalities.
Meanwhile, a blast at the main gate of the Levies Line compound in Killa Saifullah district fortunately resulted in no casualties.
Suicide attack on RCD highway
On March 17, a suicide bombing on the National RCD Highway claimed the lives of five individuals, including three Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers and two civilians, according to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Over 30 people sustained severe injuries and were initially treated at Nushki Teaching Hospital before being airlifted to the Combined Military Hospital in Quetta.
Independent sources, however, reported seven fatalities and over 40 injuries. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, with its Majeed Brigade and Fateh Squad allegedly involved in the operation.
Retaliation
Following the suicide bombing, rescue teams and backup forces were dispatched to the scene. The area was cordoned off, and a clearance operation was launched. Security forces pursued the attackers to their mountain hideouts, neutralizing four militants in the process.
Reports also indicated heavy gunfire at the site of the explosion near Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the suicide attack, labeling it a heinous act against humanity.
Balochistan's Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti vowed to bring those disrupting the province's peace to justice.
In a joint press conference, DG ISPR Ahmed Shareef and Chief Minister Bugti provided updates on the Jaffar Express hijacking and the broader security situation in Balochistan.
Rising terrorism
According to ISPR, over 70,000 counter-terrorism operations have been conducted across Pakistan in the past 430 days, with 563 security personnel killed and 1,250 terrorists eliminated.
Experts argue that while military operations are essential, long-term policy reforms are crucial to addressing the root causes of terrorism. Political leaders have expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ain Pakistan movement, criticized the exploitation of Balochistan's resources and the military's political interventions.
Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal of the Balochistan National Party tweeted about the province's strategic importance, while Dr Malik, a former Chief Minister, emphasized the futility of violence in resolving issues.
In response to the escalating violence, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has summoned a parliamentary committee meeting on March 18.
Military leadership will brief lawmakers on the security challenges and outline strategies to restore stability in Balochistan.
