Security Crisis
Security Crisis: Pakistan is facing another serious security crisis in Balochistan. After several deadly attacks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Quetta. They attended a provincial apex committee meeting. They reaffirmed their commitment to eliminate terrorism. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the National Action Plan.
Local Mediation
At the same time, a different process was taking place in the Hanna Urak area near Quetta. Local tribal elders held a jirga with an armed group. The group had kidnapped several people. The elders negotiated directly with the kidnappers. They secured the release of the hostages. The district administration and provincial government played no visible role. The kidnappers claimed links with the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, officials could not confirm their identity.
Growing Violence
The government’s strong statements may not solve the problem. The growing gap between the state and local people has made the situation worse. Several Baloch insurgent groups remain active. The TTP and the Islamic State (IS) have also increased their attacks. Criminal violence has become a major challenge, especially in urban areas.
Policy Challenges
The government has not changed its security policy in recent years. When attacks decline, officials claim success. When violence increases, they blame outside forces. This approach ignores many internal challenges.
Baloch insurgent groups continue to change their strategy. They often reduce attacks for a short time. Later, they return with greater intensity. A temporary fall in violence does not mean the conflict has ended. It may simply show that the groups are preparing for new attacks.
Active Insurgency
Recent data shows that the insurgency remains active across Balochistan. The number of attacks declined slightly. However, militants still carried out 17 attacks in 13 districts. This shows they can strike many areas at the same time. In June, the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked nine districts. It also attacked Chagai district. The group damaged public and private property.
Revenge Attacks
The BLA now carries out more large-scale assaults. It also launches revenge attacks. These attacks often coincide with the anniversaries of Baloch nationalist leaders. The recent attack on Shafiq Mengal’s residence in Khuzdar is one example. Mengal is now affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Critics have accused him of leading a militia against Baloch insurgents. The BLA’s Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack. It described the attack as revenge.
Expanding Operations
The BLA has also expanded into Qilla Abdullah and Pishin. These districts have mostly Pakhtun populations. In the past, they mainly faced TTP violence. The BLA attacked police posts, seized weapons, and destroyed security facilities. These attacks suggest that the group is expanding its operations. They also show growing confidence and organizational strength.
Economic Targets
The insurgents also target economic activity. They destroyed gas tankers on the Pakistan-Iran highway. They killed a water tanker driver working for the Oil and Gas Development Company. They kidnapped another driver. They also assassinated a construction contractor. These attacks increase the cost of doing business in Balochistan. They discourage outside investment. They also support the insurgents’ claim that others exploit Balochistan’s natural resources.
Infrastructure Attacks
The militants also attack public infrastructure. They bombed two bridges on national highways. These attacks disrupted transport and caused economic losses. They also attacked a 220-kilovolt electricity transmission line in Dera Murad Jamali. Such attacks damage essential services. They also weaken public trust in the state’s ability to provide security.
Afghan Factor
Afghanistan remains an important factor in the security situation. In June, Afghanistan reportedly carried out drone attacks inside Balochistan. Pakistan responded with strikes on TTP hideouts along the border. The strikes killed several militants. They also destroyed training camps, command centres, and ammunition depots.
Pakistan also lodged formal diplomatic protests with Afghanistan. Investigators concluded that Afghan nationals took part in the terrorist attack on a Pakistan Rangers camp in Karachi on June 27.
Policy Review
However, Pakistan should not blame Afghanistan alone. The country’s security policies have not produced the expected results in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government needs to review its current strategy. It must also address the internal problems that continue to fuel violence and instability.
Published in Dawn, 12th July 2026
