Wound Still Bleeds
Wound Still Bleeds: Balochistan faced another wave of violence this past week. However, the province has suffered from conflict for more than 20 years. People in other parts of Pakistan often notice its problems only after major attacks. The recent incidents in Quetta, Ziarat, and Lasbela once again drew national attention. The attack in Ziarat shocked the nation. The violence in Lasbela caused heavy loss of life.
Political Failure
The government has failed to address the crisis with empathy and political commitment. Experts have long identified the main causes of unrest. Many people feel alienated. Many educated young people feel angry and ignored. The province also lacks a genuine political process. This crisis is political. Therefore, it needs a political solution along with security operations.
Need for Dialogue
The people of Balochistan need trust and healing. The government should hold talks with mainstream political leaders. It should also engage with imprisoned political figures where appropriate. Instead, authorities rely on weak political representation, harsh statements, prison sentences, enforced disappearances, and the use of force. These policies have not brought peace. The recent attacks show that the current strategy has failed.
Rising Violence
Research also points to a worsening security situation. A recent report by the Institute of Regional Studies found that terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fell by 57 percent during the first quarter of 2026. In contrast, attacks in Balochistan increased by 84 percent. This trend shows that violence is growing in the province.
The problem goes beyond major attacks. The state’s authority remains weak in many areas. Safe travel is difficult outside a few locations. The chief minister claimed that he traveled to Ziarat without a bulletproof vehicle. However, many people still see the security situation as dangerous. Even so, government officials continue to downplay the crisis.
Policy Response
After every attack, government leaders express grief. They condemn terrorism. They promise action against the attackers. However, they rarely admit policy failures. They also avoid changing their strategy. As a result, these statements no longer build public confidence.
The recent attacks revealed another concern. Government officials and the military have publicly acknowledged the presence of groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in parts of Balochistan. Earlier, people discussed this issue quietly. Now, officials openly recognize it. Reports suggest that these groups operate mainly in the Pakhtun areas of the province. Their activity has increased since the fall of Kabul.
Public Anger
The attacks also increased public anger. Many people blame the government for failing to protect security personnel and local communities. Protesters asked why authorities sent poorly equipped police officers into dangerous areas. They also questioned why backup never arrived. Some families claimed they had to transport the bodies of fallen police officers without proper government support.
Growing Distrust
Officials have not verified every allegation. However, ignoring public concerns only increases distrust. The government should answer these claims openly. It should also address the growing sense of alienation. These steps could rebuild public confidence. They could also improve the morale of police and security forces.
The government has also failed to present a clear public narrative. This failure has allowed rumors and conspiracy theories to spread. Some local residents now believe that hidden groups are creating insecurity to seize land. Whether these claims are true or false, they continue to grow because officials have not responded clearly.
Lessons Ignored
Pakistan faced a similar situation during the later years of General Pervez Musharraf’s rule and in the former FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At that time, many people believed the government lacked the will to fight militant groups. These doubts allowed militants to grow stronger. Later, the government had to convince the public that the threat was real.
Today, Balochistan faces a similar challenge. The government has not addressed public concerns effectively. It has also failed to explain its policies clearly. This approach has weakened public trust. Without political dialogue, public confidence, and a new strategy, lasting peace in Balochistan will remain difficult to achieve.
Published in Dawn, 14th July 2026
