- The whole world is aware of how Pakistan is anointed as the terrorist factory producing heinous perpetrators perennially aimed at disturbing the peace and tranquility of India through militancy. Ever since independence, India has been subjected to umpteen terrorist attacks killing scores of innocent civilians and military personnel. Only Pakistani leadership at the helm knows the answer as to what purpose such terrorist attacks serve, even as the global community increasingly isolates the country for committing heinous acts. Little wonder, despite several attempts at destabilizing the Indian peace overtures, Pakistani leadership led by the military deep state has stuck to the anachronistic plan yielding precious nothing in return.
PC: Human Rights Watch
- The altered economic scenario where India has leapfrogged way ahead has not changed Pakistan’s skewed strategy though. The global community is aware of how the Taliban forces were encouraged by Pakistan, which it so grandiosely categorized as good and bad Talibanis. Mind you, no terrorists are good but only bad. The home-grown Frankenstein monster has come to create more trouble for Pakistan of late since the authorities are unable to control the terrorists from indulging in heinous acts. Terrorists apart, insurgency in the troubled Balochistan poses dangerously difficult questions for Pakistan, including the China dimension. The latest incident of a hijacked train, soldiers among hostages, will compel Pakistan to rethink its flawed strategies.
PC: NDTV
- In a rebellious province like Balochistan, awash with militants, it is a huge challenge for Islamabad. Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Islamabad, has claimed responsibility for hijacking the Quetta-Peshawar Jaffar Express. Reportedly, around 400 passengers are onboard, including Pakistani security personnel. BLA has warned that any attempts by Pakistan’s army to launch a rescue operation would lead to catastrophic consequences. But Islamabad would have no choice but to mount such a rescue operation if negotiations to release the hostages fail. That the Pak army has a brutal track record in Balochistan doesn’t make the situation easier – the bad blood between BLA and military runs deep. It’s a quagmire.
PC: Zee Business
- Further, since Taliban’s return in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021, militancy in Pakistan’s violence-prone western regions has seen a sharp uptick. More than 1,600 people were killed in attacks in Pakistan in 2024. Yes, Islamabad has long been accused of turning Balochistan into a security state. Despite being the most resource-rich area in Pakistan, it remains the country’s poorest province. This situation has disenfranchised local Balochis, creating fertile grounds for insurgency. Also, there’s a geopolitical dimension. Islamabad has tried to normalize its colonial relationship with Balochistan through China’s BRI investments, most notably the development of Gwadar port. Pakistan is facing receding state authority, which is an even bigger problem.
