On Tuesday, the cool attacker of the Jaffar Express by terrorists is a vicious wake -up call, reminding us of the state’s shrinking writ in Balochistan.
At the end of Wednesday evening, the army confirmed that the counter -terrorism process had ended. But the fact is that the BLA terrorists managed to print and hijack the train carrying hundreds of passengers in a deserted region, as well as security men. Passengers have described the painful accounts how they have survived the traumatic experience. This is not the first time that this particular train has been collected. The suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station last year also targeted the Jaffar Express. The fact is that the freedom of movement in Balochistan has been greatly reduced, militants are able to hijack the trains and stop the highways.
Plotodus time is over. Balochistan needs a solid security plan to ensure that its people can live in peace, and live their lives without fear of violence. So far, the state has failed to perform its duty on these counts. Although CT operations are underway in the province, which has resulted in the evidence of security men, these measures have not achieved any long -term stability.
This means that the state should review its strategy. For one, there can be no further area and unorganized places where militants run FIFOM. The state should use its writ on the entire province. Secondly, the army has confirmed that the terrorists who attacked the Jaffar Express were in contact with “supporters and masterminds” in Afghanistan. Pakistan must raise the issue with the Afghan Taliban government at the diplomatic level, while other disadvantaged states should also be warned not to suffer corruption. There is no compromise on internal security. The sophistication of the attack shows that separatists have the support of experienced external players.
Apart from dynamic measures, there should be sincere efforts to solve the root causes of Balochistan’s troubles that are exploited by separatists. These include the disappearance of the disappearance, the province’s horrific social indicators, and the ban on political activity. Although no reason can justify the atrocities that target ordinary citizens, many voices, including this paper, have been increasing these issues for years. But those who make and implement policies in this country are not listening.
Security and the rule of law is essential. However, lasting peace in Balochistan can only come when there is good governance, the people of this province are contributing to its mineral wealth and other resources, and the real representatives of the inhabitants are allowed to take the democratic process forward. The Jaffar Express attack suggests that time may end before the separatist insurgency spreads. The rulers should now work to save Balochistan.
Dawn, appeared on March 13, 2025
