Harnai attack

Balochistan continues to see violence, the latest being a deadly explosion in the Shahrag area in Harnai on Friday, which killed at least 11 labourers and injured several others. The bomb blast, believed to be the work of an improvised explosive device (IED), targeted a vehicle carrying coal miners, primarily from Swat and Shangla, areas far from Balochistan’s troubled terrain. While no one has as yet claimed responsibility for the attack, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is often implicated in similar attacks. The attack itself is part of a disturbing trend of escalating violence in the region, particularly in the Shahrag area, which has seen multiple bombings in recent months. While the government has as always condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the loss of life, the fact is that this violence just continues to grow. Balochistan’s troubles with terror and militancy are fueled by a complex mixture of political, economic and social grievances. Separatist groups, most notably the BLA, argue that the province’s wealth, particularly from natural resources like coal, is being extracted without adequate benefits to the local population. The BLA’s violent methods – including bombings, targeted killings, and ambushes – have claimed numerous lives over the years. While it is undeniable that Balochistan has faced neglect and marginalisation for decades, turning to terror only fuels the cycle of violence. How does attacking coal miners, or teachers, or barbers, or labourers – regardless of their origin – help anything? If at all, it is a tragic reminder that the violence perpetuates itself and is ultimately self-defeating.

Political and military leaders continue to express their solidarity with the victims’ families and vow to eliminate terrorism. These responses, while empathetic, remain insufficient in addressing the core issues that perpetuate violence in the region. Political leaders in Pakistan must recognise that Balochistan’s instability cannot be solved through military operations alone. For years, the province has endured severe political and economic deprivation, exacerbated by human rights violations and the alienation of the Baloch people from the central government. These long-standing grievances have made the region fertile ground for insurgency, and until these issues are addressed, the security forces’ efforts will remain futile. In 2009, the then PPP government took a step in the right direction with the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package, which promised increased autonomy and development for the province. Similarly, the 18th Amendment, which granted greater provincial autonomy, was a step toward resolving Balochistan’s issues. Yet, both these measures suffered from a lack of effective implementation. The fight against insurgency should be balanced with initiatives that address the aspirations of the Baloch people.

At the same time, it is crucial to differentiate between legitimate political grievances and violent extremism. Brutal attacks on civilians and military personnel do not advance a political agenda. Instead, they only deepen the cycle of violence. This is why it is equally important to ensure that militant groups – like the BLA – are firmly confronted. The government should therefore go for a holistic strategy, one that combines security measures with long-term political and economic reforms. The people of Balochistan deserve a break – from the violence, the marginalisation, the desperation.