Why the violence?

Pakistani security forces have successfully and bravely completed the operation to free the hostages on the Jaffar Express and eliminate the BLA militants responsible for the hijacking on Wednesday (March 12). The fact that this operation was done in hard-to-access, mountainous terrain only underscores the professionalism of the security forces. Terror attacks are not uncommon in Balochistan and hundreds of army personnel and civilians have been martyred over the years. Why this bloodshed? Why is there seemingly a vacuum between the state and the people of the province, creating an opening for the terrorists? Why have non-violent political forces, including the Balochistan government, not been able to fill this gap? These issues require serious and meaningful discussion both at the federal and provincial levels.

Syed Muzammil Hussain

Islamabad