In a tragic incident just days before Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day, three people lost their lives, and six others were injured in grenade attacks in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. The attacks targeted a house and a store selling national flags, an act that has shocked the nation as it prepares to celebrate its independence on August 14.
Attack Claimed by Baluch Liberation Army
The separatist group, Baluch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attacks. The BLA had earlier warned shop owners not to sell Pakistani flags and urged citizens not to celebrate Independence Day, which commemorates the country’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1947.
Casualties and Response
Wasim Baig, a spokesperson for a local government hospital, confirmed that the facility had received six injured individuals and three bodies following the attacks. The incident has heightened tensions in the already restive region, where separatist and militant groups frequently challenge the authority of the state.
Military Response and Broader Context
In response to the rising militancy, Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, delivered a televised speech vowing to defeat insurgent groups. Speaking at a military academy on the eve of Independence Day, Gen. Munir emphasized the need for cooperation from neighboring Afghanistan, as militant groups like the Pakistani Taliban often operate from Afghan territory.
The Baluchistan region has long been a hotbed of insurgent activity, with groups like the BLA conducting attacks against state targets. These latest acts of violence underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan in maintaining security and stability, particularly in regions with active separatist movements.