Recent attacks by Baloch insurgents in Pakistan have drawn attention to the country’s internal terrorism problem and exposed its military’s shortcomings, according to Major General GD Bakshi (Retd). Speaking on Sunday, he criticized Pakistan for its long-standing approach of using terrorism as a state policy, remarking, “Pakistan has shot itself in the foot by making terrorism an instrument of state policy.”

In a conversation with ANI regarding the latest assault on a Frontier Corps (FC) convoy in Balochistan—occurring just a week after the hijacking of the Jaffar Express—Major General Bakshi pointed out that Pakistan is now suffering the consequences of its own actions. “Till now, they were exporting terror. The vultures of terror that they had nurtured for outsiders are now destroying Pakistan itself,” he stated.

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Emphasizing that the crisis is self-inflicted, he asserted that no foreign nation, including India, could intervene in Pakistan’s internal matters. “This is the fault of Pakistan, and they have to face the consequences. Foreign countries cannot do anything about this. What can India do?” he added.

Concerns Over Pakistan’s Military Readiness

Retired Major General Dhruv C Katoch raised concerns about the Pakistan Army’s ability to effectively combat the growing insurgency. He noted that the military appears unprepared to secure all regions under its control. “It is about the BLA being able to carry out this attack so soon after the hijacking of the Pakistani train, and the Pakistani military is still figuring out how to react to this… I think they lack the capability to defend every piece of their territory, and there are going to be many attacks in the future that they may not be able to counter,” he said.

He suggested that Pakistan’s best course of action would be to seek a political resolution with the Baloch community to avoid further escalation. Otherwise, the Pakistani military might find itself in an increasingly vulnerable position. “Their solution lies in coming to a political settlement with the Baloch people, failing which, the battle might surge into a serious confrontation where the Pakistani army might be the loser,” he warned.

Pakistan Accused of Exploiting Balochistan’s Resources

Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdeva pointed out that Pakistan has been exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources while neglecting the region’s development. He warned that the conflict could escalate further due to longstanding grievances.

“This was expected and will worsen in the future because Pakistan never gave attention to Balochistan and exploited its natural resources, outsourcing its mineral resources and assets to China for warm water ports, thinking of it as a barren land… Pakistan army started suppressing the people there and tormented them while there was already a lack of water and other basic necessities there,” Sachdeva stated.

Deadly Attack on FC Convoy and BLA’s Involvement

On Sunday, a terrorist attack targeted a Frontier Corps (FC) convoy in Balochistan’s Noshki district, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including three FC personnel and two civilians, as reported by Dawn.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack. It involved an explosion followed by a suicide bombing. Security forces responded swiftly, neutralizing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber.

This incident follows the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express, a train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar through the strategically important Bolan Valley. The train, carrying over 450 passengers—including 200 security personnel—became the focus of an intense standoff between Baloch militants and Pakistani security forces.

The BLA claimed to have killed 214 hostages, accusing the Pakistani authorities of refusing to engage in negotiations despite being given a 48-hour ultimatum.