The Balochistan region, which recently experienced a devastating series of attacks by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants killing nearly 40 people in Musakhail and Qalat districts, continues to be a hotspot of violence. On Sunday, new incidents further destabilized the area. According to a report by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, the United Baloch Army (UBA) launched an assault on a security patrol team in Nemoragh, Qalat district, resulting in the death of three security personnel. Additionally, a grenade attack by the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) targeted a security check post in Turbat district, causing casualties among the security forces, though the exact number remains unconfirmed by the Pakistani authorities.
The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) highlights the growing sophistication of the BLA, noting their advanced weaponry and coordinated attacks. This escalation comes amid ongoing economic marginalization in Balochistan, a resource-rich yet underdeveloped province. The PIPS report also reveals a troubling new tactic by the BLA, targeting Punjabis on highways and checking identity cards, potentially exacerbating tensions between the province and the central government.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Continued Struggles
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), violence persists as unidentified terrorists targeted police personnel in Mandan, killing one. In a separate incident, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by unknown attackers detonated in the Salarzai area, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. Last month, KP experienced 29 terrorist attacks, which claimed 25 lives and left 80 injured. Groups such as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, Lashkar-i-Islam, and Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) have been identified as key perpetrators behind these incidents.
Pakistan has been grappling with a surge in terror attacks over the past two months, with a reported 59 attacks last month alone, claiming 84 lives. The ongoing violence reflects the broader issues of terrorism and instability affecting various regions of the country.
