Daily Times

Bad blood-related news comes from Balochistan almost every other day. And the attack on a checkpost in Kalat, Balochistan, is just another brutal reminder of the galloping security crisis the region is facing. Assailants armed with weapons ambushed security personnel and departed the area trailing blood and grief. Already struggling with governance at the best of times, it is an all too familiar tale that highlights the fragility of very civil rule and the continued presence of militancy in the province.

Balochistan had never such ungovernable as it is now. The Kalat killings follow the November 9 suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station which killed 26 people and injured more than 60 others in another tragic incident. A politically charged meeting turned into a bloodbath in Barkhan district earlier this year, killing 14. Every attack only adds to the misery of a province beset by economic isolation and political marginalisation.

Federal and provincial governments’ reactions remain predictable but insufficient. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and promised justice. Yet, the statement does little to comfort grieving families or address the root causes of violence.

The security forces’ sacrifices deserve recognition, but the recognition of martyrdom alone cannot win the battle against terrorism. The absence of a coherent counter-terrorism strategy has allowed militant groups to operate with impunity. The temporary suspension of mobile internet services in parts of Balochistan reflects a reactive, rather than proactive, approach to security.

Balochistan’s plight goes beyond terrorism. The province suffers from chronic underdevelopment, with inadequate education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The federal government’s failure to integrate Balochistan into the national mainstream fuels resentment, providing a fertile ground for extremist narratives.

Moreover, the geopolitical complexities of the region add another layer to its challenges. Foreign actors allegedly exploit local grievances, further destabilising the province. Without addressing these external influences and internal injustices, promises of development and peace will remain hollow.

What Balochistan needs is not just condemnation of attacks but a comprehensive plan for its upliftment. This includes empowering local governance, addressing socio-economic disparities, and prioritising dialogue over force. Security measures must go hand in hand with policies that give the people of Balochistan a stake in Pakistan’s progress.

The people of Balochistan have suffered for far too long. It is time for the state to move beyond words and take meaningful action. *