The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has intensified its violent campaign in the South -West Balochistan province of Pakistan in the last one year, which is a significant threat to the state. As the most active group fighting for freedom in the mineral-rich region, the BLA has been responsible for several attacks targeting other sectors, especially Punjab’s foreign interests, security forces and Pakistani laborers.
The BLA struggle for freedom lies deeply in the history and economic scenario of the region. Balochistan is rich in hydrocarbons and minerals, yet 70% of its 15 million inhabitants live below the poverty line. The BLA claims that the Pakistani Army and Punjabi Elies are exploiting the resources of the region for their own benefits, causing the local population to be poor and marginalized.
In a recent statement, the BLA emphasized its determination to protect the resources of the region, stating, “Balochistan belongs to the Balochian nation. Pakistani military generals and their Punjabi aristocrats are looting these resources for their own luxury.”
According to Islamabad -based Center for Research and Security Studies, last year has seen an increase in violence, increased by 90% compared to 2023. The Army’s huge response to the rebellion has been criticized by human rights groups, who accuse them of widely disappeared and implementing extraordinary murders.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed concern over the government’s apathy towards impurities and the plight of the Baloch people. Rights activists regularly protest in the province, accuse the authorities of abuses and demand justice for missing persons.
The group membership is estimated to be around 5,000, including increasing number of women, including students and medical graduates, participating in its activities.
S. in Singapore. According to Abdul Basit, a researcher at the Rajratnam School of International Studies, the BLA has been able to tap in local population frustrations, which feel that their voice is not being heard. The BLA is “capable of taking advantage of valid local complaints”, he said.
The BLA’s strategy has become rapidly sophisticated, using women’s suicide bages with the group and recently carried out careful planned attacks such as the siege of the train. The government’s ability to protect foreign investment and infrastructure projects, especially related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is a major concern.
China has inserted billions of dollars in Pakistan, which includes the port of the CPEC’s major project Gwadar’s deep water port. The Pakistani government has repeatedly vowed to protect Chinese citizens and infrastructure projects, many of which run through Balochistan.
In response to the rising threat, Pakistan has accused Kabul that the border failed to root out the terrorists who gave shelter in their favor. However, Basit believes that the real issue is within Balochistan, where the BLA is capable of tapping in deep complaints and frustrations among the local population.
“The real mistake lines are in Balochistan,” Basit said.
