The recent surge in Baloch insurgent attacks in Pakistan has exposed the country’s internal terrorism problem and raised concerns over the preparedness of its military, experts have said.
Retired Major General GD Bakshi criticized Pakistan’s long-standing reliance on terrorism as a state policy, stating, “Pakistan has shot itself in the foot by making terrorism an instrument of state policy.” Speaking to ANI about the recent attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) convoy in Balochistan—just a week after the Jaffar Express hijacking—he remarked, “They were once exporting terror, but now the same vultures they nurtured are turning against them.”
Bakshi emphasized that the crisis is of Pakistan’s own making and that foreign nations, including India, cannot intervene in its internal conflicts. “This is Pakistan’s fault, and they must face the consequences. What can India do?” he added.
Retired Major General Dhruv C Katoch raised doubts about the Pakistan Army’s ability to handle the growing insurgency, pointing out that “the military lacks the capability to defend all of its territory.” He noted how the army is still struggling to respond effectively to these attacks. “There will be many more attacks in the future that they may not be able to counter,” he warned.
He suggested that Pakistan should seek a political settlement with the Baloch people to prevent further escalation. “Without a political resolution, this conflict could turn into a major confrontation where the Pakistani army might find itself on the losing side,” Katoch said.
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdeva accused Pakistan of exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources while neglecting its development. “This conflict will only worsen because Pakistan has ignored Balochistan, outsourcing its mineral wealth to China for strategic gains while treating it as a barren land,” he said. He highlighted the region’s lack of basic necessities and the Pakistan Army’s oppressive tactics, which have fueled resentment among the Baloch people.
The latest attack on a Frontier Corps convoy in Balochistan’s Noshki district on Sunday left five people dead, including three FC personnel and two civilians, according to Dawn. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, stating that the attack involved an explosion followed by a suicide bombing. Security forces responded by killing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber.
This incident follows the dramatic hijacking of the Jaffar Express, a train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar through the strategic Bolan Valley. The BLA held over 450 passengers hostage, including 200 security personnel, leading to a tense standoff with Pakistani forces. The insurgents later claimed to have killed 214 hostages, blaming Pakistan’s refusal to negotiate despite a 48-hour ultimatum.
As violence escalates in Balochistan, experts warn that Pakistan’s failure to address the root causes of the insurgency could push the conflict beyond its control.
