Pakistan is encountering mounting difficulties as protests intensify in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) steps up activities in Balochistan. The loss of security personnel has surged, with 38 casualties reported between July 5 and 8, including 27 policemen and 11 soldiers.
The security forces in Pakistan have suffered a significant setback in recent weeks, notably with a fatal attack on a train carrying security personnel in Balochistan. Intelligence sources suggest that the actual casualty figures, potentially around 150 personnel in the last two months, might be underreported by the Pakistani authorities.
The BLA, bolstering its capabilities over the years, now controls highways and logistics more effectively than the security forces. With growing local support in Balochistan, the BLA’s intelligence unit has become more adept, executing coordinated and sophisticated attacks that challenge Pakistani forces. The group’s operations have evolved beyond guerrilla warfare to include a suicide squad, including women members.
The BLA’s actions are fueled by grievances over the region’s underdevelopment despite its rich natural resources. The resentment towards Islamabad is evident in the targeting of police stations, checkpoints, and government infrastructure. The group’s resistance is further exacerbated by the perceived neglect of Balochistan’s development needs, including concerns over the utilization of revenue from projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army chief, faces a critical juncture with escalating violence in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and PoK. Despite mounting protests, the army’s stance remains firm on using force to suppress dissent, exacerbating tensions and alienating local populations. The BLA’s growing strike capabilities, including modern weapons and drones, pose a formidable challenge to the Pakistani establishment.
