The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has intensified its armed struggle over the past year, significantly escalating violence in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. As the most active separatist group in the mineral-rich region, the BLA has been responsible for numerous attacks targeting security forces, foreign investments, and Pakistani laborers from other regions, particularly Punjab.
Historical and Economic Grievances Fueling the Insurgency
The BLA’s demand for independence is deeply rooted in Balochistan’s historical and economic context. Despite the province’s wealth in hydrocarbons and minerals, 70% of its estimated 15 million residents live below the poverty line. The group claims that the Pakistani military and the Punjabi elite exploit these natural resources while the local population remains impoverished and marginalized.
Also Read: WATCH: A blast and a train hijack; BLA releases video clip showing how they halted Jaffar Express in Balochistan
In a recent statement, the BLA reiterated its determination to safeguard the region’s resources, stating, “The valuable natural resources in Balochistan belong to the Baloch nation. Pakistani military generals and their Punjabi elite are looting these resources for their own luxury.”
Surge in Attacks and Human Rights Concerns
The past year has seen a dramatic 90% increase in insurgent attacks compared to 2023, according to the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies. The Pakistani military’s heavy-handed response has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which have accused authorities of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has voiced concerns over the ongoing crisis, highlighting the impunity of perpetrators and the government’s inaction toward addressing the grievances of the Baloch people. Activists regularly hold protests, calling for justice for missing persons and an end to state repression.
Growing BLA Membership and Evolving Tactics
The BLA is estimated to have around 5,000 members, with an increasing number of women, including law students and medical graduates, joining its ranks. The group’s tactics have evolved to include sophisticated attacks, such as suicide bombings carried out by women and strategically planned assaults, including the recent train siege.
Also Read: Balochistan Train Hijack: 155 rescued, 27 militants killed as security operation continues
According to Abdul Basit, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, the BLA has effectively capitalized on local grievances. “The BLA has been able to exploit legitimate local grievances,” he noted.
Threat to Foreign Investments and CPEC Infrastructure
The insurgency poses a severe challenge to Pakistan’s ability to secure foreign investments and infrastructure projects, particularly those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan, including the development of the Gwadar deep-water port, a flagship CPEC project. The Pakistani government has repeatedly assured protection for Chinese nationals and infrastructure, many of which are located in Balochistan.
In response to the growing threat, Pakistan has accused Kabul of failing to curb militants allegedly sheltering across the border. However, Basit argues that the underlying issues stem from within Balochistan itself. “The real fault lines are in Balochistan,” he emphasized.
As violence continues to surge, the Pakistani government faces mounting pressure to address the deep-seated grievances of the Baloch people while ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and foreign investments. The future stability of the region remains uncertain as the insurgency shows no signs of abating.
