In response to a wave of deadly violence across Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari has directed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to take decisive action to eliminate terrorism. The attacks, which took place in several districts of Balochistan, saw militants take control of a highway, killing 23 people, mostly laborers from neighboring Punjab province. They also attacked a hotel and a railway bridge connecting Balochistan to the rest of Pakistan.
The coordinated attacks, which claimed the lives of 34 civilians and 15 members of the security forces, have been described as some of the worst in the region’s history. Security forces have been battling sectarian, ethnic, and separatist violence in impoverished Balochistan for decades, but these recent incidents have raised serious concerns.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most active separatist group in the province, has claimed responsibility for the attacks. They have previously targeted Chinese interests in the region and are waging a war of independence against the Pakistani state. The BLA accuses the government of exploiting Balochistan’s resources unfairly.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the attacks, calling them “deplorable” and reiterating that negotiations are open to those who believe in Pakistan. He emphasized the need to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure development project, from sabotage. The attacks are seen as a major blow to Pakistan’s efforts to stabilize the region and promote economic development.
President Zardari, in a meeting with the interior and Balochistan ministers, has stressed the need for decisive action to completely eliminate terrorism. He has directed officials to take all necessary steps to improve the security situation in Balochistan.
The attacks have highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, which has been a focal point of separatist violence for decades. The government’s response will be closely watched as it seeks to restore stability and security in the region.
