For years, Balochistan has remained at the center of a complex and persistent security crisis.

The recent attack on the Kotra Police Station in Jhal Magsi is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern of violence. Such attacks not only challenge the authority of the state but also intensify the sense of insecurity among ordinary citizens, who are, in reality, the primary victims of this unrest.

In the Kotra incident, armed militants attempted to overrun a police station using heavy weapons. What stands out, however, is the response of local residents, who stood alongside law enforcement to resist the assault. This reflects a powerful truth: the people of Balochistan desire peace and stability, even in the face of grave danger.

A significant driver of this violence is the role of militant organizations such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF). These groups claim to represent the people of Balochistan, yet their actions reveal a starkly different reality. They are responsible for widespread destruction, targeting civilians, security personnel, and public infrastructure alike. Rather than advocating for the population, they have emerged as perpetrators of violence against the very communities they claim to defend.

The scale of the crisis is alarming. In 2025 alone, Balochistan witnessed approximately 1,557 violent incidents, resulting in hundreds of casualties among civilians and security personnel. High-profile attacks further highlight the severity of the situation. The March 2025 Jaffar Express hijacking, in which passengers were held hostage for days, and the Mastung bus bombing are chilling reminders of the risks faced by civilians. Equally tragic was the Khuzdar school bus suicide attack in May 2025, where innocent children lost their lives while on their way to school. These incidents were not random acts of violence but calculated attempts to spread fear among ordinary families.

On the ground, the tactics of these groups are equally devastating. Militants have repeatedly seized towns such as Zehri, Sorab, and Panjgur, attacking police stations, looting banks, and destroying government offices. Public funds are stolen, infrastructure is burned, and government officials are targeted. In areas like Ziarat, construction sites are deliberately attacked, and industrial equipment is destroyed, halting development projects and eliminating job opportunities for local communities.

Travel and daily life have also become increasingly dangerous. Improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, highway ambushes, and sabotage of railway lines have turned routine movement into a life-threatening risk. Entire communities are isolated, with many unable to access hospitals or essential services during emergencies. This disruption not only affects livelihoods but also deepens the sense of fear and uncertainty.

Ironically, the cycle of violence often worsens the hardships faced by civilians. Counterterrorism operations, though necessary, sometimes lead to temporary disruptions in mobile networks, internet services, and utilities. These consequences are then exploited by militant groups to fuel further resentment and chaos.

Adding to the complexity is the alleged support these groups receive from external actors, enabling them to sustain prolonged campaigns of disruption. Meanwhile, many of their leaders reportedly reside in safe havens abroad, while local youth are drawn into violence under the illusion of resistance.

The long-term consequences are severe. Schools close, investors withdraw, and economic progress stalls. Opportunities for young people diminish, leaving communities trapped in a cycle of deprivation.

The situation in Balochistan demands a comprehensive response. While security measures remain essential, they must be complemented by efforts to address underlying issues such as economic inequality, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and employment. Most importantly, building trust between the state and the people is crucial for lasting peace. Balochistan deserves stability, development, and dignity. The path forward lies not in violence, but in unity, opportunity, and sustained commitment to peace.

—The writer is a freelance columnist

© Pakistan Observer