POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Govt Calls for Dialogue Amid Rising Insurgency in Balochistan

Balochistan govt urges dialogue to address rising insurgency. Ministers stress need for public support & intelligence-led strategy. Terrorists aim to destabilize Pakistan & CPEC.
2025-03-28
Govt Calls for Dialogue Amid Rising Insurgency in Balochistan

Amid a surge in insurgent attacks across Balochistan, the provincial government on Friday reiterated its commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue. During a press conference in Quetta, government spokesperson Shahid Rind and provincial ministers Mir Shoaib Nosherwani and Zahoor Ahmed Buledi emphasized that peaceful negotiations remain open to all stakeholders, including opposition members.

Escalating Violence and Government’s Response

Balochistan has been facing a sharp rise in terrorist activities, with militants frequently targeting security forces, police personnel, and, in some cases, civilians from Punjab. In the past 24 hours alone, 17 people have been killed and 21 injured in various attacks.

Addressing the situation, Nosherwani acknowledged the recent "wave of terrorism" and stressed the need for a new, intelligence-driven strategy. “These are unconventional incidents, and they must be dealt with unconventionally,” he said, adding that public support and collective action were crucial.

Nosherwani also admitted that governance challenges, including corruption, have long fueled instability in Balochistan. “We understand that this issue has existed for decades, but we are determined to improve governance and curb corruption to address these challenges,” he stated.

Government's Stance on Dialogue

Both Rind and Nosherwani highlighted that the Balochistan chief minister has consistently invited all concerned parties to engage in dialogue. “No government wants to solve issues through violence or war,” Nosherwani remarked. “Anyone who speaks for Balochistan’s grievances is welcome to join the discussion.”

Rind reinforced this position, stating that the provincial government had held multiple sessions, including in-camera discussions in the Balochistan Assembly, to address security concerns. “The government is clear about differentiating between legitimate concerns and terrorism,” he said.

CPEC and Targeted Killings

During the press conference, Buledi condemned the recent assassination of Dr. Mehrullah Tareen, Balochistan’s only professional oncologist. He emphasized that terrorists operate without regard for ethnicity or religion, seeking only to create chaos and hinder progress, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“Their aim is to destabilize Pakistan, halt Balochistan’s development, and derail CPEC,” Buledi said, vowing that the government would utilize all resources to restore peace.

PTI's Boycott of Security Talks

Rind also addressed the absence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from the recent Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) meeting, following its request to meet jailed party founder Imran Khan. “If a political party boycotts the meeting, we have no other option to bring them in for dialogue,” he remarked.

The Growing Insurgency Threat

Balochistan’s security situation has worsened in recent months, with groups like the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) adopting more sophisticated tactics to maximize casualties. Their attacks, primarily targeting security forces, reflect an evolving strategy aimed at destabilizing the province.

With insurgent activities intensifying, the government’s call for dialogue remains a crucial opportunity to address long-standing grievances and restore peace in Balochistan. However, the success of these efforts depends on the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive negotiations.