It is getting extremely painful and harder for the editorial board of this newspaper to write edits on terrorism incidents in Pakistan and elsewhere. The other day, Balochistan was rocked by another terrorist attack, and once again the target was a sensitive installation. This time it was the naval base in Turbat – PNS Siddique.
On Tuesday, the country received the news of horrific suicide attack in Shangla that claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals and their driver. These innocent people, who were likely contributing to Pakistan’s development projects, were targeted in a despicable act of cowardice.
First, consider the Balochistan incident: the latest incident, which was claimed by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army, was the second attack in the last one week. Earlier, Gwadar Port Authority had been targeted in which two soldiers were martyred and eight terrorists were killed.
The attack that took place on Monday night was repulsed by the security forces. Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard from the area during which a Balochistan Frontier Corps soldier was martyred and four terrorists were killed. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, said terrorists had tried to attack PNS Siddique in Turbat which was foiled due to the “swift and effective response by the troops ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets”.
PNS Siddique is the second-largest naval air stations in the country, and the terrorists wanted to infiltrate it to inflict maximum damage. Like in the case of Gwadar Port Authority, this time too the attackers belonged to the Majeed Brigade of the BLA.
BLA is the most active separatist groups in Balochistan and the Majeed Brigade is its suicide squad. The brigade has been active since 2011 and is considered the most vicious unit in the BLA. Most of the militant attacks are carried out by it. The suicide attack at Karachi University conducted by a female bomber in April 2022 was also orchestrated by the Majeed Brigade. Three Chinese nationals died in the incident.
After becoming Balochistan’s chief minister, Sarfaraz Bugti extended an olive branch to the separatists, asking them to shun violence and join the mainstream. But, with the way the security situation is deteriorating in the restive province, it seems that the chief minister’s offer would fall on deaf ears. The attacks are mostly centred around Gwadar, Turbat and Panjgur – the belt where the separatists are most active.
The security forces are bravely fighting these militants at various fronts. Besides, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also infested with terrorists, particularly the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Under such a scenario, the government and military need to devise a strategy that is different from the one already being pursued. We need to choke their supplies – both arms and finance – and pursue them. We should not wait for them to launch attacks.
But at the same time, the government should also look into the genuine demands of the Baloch people and fulfill them. Development projects need to be initiated in areas where the insurgents are most active. We need to build infrastructure and create jobs for the youth so that the separatists lose their support base.
With how things are going, development of Balochistan is the only viable solution available to bring peace in the region.
The Shangla terror attack reminds the nation about the enemy’s ability to impede national development projects involving the foreign friendly hands. We mourn the loss of the Chinese nationals and offer our deepest condolences to their families and the Chinese government. Their deaths are a tragedy, but their memory will serve as a reminder of the deep friendship between Pakistan and China.
The targeting of foreigners is a clear attempt to destabilize Pakistan’s relationship with its allies. President Zardari is right: such efforts will fail. The Pakistani people value their ties with China, and this attack will only strengthen our resolve to work together for a more secure future. We commend Prime Minister Sharif’s planned visit to the Chinese embassy. This act of solidarity sends a powerful message: Pakistan stands with China in the fight against terrorism.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s call to bring the perpetrators of this attack to justice must be heeded. Security forces must work tirelessly to identify and apprehend those responsible. Pakistan cannot tolerate such acts of barbarity.
This attack is a wound on our nation, but it will not break us. We will emerge stronger, more united, and ever more determined to defeat those who seek to sow discord. Let the memory of the victims be a beacon guiding us towards a brighter future, free from the shadow of terrorism.
