Can Pakistan be divided by insurgence in Balochistan?
Pakistan’s security forces successfully ended a military operation against the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group that hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, rescuing 346 passengers. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was attacked near Sibi city, with the BLA claiming responsibility. After over a day of combat, security forces killed all 33 attackers but also reported 21 passenger deaths and four paramilitary casualties. The BLA demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, but no official response was given. Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, has seen increased violence, with the BLA growing more substantial due to advanced weaponry and local support.
