In a horrific act of violence, gunmen killed at least 22 people in southwest Pakistan after forcing them out of their vehicles and checking their identity documents. The attack, which occurred overnight on a highway in Balochistan province, has underscored the ongoing sectarian, ethnic, and separatist unrest plaguing the region.
A Deadly Highway Ambush
The attack took place in the Musa Khel district, where armed militants stopped vehicles traveling to and from Punjab. According to local officials, the gunmen checked the passengers’ identification documents, specifically targeting individuals from Punjab. Once identified, the victims were shot on the spot, and the vehicles were then set ablaze.
Najibullah Kakar, a senior official in the area, reported that between 30 to 40 militants were involved in the operation. “They stopped 22 vehicles,” Kakar told the AFP news agency. “Vehicles traveling to and from Punjab were inspected, and individuals from Punjab were identified and shot.”
The Baloch Liberation Army Claims Responsibility
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group active in the region, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The BLA, which has been fighting for greater autonomy for Balochistan, stated that they were specifically targeting military personnel who were traveling in civilian clothes.
In a statement, the BLA warned the Baloch public to avoid the highway, stating, “Our fight is against the occupying Pakistani military.” The group also claimed to have taken control of major highways across Balochistan, effectively blocking them.
A Region in Turmoil
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by area, but it remains the least developed, despite its wealth of natural resources. The province has long been a hotbed of separatist movements, with groups like the BLA intensifying their attacks on Punjabis, Sindhis, and foreign workers whom they accuse of exploiting the region’s resources without benefiting the local population.
This latest attack is part of a broader pattern of violence in the region. In a similar incident in April, nine passengers were forcibly removed from a bus in Balochistan and shot dead after their identities were checked.
Over the past 24 hours, the BLA has launched a series of coordinated attacks on multiple government installations, including police stations and security forces’ camps, further destabilizing the province.
International Response and Condemnation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “deep grief and condemnation over the terrorist attack” in a statement issued by his office. The Pakistani government has struggled to contain the rising violence in Balochistan, which poses a significant threat to the stability of the entire country.
The BLA has been designated as a global terrorist organization by several Western countries, including the UK and the US, due to its continued acts of violence against civilians and state forces.
Conclusion: A Region on the Brink
The tragic events in Balochistan highlight the ongoing struggles faced by the province and the broader implications for Pakistan’s security. As the BLA and other separatist groups continue their violent campaigns, the region remains on edge, with the potential for further bloodshed looming large.
Addressing the underlying issues of development and autonomy in Balochistan will be crucial for any long-term peace. However, until these grievances are resolved, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, with devastating consequences for the people of Balochistan and the stability of Pakistan as a whole.