Pakistan’s Nightmare: BLA’s Biggest Strike Yet—The Train Hijacking That Exposed a Failing State

Pakistan Train Hijacking: Who is to Blame? The recent hijacking of the Jaffer Express train in Dadar Bolan by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has sent shockwaves through Pakistan and the international community. With over 500 passengers, including military personnel, being taken hostage, this attack is being considered one of the most significant strikes against the Pakistan Army. The BLA has warned against any rescue attempts or airstrikes, threatening to execute hostages if their demands are not met. The Pakistani military has responded with full force, attempting to free the hostages and neutralize the attackers. However, the incident raises crucial questions about who bears the ultimate responsibility for this crisis—the BLA, Baloch militants, the Pakistan Army, or Pakistan as an entity. The Baloch Liberation Army and Their Demands The Baloch Liberation Army has long fought for greater cultural, economic, and political autonomy, ultimately aiming for an independent Balochistan. The movement traces its roots back to Marxist-Leninist liberation movements and is based on the belief that Balochistan was an independent state before being forcefully integrated into Pakistan. The BLA argues that despite its rich natural resources, Balochistan remains the most underdeveloped province in Pakistan, suffering from systematic exploitation and oppression. Among the key grievances of the BLA are: Control over natural resources: Balochistan possesses vast mineral reserves, including the Reko Diq copper and gold mines, but these resources are being mined by foreign companies, particularly Chinese firms, with little benefit to the local population. Opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): The Baloch people fear that Chinese investment will lead to demographic changes, making them a minority in their own land. Political and economic marginalization: Despite being the largest province, Balochistan contributes only around 4% to Pakistan’s economy, with minimal infrastructure and economic development. Demand for the withdrawal of the Pakistan Army: The BLA claims that military operations in Balochistan have resulted in human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Pakistan’s Response and Its Role in the Crisis The Pakistani government has consistently labeled Baloch separatist groups as terrorists, accusing them of receiving foreign backing, particularly from India. However, this narrative fails to acknowledge the longstanding grievances of the Baloch people and the Pakistan Army’s heavy-handed approach in the region. The military has carried out numerous operations, often with allegations of indiscriminate violence against civilians. Instead of addressing the root causes of Balochistan’s unrest, the state has continued to suppress dissent, fueling further resentment. The current crisis also exposes Pakistan’s flawed policies in handling ethnic insurgencies. The government’s increasing reliance on China to exploit Balochistan’s resources has exacerbated tensions, with many locals viewing the CPEC as a tool of economic colonization. Moreover, the Pakistan Army’s focus on maintaining control over regions like Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has left the state vulnerable to internal conflicts. Who is Truly at Fault? The blame for this crisis does not rest solely on one entity. The situation is a result of years of oppression, failed governance, and an insurgency that has become more desperate and radicalized. The key actors responsible include: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA): While the BLA’s demands are rooted in genuine grievances, hijacking a train and taking hostages is an extreme measure that puts innocent lives at risk. If their cause is about justice, targeting civilians or military personnel indiscriminately weakens their credibility. The Pakistan Army: Its militarized approach to handling the Baloch insurgency, coupled with human rights violations, has only deepened the crisis. The army’s indiscriminate airstrikes and counter-insurgency tactics have alienated the Baloch population further. Pakistan’s Government: Successive governments have ignored Balochistan’s economic and political concerns, treating the province more as a resource colony than an integral part of the country. China’s Expanding Influence: The influx of Chinese investment under the CPEC has further sidelined local Baloch communities, making them feel like strangers in their own land. Possible Future Scenarios The immediate concern is whether Pakistan will bow down to the BLA’s demands. The possibility of a full-scale military response remains high, but such an approach could escalate the conflict, leading to further violence. On the other hand, if Pakistan does not address the underlying grievances, such incidents will continue to occur. The hijacking is a wake-up call for Islamabad to reassess its Balochistan policy. Moreover, China will closely monitor the situation, given its deep economic interests in Balochistan. While it is unlikely that China will send its army to intervene, Beijing might pressure Islamabad to ensure security for its projects, leading to even more militarization of the province. Conclusion Pakistan must confront the reality that its grip on Balochistan is weakening. The state cannot continue to exploit the region’s resources while ignoring the needs and rights of its people. The hijacking of the Jaffer Express train is not just a terrorist act—it is a desperate cry for justice from a marginalized community. If Pakistan refuses to engage in meaningful dialogue and reforms, it risks turning Balochistan into a permanent war zone. The world must take note, and Pakistan must make a choice: either continue down the path of suppression or seek a political solution that acknowledges the legitimate aspirations of the Baloch people.