Balochistan continues to spiral deeper into violence and despair, with the province once again enduring a horrific day of bloodshed. In the latest attack, armed terrorists targeted an under-construction house in Panjgur town, mercilessly killing seven laborers from Multan as they slept. These impoverished workers had been brought in by the house owner for construction work and lived at the site. The brutal killings have triggered widespread condemnation, particularly against the security forces, who appear to have abandoned their duty to protect the people. Even more alarming is the revelation that local authorities and police were seemingly unaware of the workers’ presence in the area, highlighting a glaring lack of intelligence and coordination.
The situation in Balochistan is growing ever more precarious, and at a time when the province desperately needs dialogue and reconciliation, the silence from mainstream nationalist parties is deafening. Their reluctance to speak out against the ongoing atrocities or demand justice for the victims is not only disheartening but also deeply irresponsible. When violence and grief become the norm, it is the moral obligation of political leaders to stand with the bereaved and lead the charge for security, justice, and accountability. However, many of Balochistan’s political representatives seem more concerned with safeguarding their own interests, prioritizing political calculations over the pursuit of peace and stability.
This calculated caution is not just disheartening—it underscores a dangerous lack of conviction and moral responsibility. Balochistan’s political elite must recognize that serving narrow, short-term interests will only deepen the province’s crisis in the long run. They need to shed their constraints and pursue a vision of inclusion, progress, and equality with clear resolve. The path forward must involve a firm strategy that demands action from the state to address the chronic issues of underdevelopment, poverty, and insecurity that have plagued the region for decades.
The recent killings also highlight the growing ethnic tensions tied to the exploitation of Balochistan’s natural resources. The insurgents behind such attacks aim to provoke a heavy-handed military response, which only serves to further alienate the local population and shrink the space for political dialogue. These violent groups thrive on the socioeconomic misery that has been allowed to fester in the province. Without a proactive and assertive political effort to restore order and engage in meaningful negotiations, the cycle of violence will only escalate.
Balochistan’s politicians must take immediate steps to reclaim the political space and prevent further militarization of the conflict. By failing to act decisively, they risk leaving the field open for insurgent groups to gain even more power, deepening the province’s suffering. It is time for the province’s political leaders to rise above self-interest and take bold, concerted action to bring about lasting peace and development for the people of Balochistan. If they continue to remain passive, the province will continue its descent into chaos, with the people bearing the brunt of the violence.
Shafaqna Pakistan
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