Approval of Bill for Military Operation Against Balochistan Liberation Army

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has opposed the Pakistani government for more than 20 years, primarily through small-scale attacks on state forces. However, this has changed significantly when the separatist militant group claimed responsibility for large-scale attacks throughout the impoverished southwestern province of Balochistan. The province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, saw its deadliest bombings and shootings in recent history. According to experts, the BLA’s increasing power is due to its growing publicity. The coordinated attacks marking the anniversary of Akbar Bugti’s death underlines the group’s grievances and actions against the state.  The state’s failure to manage and govern Balochistan has allowed groups like the BLA to strengthen.

According to DAWN NEWS, the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan approved a comprehensive military operation against terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan and targeting civilians and foreign nationals to hamper the country’s economic progress by creating insecurity at the “behest of hostile external power”.

BLA has carried out many attacks, the most recent being the Quetta train bombing, for which they claimed responsibility.  The military operation was approved against the BLA, Majeed Brigade, Balochistan Liberation Front, and Balochistan Raaji Ajoi-R-Sangar.

Targeting important BLA commanders, militants, and training camps, especially in isolated or rocky regions of Balochistan where the group operates special forces and counter-rebellion units is probably going to be a part of the operation. This would include regions with a history of insurgency, like Kech, Awaran, and Dera Bugti. The success of an operation depends heavily on intelligence (both human and technical). This means intensified surveillance, spy networks, and secret intelligence operations to locate BLA hideouts, supply routes, and arms stock. The use of drones and modern technology would be crucial for identifying and dismantling BLA’s network. We also know the lack of developed infrastructure and basic facilities in Balochistan which is also the major cause of tensions in the province. The Pakistani military should collaborate with civilian authorities to implement development projects (such as building infrastructure, providing healthcare, and creating jobs) in Balochistan to win the hearts of the local population and counter BLA’s narrative.

Similar operations have been conducted by the Pakistani military in the past with success. Operation Zarb-e-Azb aimed to eliminate terrorist groups in the North Waziristan Agency (NWA) of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), which was being used as a haven for attacks in Pakistan. The operation targeted the Taliban and Al-Qaeda networks, and aimed to clear North Waziristan, disrupt their infrastructure, and prevent cross-border attacks from Afghanistan. The points that made this operation successful are the army utilized ground troops, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments to target rebel positions. They focused on real-time intelligence to target high-value militants. Area denial was implemented to prevent militants from regrouping in cleared areas. The operation also involved coordination with Afghan forces to prevent cross-border infiltration. ISSI

On the other hand, Operation Sher Dil (‘Lion’s Heart’), launched in 2008 in the Swat Valley, a region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) that had become a stronghold for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its allies, is among the most successful operations conducted by the Pakistan Army.

Conducting this operation is crucial due to the recent BLA attack targeting Chinese nationals in Karachi, which raised significant concerns regarding the SCO summit too. And in the recent past many attacks had been done in different areas that caused tensions among people. While doing this operation civilians’ lives should be prioritized. Urban warfare strategies should focus on ground operations by specialized units to clear militant strongholds, distinguishing between combatants and civilians and using non-lethal tactics where possible. Clear communication with locals, including warnings and shifting measures, can help reduce civilian exposure to danger. Moreover, humanitarian assistance should be used immediately after military action, offering aid to those affected.

The Balochistan regions most frequently targeted by terrorists include Khuzdar, Turbat (Kech district), Quetta, Rarhasham (Musakhel district), Dukki, Gwadar, Peer Ismail Indus (Bolan district) and Shoran (Kachhi district). These areas were targeted in the past 10 months, making it likely that terrorists are residing there. Conducting an operation in these regions could increase the chances of success. SATP ORG

Operation should start with Kech district as most of the attacks had happened in that region and to accomplish operation, forces have to interact with locals and politicians as their support would help in doing the operation efficiently. Kinetic operation is secondary; our main focus should be engagement. Forces must align with local communities and administrators to prevent any disruptions during the operation.

In conclusion, the military operation against terrorist groups in Baluchistan, including groups like the BLA, Majeed Brigade, and Balochistan Liberation Front, is an important step in protecting the region and countering terrorism. Getting lessons from successful operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Sher Dil, the key to success will be the combination of precise intelligence and collaboration with local civilian authorities. By targeting terrorist leadership, advanced surveillance, and ensuring the protection of civilians, the operation can achieve its objectives and reduce the danger to innocent lives. Moreover, addressing the socio-economic issues that fuel rebellion, will play an important role in winning the trust of the local population. The operation can contribute to long-term peace and stability in Balochistan, as well as enhance national security by doing careful planning, clear communication, and a balanced approach that prioritizes both military success and humanitarian considerations.

Therefore, military operations are important in eradicating terrorist networks, and at this point in time we do not have any options, but if we do not focus on key causes, it would lead to more terrorist organizations and tensions in the region. The government should consider civilian rights and basic needs, as Balochistan is suffering from these issues and they are not getting what they deserve. The government should target those officials who are exploiting resources. If Balochis are granted their rights and treated equally to other Pakistani citizens, this will help in achieving a lasting solution and establishing peace in the country. It would make a difference if we also presented a bill in Parliament for the rights of Balochis and development in Balochistan. This is because military operations are not a permanent solution. We have to focus on the areas that would prevent further tensions.