The wave of terrorism that has gripped Balochistan refuses to die. It has now morphed into something monstrous, shifting from targeted killings to indiscriminate slaughter. Just days after the execution of nine passengers, a horrific attack occurred near Kalat in which a passenger bus was sprayed with bullets.

No identity checks this time; just pure rage. Three Karachi-based qawwals — known for their art and harmony, not enmity, were killed. Several others were injured. Once again, the ‘unidentified assailants’ struck and vanished, as they have done countless times before.

Are these faceless killers ghosts? Or, has Balochistan been handed over to death squads operating with impunity?

We swiftly blame the foreign hand for exploiting the unrest — and rightly so in many instances — but we must also examine the internal factors that have allowed these wounds to fester. Why has Balochistan reached such a terrifying impasse? Why do the fissures persist, refusing to heal?

The unrest in Balochistan is certainly not an isolated issue; it is a threat to the entire federation. A bleeding province weakens Pakistan. We must summon the courage to do some honest introspection. Why have Balochistan’s people felt ignored and alienated for decades? Why have infrastructure, opportunity and development consistently been found largely missing in Balochistan?

The time has come to embrace, not alienate. The federation must reach out to Balochistan’s people, especially the disillusioned youth. We must walk the extra mile, climb the mountains. Even the most intractable conflicts can find peaceful solutions through dialogue and inclusion. Hearts can still be won. All that is needed is a sincerity of purpose.

Nationalist and mainstream voices of Balochistan must feel that they have the space to articulate their grievances within the constitutional framework.

Those in power must listen, and listen without any suspicion. The answer lies in understanding, justice and sue human investment; not more force. Balochistan’s problem is not insurmountable. The disgruntlement is limited to pockets misled by emotion. The vast majority seeks peace.

We must bring education to mountain-tops, health to barren lands, and proper connectivity to forgotten regions. Let the railway tracks unite, not divide. Let Baloch youth dream not of survival, but of dignity and opportunity. Let true peace return. Let hope rise. A stronger Balochistan will ensure a stronger Pakistan.

Qamer Soomro
Shikarpur

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2025