A few days ago, former Balochistan Interior Minister Zafarullah Zehri stated in the assembly, while presenting objective facts, that in Balochistan, it is not the Pakistan Army but Bashir Zeb (chief of the Baloch Liberation Army) and Dr. Allah Nazar (supreme commander of the Balochistan Liberation Front) who hold authority. He further said that key highways of Balochistan are under the control of pro-independence armed organizations. On Tuesday, in Bolan, at the Mashkaf location, different units of the Baloch Liberation Army seized Pakistan Railways’ Jaffer Express train and took hostage more than 200 personnel of the Pakistan Army and Military Intelligence. This clearly indicates that the operational capabilities of Baloch armed organizations are increasing, and the Pakistan Army’s control in Balochistan is diminishing.
In the history of independence movements worldwide, there are few instances where guerrilla fighters have managed to take such a large number of military personnel hostage. The BLA’s seizure of the Jaffer Express train along with hundreds of Pakistani military personnel in Mashkaf is a clear demonstration of their military capabilities, evolving strategies, and growing strength. Capturing the Jaffer Express highlights the ability of Baloch armed groups to conduct well-organized and complex attacks.
By declaring the captured personnel as prisoners of war and proposing an exchange for Baloch political prisoners, the BLA has displayed a serious and responsible approach. Moreover, by releasing women, children, and civilians from the train, they have sent a message of being a responsible armed organization that adheres to international laws of war. Given Pakistan’s military adventurism, the chances of the hostages being freed through military action appear slim. Pakistan’s power brokers should respond positively to the Baloch Liberation Army’s proposal and take steps to secure the release of the military personnel through negotiations.
The objective realities of Balochistan make it clear that suppressing the Baloch independence movement through force is not possible. The strategies and actions of armed organizations indicate that such intense and lethal attacks against the Pakistan Army will continue in the future.
Ministers of Balochistan’s controversial government and Pakistan’s ruling political figures and parties have repeatedly expressed their willingness to resolve the Baloch issue through negotiations. However, instead of responding seriously to the Baloch Liberation Army’s offer, a non-serious attitude is being displayed. A positive response to the BLA’s sincere efforts could help save the state’s hostages. But if the policy of resolving issues through force continues, the consequences could prove detrimental to the state.