IT is a sign of the times that militants can terrorise the state to such an extent that people’s freedom of movement has to be curtailed. In reaction to Tuesday’s deadly bombing in Mastung, in which at least 28 Shia pilgrims were killed, the Balochistan government has stopped bus travel for pilgrims between Pakistan and Iran “for the time being”. Unfortunate as the decision is, it is a necessary precaution to save lives, as the state is unable to secure land routes to Iran. Instead, returning pilgrims are being airlifted from Dalbandin. Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has suggested that PIA launch flights between Quetta and the Iranian city of Mashhad, adding that ferries should also ply from Gwadar and Karachi to ports in Iran. These suggestions should be appreciated; they reflect the positive approach of the Balochistan chief minister, who has made constructive attempts at handling the aftermath of the Mastung tragedy. However, these are stopgap arrangements. These should be added options, not the only option. After all, air travel is an expensive proposition, and for many Pakistanis wishing to travel to religious sites in Iran and Iraq road travel is the only affordable option. Maritime travel, meanwhile, may be possible from Karachi, but who will guarantee that militants will not target those trying to reach Gwadar?

The real solution lies in uprooting the terrorist infrastructure in Balochistan and wherever else the militants have safe havens in the country. Suggesting alternative routes or enhancing security for travellers are well-meaning steps, but they fail to address the core issue. This week’s bombing in Mastung was not the first incident of its kind. Such atrocities have been occurring regularly over the past few years in Balochistan. Even efforts such as making buses travel in convoys or having Frontier Corps or Levies personnel accompany the vehicles have failed as security personnel can do little when a suicide bomber strikes. Security forces have taken action in the Mastung area. But arresting a few suspects or confiscating a few weapons is not enough. Until the elements that plan, finance and carry out acts of terrorism in Pakistan face justice, we will not see lasting peace.