IN the second major terrorist attack in the country over the last few days, at least 20 miners were brutally murdered in the early hours of Friday in Balochistan’s Duki area.

The reported details are ghastly, for the unfortunate souls had no chance of survival as terrorists lobbed rockets and grenades into the mine. The Duki outrage follows the deadly terrorist attack targeting a convoy of Chinese nationals in Karachi last Sunday. While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the latest attack, it must be said that no ideological motive whatsoever can justify such cold-blooded murder, and the targeting of poor, defenceless workers was an act of terrorism. Duki is a mostly Pakhtun area, and reportedly most of the victims of the attack hailed from the same ethnic community, including some Afghan nationals.

Both Baloch separatist militants and religiously inspired fighters have been involved in acts of terrorism in Balochistan. In fact, the troubled province has been rocked by frequent spasms of violence over the past few months, mostly carried out by separatists. This is not the first time that workers have been targeted, albeit in earlier terrorist attacks, the victims of the separatist insurgents have mostly been migrant labourers from Punjab.

Unless solid evidence emerges to identify the perpetrators of the Duki outrage, we can only speculate about the motives. One possible goal could be to ignite ethnic strife in the country, and pit communities against each other. Moreover, the terrorist attack comes at a time when Pakistan’s foreign friends are looking to make major investments in the country, particularly in Balochistan, while the SCO moot — bringing together dignitaries from the region to Islamabad — kicks off next week. It is possible that hostile external actors may have facilitated the attack, as well as earlier incidents, to present an image of rampant insecurity in Pakistan, and prevent foreign funds and visitors from coming to this country.

Whatever the motive and whoever the perpetrators, firm steps are needed to crack down on the elements behind the violence. While those responsible for the miners’ killings must be brought to justice, national institutions need to up their game when it comes to addressing the gaping loopholes that allow terrorists to strike. The administration, along with the civil and military security agencies, must implement a fool-proof counterterrorism plan which can address the many threats that confront Pakistan.

Not too long ago, the state launched the Azm-i-Istehkam campaign; the people need to be informed what steps are being taken under this scheme to root out terrorist groups. Without security and protection for people’s lives and property, no economic turnaround will be possible, while foreign investors will be discouraged from bringing their money here. Urgent action is required.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2024