INSTABILITY continues to haunt Balochistan, as Friday morning’s bombing in Mastung has shown. At least nine fatalities have been confirmed — mostly children — while at the time of writing no group had claimed responsibility for this atrocity. Considering Balochistan’s complex vortex of violence, both separatist militants or religiously inspired insurgents could be behind the act of terrorism, though initial impressions suggest the latter may be responsible. The bombing occurred near a hospital and a school, while a police vehicle, that was reportedly going to escort polio vaccinators, was badly damaged, with a policeman among the victims. Statements from the prime minister and the provincial chief minister suggest that children were the prime targets of the attack. Regardless of the perpetrators’ ideological background, the targeting of children is the worst form of terrorism, and needs to be strongly condemned by all quarters. Sadly, Mastung is no stranger to violence. Last year, an Eid-i-Milad procession in the town was targeted, causing over 50 fatalities. Over the last 13 years, there have also been a number of high-profile sectarian attacks in Mastung. While separatist forces do operate in this area, it is believed to be a hotbed of extremist and sectarian actors. This lends credence to the impression that extremist militants may have carried out the latest attack. At one point Lashkar-i-Jhangvi was believed to have a strong presence in this part of Balochistan, and some believe these LJ cadres may have joined the self-styled Islamic State group.

If it is proved that Friday’s attack was the handiwork of LJ, IS, or similarly inspired groups, the state would have a fresh security challenge to confront. While Balochistan has recently witnessed frequent separatist attacks, extremist outfits have been less ‘prolific’. Countering both a separatist insurgency, and militant onslaughts inspired by groups such as the TTP and IS, is a formidable problem for the state. Despite the considerable presence of security forces in Balochistan, law and order remains poor. This must change as far too many precious lives — of both civilians and security personnel — have been lost in terrorist attacks. With regard to extremist and sectarian groups, the state had in the past ‘decapitated’ such outfits by neutralising their leaders. These groups cannot be allowed to reorganise and further destabilise Balochistan. Thorough intelligence and proactive action is required to check such malign actors.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2024