ALTHOUGH Balochistan has been experiencing varying degrees of tumult for over two decades now, currently, the troubled province is witnessing near-constant terrorist activity and lawlessness. The rulers in both Islamabad and Quetta often downplay the situation, but there are moments when they themselves admit that all is not well in Balochistan. For instance, on Friday, when the nation was celebrating Independence Day, the province’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti extended an olive branch to those engaged in violence. Mr Bugti advised the lawless elements to “return to the national mainstream” and talk to the government. However, he added, and rightly so, that the state would not talk to those who were involved in the killing of innocent people.

In recent times, terrorist activity in Balochistan has become noticeably brazen. While ordinary citizens and security personnel are often targeted, even the high-level guardians of the state are not safe. On Friday, Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove’s convoy came under attack as he was returning to Quetta from Kalat. The minister survived the ambush, but a number of personnel who were accompanying him were wounded in the attack. Elsewhere, security forces have not yet given clearance for repair work on a gas pipeline that was blown up by the terrorists. The latter’s act of sabotage has deprived several towns of gas.

While the chief minister has once again invited ‘angry’ elements for talks, the state has yet to create conducive conditions for dialogue to get off the ground. At this point, some introspection is required: the state has alienated even those political elements in Baloch society that have been peacefully pursuing their rights. This attitude must change. In the short term, a genuine process of reconciliation can begin by inviting both veteran Baloch politicians and younger activists to the table, and listening to their grievances. Questionable cases against peaceful activists should also be reviewed. If the state is able to build confidence through such measures, the next step can be taken to address long-term goals, such as ensuring that the people of Balochistan are given the first right to their province’s vast mineral wealth. The province’s miserable socioeconomic numbers also need the state’s immediate attention; this may take decades to fix, but the first step must be taken now. Claims that hostile foreign forces are stirring up trouble in Balochistan carry much weight. These forces must be exposed and kinetic action should continue against those involved in terrorism in Balochistan. But a long-term solution lies in taking the political path and involving the genuine representatives of the residents. The people will be waiting to see what practical steps the state takes to take forward the process of reconciliation in the province.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026