Agha Ghā Safir Hussain Kazmi
Terrorism in Balochistan is neither sudden nor accidental. It is the outcome of a long-term, organized, and carefully planned strategy that has, for years, been masked by narratives of victimhood, deception, and distorted claims of rights. At the center of this violence stands the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which portrays itself as a political or resistance movement but, in reality, operates as a separatist terrorist organization defined by suicide attacks and the killing of innocent civilians.
Under the pretext of armed struggle against the State of Pakistan, the BLA has targeted not only security forces but also laborers, teachers, engineers, and ordinary citizens—including members of the Baloch population itself. Its most brutal manifestation is the Majid Brigade, a sub-division notorious for institutionalizing suicide bombings. This faction transformed human lives into weapons, progressively pushing the boundaries of violence and horror.
Initially, suicide bombers were men—indoctrinated through ideological manipulation, narratives of deprivation, and promises of eternal reward. As this tactic lost shock value and international attention declined, the Majid Brigade introduced an even more disturbing strategy: the deployment of female suicide bombers. This marked a calculated shift, designed to cloak terrorism in sympathy and reinforce the narrative of victimhood. Simultaneously, the discourse of “missing persons” gained momentum, alleging state oppression, enforced disappearances, and systemic injustice—claims presented as justification for suicide attacks.
Over time, however, this narrative began to unravel. Many individuals declared “missing” were later found alive, armed, and actively involved in terrorist operations. Some were traced to training camps in Afghanistan and Iran; others were killed during cross-border attacks or appeared wearing suicide vests. What was presented as enforced disappearance was, in many cases, deliberate concealment; what was framed as victimhood was, in fact, calculated militancy.
The involvement of women represents the extreme moral collapse of terrorist ideology. Many were driven toward death through family pressure, ideological deception, emotional manipulation, or promises of symbolic “martyrdom.” Some sought revenge for slain relatives; others were convinced that becoming a “symbol” mattered more than life itself. This is neither a struggle for freedom nor a movement for rights—it is a crime against humanity.
In response, security forces in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have conducted sustained and intensive counter-terrorism operations. In 2025 alone, hundreds of intelligence-based operations resulted in the elimination of approximately 707 terrorists, while 202 security personnel and over 280 civilians lost their lives in terrorist incidents. These efforts dismantled hideouts, seized weapons and landmines, and disrupted militant networks. More recently, in late January 2026, security forces engaged in over 40 hours of intense combat following a major provocation, killing at least 145 extremist terrorists. Seventeen security personnel and 31 civilians were martyred. These operations underscore the continued commitment of state institutions to protect citizens and restore peace.
Meanwhile, protest camps in Islamabad under the banner of “missing persons” have, at times, deliberately used women and children as symbolic shields, projecting the impression of indiscriminate state repression. Subsequent investigations and ground realities, however, revealed that many individuals linked to these protests were actively involved in terrorist organizations or cross-border militancy. With the backing of certain NGOs and amplified by international media, what began as a human rights claim increasingly evolved into a coordinated political and anti-state campaign.
Yet, it must be acknowledged that the state has not consistently succeeded in presenting a clear, coherent, and sustained national narrative to counter these provocations. While it would be inaccurate to claim total failure, efforts have often been reactive, fragmented, and short-lived. Terrorist groups weaponized emotion, victimhood, and human rights language, while the state delayed in articulating truth in a simple, compelling, and persuasive manner. This gap demands serious reflection, accountability, and the urgent formulation of a unified national strategy.
Notably, the military—through ISPR—regularly communicates details of intelligence-based operations, fostering an image of professionalism and transparency. In contrast, no widely accepted and comprehensive narrative has emerged from civilian governance structures. When official statements do appear, they often carry political undertones rather than a message of national unity, allowing enemy propaganda to appear stronger than the state’s truth.
The experiences of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa convey a common lesson: military success alone is insufficient. In Balochistan, the narrative must emphasize inclusion, justice, equitable resource distribution, and national cohesion. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it must counter extremist ideology while promoting peace, recovery, and hope. A credible state narrative can only succeed when it addresses regional realities within their specific social and historical contexts.
Key Pillars for a Credible State Narrative:
National Responsibility Beyond Politics:
The state narrative must transcend political cycles. A permanent national framework—uniting parliament, the military, judiciary, media, educational institutions, and intellectuals—is essential to establish consensus on terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Fearless Presentation of Truth:
Acknowledging deprivation, mismanagement, and policy failures strengthens credibility. Terrorism must be clearly rejected as a solution, while accountability reinforces confidence rather than weakness.
Human-Centered Storytelling:
Beyond statistics and operations, the narrative must highlight affected families, martyrs, rehabilitated communities, and restored livelihoods. When people recognize their experiences in the state’s voice, they become stakeholders in peace.
Media and Digital Engagement:
The narrative must resonate with youth and digital audiences. Without trained spokespersons, an agile digital strategy, and rapid responses to disinformation, truth cannot compete in the modern information space.
Alignment of Policy and Action:
The most powerful narrative emerges when words align with deeds. Development, justice, education, and employment are more persuasive than rhetoric. When policy and practice converge, the national narrative gains authenticity and public trust.
Ultimately, reclaiming the narrative is not merely about countering terrorism—it is about restoring truth, unity, and confidence in the state’s moral and constitutional responsibility toward its citizens.
