The hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the BLA highlights Pakistan’s internal security issues, driven by historical policies. Balochistan faces a long-running insurgency amid economic exploitation, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa grapples with militant backlash from past jihadist support. The political crisis initiated by Imran Khan’s removal adds to the instability. These crises reflect a cycle of issues rooted in governance failures, demanding a strategic reassessment by Pakistan’s leadership.
The recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has highlighted the unrest in Balochistan, a resource-rich region struggling with a longstanding insurgency. This incident illustrates that the internal security threats in Pakistan extend beyond Balochistan, encompassing terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ongoing political instability, stemming from regular protests over economic and political issues.
Pakistan’s policies over the decades have contributed significantly to its internal crises. The country has seemingly created its own internal threats, akin to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, with forces that it now finds difficult to control. This has manifested in various crises, including separatist insurgencies, Islamist militancy, and political upheaval, suggesting that the state has fostered these challenges through its own governance practices.
Balochistan, which is Pakistan’s largest province, has experienced a separatist insurgency since 1948, fueled by discriminatory policies from the central government. The poverty-stricken province, rich in natural resources, remains deeply underdeveloped, which has led to widespread resentment among its inhabitants. Despite generating significant revenue through the exploitation of local resources, the lack of benefits has galvanized support for separatist movements like the BLA, while the government’s militarized responses exacerbate the discontent.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the insurgency most vividly exemplifies the policy blowback that has resulted from Pakistan’s historical support of jihadist militancy. Beginning in the 1980s, the government’s backing of Islamist fighters culminated in a backlash, culminating in the formation of groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Following a series of violent attacks, including the tragic Peshawar school massacre, the TTP emerged as a formidable threat, particularly after the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021.
Moreover, Pakistan is facing a profound political crisis marked by the ousting and imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Initially supported by the military, Khan’s political fortunes changed, leading to his removal in 2022. His imprisonment sparked widespread protests, revealing deep divisions within Pakistani society. The military’s reaction to dissent, characterized by mass arrests and media suppression, has only intensified public dissent, essentially creating a political monster that threatens the stability of the nation.
The current internal security threats in Pakistan are largely of its own making, stemming from historical policies and governance failures. Balochistan’s insurgency and the militant backlash in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa illustrate the consequences of decades of misguided strategies. Additionally, the political unrest following the treatment of Imran Khan symbolizes further instability, highlighting a pervasive cycle of crises. For Pakistan to ensure lasting peace and security, it must address these foundational issues and shift towards more inclusive governance practices.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
