The recent wave of attacks by Baloch insurgents in Pakistan has underscored the country’s internal security vulnerabilities and the lack of preparedness of its military, according to Major General GD Bakshi (Retd). He criticized Pakistan’s long-standing strategy of using terrorism as a state policy, stating, “Pakistan has shot itself in the foot by making terrorism an instrument of state policy.”
Speaking to media about the recent attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) convoy in Balochistan, which followed the Jaffar Express hijacking, Major General Bakshi remarked, “Till now, they were exporting terror. The vultures of terror that they had nurtured for outsiders are now destroying Pakistan itself.”
#WATCH | Delhi | On PM Narendra Modi's remarks on Pakistan during the podcast with Lex Fridman, Major Gen GD Bakshi (Retd) says, "… When PM Narendra Modi first assumed power in 2014, his first step was to invite all the leaders of the country to his swearing-in ceremony,… pic.twitter.com/TJ5jZfqr8V
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2025
He emphasized that Pakistan must deal with the crisis on its own, as no foreign country, including India, could intervene in its internal conflicts. “This is the fault of Pakistan, and they have to face the consequences. Foreign countries cannot do anything about this. What can India do?” he said.
Pakistan Army’s Inability to Defend Its Territory
Major General Dhruv C Katoch (Retd) questioned the Pakistani military’s ability to counter the growing insurgency, stating that the army is struggling to secure its own land.
“It is about the BLA being able to carry out this attack so soon after the hijacking of the Pakistani train, and the Pakistani military is still figuring out how to react to this… I think they lack the capability to defend every piece of their territory, and there are going to be many attacks in the future that they may not be able to counter,” he noted.
He suggested that Pakistan should seek a political resolution with the Baloch people to prevent further escalation. “Their solution lies in coming to a political settlement with the Baloch people, failing which, the battle might surge into a serious confrontation where the Pakistani army might be the loser,” he added.
Exploitation of Balochistan Behind Conflict
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdeva linked the Baloch insurgency to Pakistan’s exploitation of the region’s natural resources while neglecting its development.
“This was expected and will worsen in the future because Pakistan never gave attention to Balochistan and exploited its natural resources, outsourcing its mineral resources and assets to China for warm water ports, thinking of it as a barren land… Pakistan army started suppressing the people there and tormented them while there was already a lack of water and other basic necessities there,” he said.
#WATCH | Noida, UP | On reports of Baloch insurgents killing Pakistani Army personnel, Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdeva says, "This was expected and will worsen in the future because Pakistan never gave attention to Balochistan and exploited its natural resources,… pic.twitter.com/HH1wkNX7jU
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2025
Deadly Attack on Frontier Corps Convoy
On Sunday, a terrorist attack targeted a Frontier Corps convoy in Balochistan’s Noshki district, killing five people, including three FC personnel and two civilians, according to Dawn.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, revealing that the assault involved an explosion followed by a suicide bombing. Security forces responded swiftly, killing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber.
BLA’s Jaffar Express Hijacking
This attack comes just days after the BLA hijacked the Jaffar Express, a train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar through the strategic Bolan Valley. The train, which had over 450 passengers, including 200 security personnel, became the center of a high-stakes standoff between Baloch rebels and Pakistani forces.
The BLA claimed to have killed 214 hostages, accusing Pakistan of “stubbornness” and refusal to negotiate despite a 48-hour ultimatum.