Is Pakistan heading for division? Crisis deepens as Baloch Liberation Army seizes Quetta

New Delhi:  In an important development, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has reportedly made a major advance in Pakistan. According to emerging reports, the BLA has dramatically seized control of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan. Over the past several days, the BLA has launched intense attacks on Pakistani military forces. With mounting pressure from the Indian side as well, the Pakistani army is reportedly under severe strain.

The offensive from the BLA is expected to have long-term repercussions for Pakistan. On Thursday during the day, the BLA once again attacked Pakistani forces. Following this, amid rising India–Pakistan border tensions, the BLA launched a major offensive. It is reported that the Baloch liberation movement has intensified its operations.

On the previous day, a vehicle carrying prisoners under the custody of the Pakistani army was intercepted by the BLA. After freeing the prisoners, the group executed seven Pakistani soldiers. Prior to that, 20 soldiers were reportedly killed in a blast targeting a military vehicle. Subsequently, by midnight on Thursday, reports emerged that the BLA had established dominance over Quetta.

Pakistan has been making continued efforts in recent times to suppress the Baloch liberation struggle. The Pakistani army is said to have carried out brutal operations against BLA fighters. Baloch activists were abducted, imprisoned, subjected to torture or killed in extrajudicial shootings. Women were reportedly also subjected to abuse. However, the issue has not received significant international attention.