Violence mars Eid

Eid festivities in Quetta were overshadowed by grief and mourning after a devastating suicide bombing on Sunday claimed numerous lives and left scores injured. Official figures initially reported more than a dozen fatalities and at least 20 wounded, though subsequent accounts placed the toll much higher. The sight of maimed bodies, including women and children, being carried away on stretchers was a harrowing reminder of the cruelty that continues to afflict Balochistan.
The victims were largely passengers of a shuttle train heading to board the Peshawar bound Jaffar Express, as well as pedestrians and residents living along the railway track where the explosion occurred. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, once again demonstrating its reliance on violence against defenceless civilians. The targeting of travellers is particularly alarming, as the Jaffar Express has become a symbolic route connecting Balochistan with other provinces. Its repeated targeting underscores the vulnerability of both citizens and infrastructure, demanding urgent and actionable measures from authorities to secure this lifeline.
The deliberate killing of innocents under the guise of political or ideological struggle is indefensible. No cause can justify the murder of unarmed civilians, and the state must be given full support to neutralise these elements of destruction. Zero tolerance for terrorism is the only viable path forward. Yet, alongside the immediate need for security, there must also be reflection on why Balochistan continues to remain unstable despite repeated assurances of governance and development.
The state often points to hostile foreign actors as drivers of unrest, but the deeper issue lies in the sense of alienation among the people of Balochistan. This alienation creates fertile ground for external forces to exploit local grievances. Unless these grievances are addressed, the cycle of violence will persist. Political wisdom dictates that the people of Balochistan must be empowered to take ownership of peace and stability within their society. Such empowerment requires an unhindered and transparent political process that allows legitimate voices to be heard.
Unfortunately, the centre has in the past distanced itself from Baloch leaders who, despite harbouring grievances, respected the Constitution and rejected violence. This exclusion has weakened the political fabric of the province and left space for extremist groups to exploit. It is time to re engage with those leaders, to listen to their proposals, and to incorporate them into the search for solutions. Only through inclusive politics can Balochistan move towards stability.
The tragedy in Quetta is a stark reminder of the human cost of neglect and violence. As families mourn their loved ones, the responsibility lies with the state to ensure that such attacks are not repeated. Security must be strengthened, but equally important is the restoration of trust between the people and their institutions. The path to peace in Balochistan lies in a combination of firm action against terrorism and genuine political engagement with its people. Without both, the province will remain vulnerable to further tragedies.