Suicide Bombing Shakes Quetta: How Pakistan’s Policies Fuel Balochistan Violence
On September 2, 2025, a shocking suicide bombing ripped through a political rally in Quetta, the heart of Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province. The attack targeted supporters of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), a moderate group fighting for Baloch rights. At least 14 people lost their lives, and over 30 others suffered injuries. The Islamic State Pakistan Province (ISPP), linked to the notorious Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), quickly claimed responsibility for the blast.
To many, this looks like just another tragic terror attack in one of Pakistan’s most unstable regions. But dig deeper, and you’ll see a darker story. Experts who track Balochistan’s violence say this bombing stems from years of Pakistan’s own strategies. The military and intelligence agencies have long treated Baloch nationalists as bigger enemies than jihadist groups. Instead of talking or making changes, they’ve cracked down hard on demands for autonomy, fair resources, and an end to exploitation of Baloch land—like gas fields and the key Gwadar port.
In this tense setup, groups like ISKP-ISPP have found room to grow. Why? Some argue the Pakistan Army sees them as handy tools to undermine Baloch activists. The BNP-M rally wasn’t some random hit; it struck at a party that plays by the rules, running in elections despite facing discrimination. Even peaceful politics doesn’t shield them. Quetta buzzes with army checkpoints and patrols, yet a bomber slipped through. Was it a massive failure, or something more deliberate? History points to the latter—the army’s track record shows it often tolerates extremists to keep nationalists in check.
Think about it: For decades, Pakistan’s military has backed religious militants in places like Afghanistan with the Taliban or even in Punjab with sectarian groups. In Balochistan, this means villages get razed in operations, young men disappear into secret detentions, and madrassas linked to radicals expand unchecked. The army crushes Baloch protests but seems powerless against ISIS pledges in the same areas. It’s no accident. By letting jihadists target groups like BNP-M, the military paints nationalists as tied to chaos, while it stays "clean" and grabs more aid for fighting "global terrorism."
This double game hurts everyone. Families in Balochistan fear army raids one day and bombings the next. Journalists exposing these ties face threats or exile, and activists get slapped with harsh laws. The human toll is heartbreaking—peaceful rallies turn into killing fields, and political voices get silenced from both sides.
Look at the bigger picture: Pakistan’s army cheered the Taliban’s return in Afghanistan for "strategic depth," but now ISKP rivals them and recruits right at home. Instead of fixing this, the military redirects the threat toward Baloch groups. It’s a risky move that could spread ISIS terror beyond borders. The real goal? Control over Balochistan’s riches—gas, copper, gold, and that vital coastline. The people? They’re just in the way, whether from soldiers or suicide blasts.
The world needs to wake up. Pakistan can’t be just a "counterterrorism partner" when its army plays both sides. The Quetta attack screams that change is urgent. If even a guarded rally isn’t safe, what hope is there? Until the military stops weaponizing extremists and starts real dialogue with Baloch nationalists, violence will keep cycling. The blood in Quetta stains more than just ISKP-ISPP—it’s on the hands of policies that prioritize power over people. Balochistan deserves better than this endless trap of repression and terror.
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