Islamabad: The painful history of 1971 is still fresh in Pakistan’s memory, when with the help of India, East Pakistan gained independence through an armed rebellion and a new country was formed as Bangladesh. Now, after a century, the growing unrest and rebel attacks in Balochistan have once again put Pakistan in fear of partition. Will this region also separate from Pakistan under the influence of India? This question is now not only echoing in the corridors of Islamabad, but is also giving sleepless nights to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Baloch rebellion and India’s shadow
Pakistan claims that India is behind the instability in Balochistan. On Thursday, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, “India is promoting terrorism. Baloch rebels are carrying out attacks at the behest of India.” This allegation is not new. Last week also Pakistan had made similar allegations against India. In response, India took a tough stand. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on March 14, “The world knows where the root of terrorism lies. Pakistan should introspect instead of blaming others for its failures.”

The dispute began on March 11, when the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Zafar Express from Quetta to Peshawar near the Bolan Pass. The attack sent shockwaves across the region. Pakistan claimed that 33 BLA fighters were killed in the firing during the rescue operation, while at least 30 soldiers were killed. But the BLA denied this, saying, “We killed 214 enemy soldiers, and only 12 fighters were martyred on our side.” This contradiction raises questions about the claims of both sides.

Memories of 1971 and fears today

The birth of Bangladesh in 1971 with India’s military help was a wound for Pakistan that never healed. Now the growing insurgency in Balochistan has revived that old fear. The BLA has long been demanding Balochistan’s independence, and its attacks have become more intense and organised in recent months. The Zafar Express incident is the latest example. “Our struggle is for freedom. Pakistan can suppress us, but cannot silence our voice,” said a Baloch activist on condition of anonymity.

The Pakistani administration says India is providing arms and financial aid to these rebels. A foreign ministry spokesperson claimed, “India did not even condemn the Zafar Express attack, which shows its involvement.” But India has rejected these allegations outright. Jaiswal said, “Pakistan is a harbourer of terrorism. It needs to set its house in order.”

Balochistan’s pain and Sharif’s challenge

Balochistan, which is Pakistan’s largest and resource-rich province, has been a victim of neglect and exploitation for decades. Locals believe that the minerals and gas in their land benefit Islamabad and Punjab, while they suffer poverty and illiteracy. This discontent gave rise to organisations like the BLA. The recent attacks have raised serious questions for the Shahbaz Sharif government. Will it be able to crush this rebellion, or will it lead to another partition like 1971?

Security expert Ajay Mehta says, “The Pakistan Army is adopting a tough strategy in Balochistan, but it is backfiring. With every repression, the rebellion is getting stronger. Blaming India is an attempt to hide their weakness.” On the other hand, some analysts believe that if this instability increases, the regional power balance will also be affected.

The human angle: A family’s grief

The impact of this violence is not limited to just figures. Rukhsana Bibi, the mother of a soldier killed in the Zafar Express, said, “My son fought for the country, but now he is no more. Will our sacrifice go in vain?” This crisis in Balochistan has left families on both sides in tears. The death of soldiers on one side, the blood of rebels on the other—this war is not bringing victory for anyone.

What next?

For Pakistan, Balochistan has now become a volcano that can erupt any time. Pressure is mounting on the Sharif government to resolve this crisis, but blaming India will not bring a solution. Will this region really be snatched away from Pakistan, or is it just a fear? Time has the answer, but for now, the soil of Balochistan is turning red with blood and tears.