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Pakistan Faces Militancy, Separatism and Political Tensions, Report Says
Pakistan is dealing with several serious security and political problems at the same time.
These include attacks by Islamist groups, sectarian violence and an armed separatist movement in Balochistan.
Pakistan says the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan operates from Afghanistan, but Kabul denies giving it shelter.
The Balochistan Liberation Army says it wants independence from Pakistan.
It also accuses Pakistan and China of taking resources from Balochistan without helping local communities enough.
Political disagreements between civilian leaders, the military, provinces and other groups add to the strain.
The BLA claimed that it carried out 25 operations between September 14 and 23.
The report says lasting stability will require security measures, political representation, economic opportunity and regional diplomacy.
Pakistan faces Islamist insurgency, sectarian violence, Baloch separatism and political tensions, according to the report.
Militant violence kills as many as 1,000 people annually in Pakistan, the report said.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban of sheltering the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, while Kabul denies the allegation.
The Balochistan Liberation Army says it seeks independence and accuses Pakistan and China of exploiting Balochistan’s resources.
The BLA claimed 25 operations across Balochistan between September 14 and 23 killed 18 Pakistani security personnel and wounded others.
- Who
- Pakistan’s security forces, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, other Islamist groups, Baloch insurgents and political institutions are involved.
- What
- Pakistan is facing militant violence, sectarian attacks, Baloch separatism, cross-border tensions and internal political conflict.
- Where
- The violence and political tensions are centered in Pakistan, especially Balochistan, with related tensions involving Afghanistan.
- When
- The report describes continuing problems; the BLA claimed operations took place from September 14 to 23, with its statement issued on September 24.
- Why
- The report attributes the instability to militant activity, separatist demands, strained civilian governance, military influence, limited political representation, economic grievances and regional tensions.
Pakistani State and Security Perspective
Baloch Insurgent Perspective
Cause of insecurity
Pakistani State and Security Perspective
Pakistan describes the challenge as involving Islamist militants, separatist groups, cross-border insecurity and threats to national sovereignty.
Baloch Insurgent Perspective
The Balochistan Liberation Army presents its campaign as a struggle for independence and says Pakistan and China exploit Balochistan’s resources.
Afghanistan and militant activity
Pakistani State and Security Perspective
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban of allowing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan to maintain sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.
Baloch Insurgent Perspective
Kabul denies the accusation; the available account does not provide an independent resolution of the dispute.
Recent BLA operations
Pakistani State and Security Perspective
The reported attacks targeted Pakistani military personnel, posts, convoys, surveillance infrastructure and supply routes, according to the BLA’s statement.
Baloch Insurgent Perspective
The BLA claimed the operations were part of its campaign against the Pakistani state and said they caused 18 security personnel deaths and several injuries.
Key facts
- Annual militant deaths
- As many as 1,000 people are killed each year by militant violence in Pakistan, according to the report.
- Main Islamist threat
- The report identifies the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group among the groups challenging Pakistan’s security forces.
- Afghanistan dispute
- Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban of providing sanctuary to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan; Kabul denies the allegation.
- Balochistan conflict
- Baloch insurgent groups seek either greater autonomy or separation from Pakistan.
- BLA claim
- The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for 25 operations between September 14 and 23.
- Reported casualties
- The BLA said its operations killed 18 Pakistani security personnel and injured several others.
- Reported locations
- The claimed operations occurred in areas including Panjgur, Kech, Kharan, Khuzdar, Mastung, Washuk and Nushki.
Quotes
Lee Jay Walker
Analyst cited in the Modern Tokyo Times report
“Pakistan continues to confront a range of internal security challenges, including the persistent threat posed by Islamist insurgent groups, periodic sectarian violence, and long-standing separatist movements in Balochistan.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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