Terrorism in Gwadar
Editorial :
Balochistan, the country’s largest province in terms of the area has been the theater for some horrific acts of terrorism, which have often resulted in large-scale casualties. A suicide bombing in Gwadar the other day claimed the lives of three innocent children.
Police investigation suggests a vehicle carrying Chinese citizens was the target of the miscreants. One Chinese national also suffered injuries in the terrorist attack. It is good to see Chief Minister Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan and Commander Southern Command, Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ali rushing Gwadar and visiting the broken family members of the children.
Although, the wounds of the broken family members especially their parents are deep. Across the board, people belonging to all walks of life have strongly condemned the terrorist act in Balochistan and the country. This was not the first time Chinese nationals were targeted in the country’s port city. Rather Chinese nationals have been also attacked in the past.
“The elements opposing development projects are behind the terrorist act”
Chief Minister Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan said, “the elements opposing development activities in the province were behind this act of terrorism”. He however assured that the perpetrators of the terror act would be brought to book.
The people were yet to recover from the trauma of the Gwadar bombing when a Pak Army Captain Kashif embraced martyrdom in the Tobo Gichik area of Balochistan. Two soldiers also sustained injuries in the terror attack. The terrorists targeted the vehicle of the military through an improvised explosive device (IED).
On August 8, two policemen were martyred, and over dozen, citizens sustained injuries in a bomb explosion on Quetta’s Serena Hotel Chowk. The brazen attack in the heart of the city developed a sense of insecurity among the citizens.
Number of terrorist acts reduced after IBOs
Undoubtedly, the number of terrorist incidents in Balochistan has decreased following successful intelligence-based operations (IBOs). However, a recent surge in violence has disturbed every person.
All the indications are that the province is once again becoming a staging ground for militants of various stripes. The provincial and federal governments need to put their heads together to maintain peace and protect the lives and properties of the citizens.
Balochistan’s issue is no doubt political, economic, and constitutional. All-out efforts should be made to find an amicable solution to issues relating to the province. However, law enforcement agencies should also boost coordination and take steps to bring the perpetrators of recent terror acts to book.
