The Baluchistan province of Pakistan was rocked by a devastating blast from an improvised explosive device on Friday, which resulted in the death of three individuals and the injury of seven others. The attack took place in the town of Khuzdar, located on the main highway connecting the provincial capital Quetta with the port city of Karachi. Footage from the scene captured a motorcyclist attaching something to a car moments before the explosion, causing widespread chaos among civilians and traffic in the area. This incident marked the second attack in Khuzdar within a month, with no immediate claim of responsibility for the violent act.
Among those killed in the explosion was a prominent journalist named Muhammad Sadique Mengal, who served as the president of the Khuzdar Press Club and was affiliated with the religious JUI-F political party. Mengal had previously spoken out about the dangers faced by journalists working in Khuzdar, which had been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities for media workers by Reporters Without Borders. Amnesty International had also highlighted the threats and attacks faced by journalists in Khuzdar, describing it as a “graveyard for journalists.” The tragic loss of Mengal has once again brought attention to the risks faced by journalists in the region.
In addition to the attack in Khuzdar, the Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for a double landmine blast in the coal-rich town of Duki, which resulted in the death of one individual and injured 18 others. Baluch separatist groups have been advocating for a greater share of provincial resources and have launched an insurgency against the central government in pursuit of independence. These incidents highlight the ongoing instability and violence in the region, as various armed groups continue to carry out attacks with the aim of advancing their political goals through force.
The recent attacks in Baluchistan serve as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and civilians in the province, where violence and insecurity have become a daily reality. The targeted killing of a journalist like Muhammad Sadique Mengal underscores the dangers faced by media workers who strive to report the truth amidst ongoing conflict and instability. The claims of responsibility by separatist groups for the attacks further highlight the deep-seated grievances and aspirations for independence that have fueled insurgency in the region for years.
The Pakistani government has struggled to address the root causes of the conflict in Baluchistan and ensure the safety and security of its residents, including journalists and civilians caught in the crossfire. As incidents of violence continue to escalate, there is an urgent need for concerted efforts to address the grievances of marginalized communities and engage in meaningful dialogue to find peaceful solutions to the longstanding issues in the region. The international community must also play a role in supporting these efforts and advocating for the protection of journalists and human rights in Baluchistan, as the cycle of violence and instability threatens the lives and freedoms of those living in the province.
