Pakistan, Feb 05 : Horror stories continue to emerge from Balochistan, where violence has intensified in recent days. Following significant losses inflicted by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the Pakistan establishment is reportedly preparing to escalate its notorious ‘kill and dump’ operations a policy historically used to silence dissent and intimidate local populations.
The ‘kill and dump’ approach, previously employed by the Pakistan Army and ISI, has aimed to suppress voices advocating for Baloch rights. Intelligence sources indicate that after suffering setbacks against the BLA, Pakistani security forces are planning a temporary retreat while simultaneously planning a broader campaign of targeted extrajudicial killings. Alarmingly, this time even ordinary civilians, including women and children, could become targets.
Balochistan’s mineral-rich region is under intense international scrutiny, with both China and the United States pushing economic deals, including investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and mineral projects. While Pakistan seeks foreign investment, the establishment reportedly shows little tolerance for local dissent. Human rights organizations warn that the Frontier Corps, working alongside the army and ISI, may carry out mass extrajudicial killings, creating a climate of fear to undermine the BLA’s local support.
The population’s strong backing of the BLA complicates operations, with locals often acting as a protective barrier against security forces. Intelligence agencies report that recent failures in operations have prompted orders to target civilians indiscriminately to reassert control. Journalists and rights organizations are barred from the region, indicating the likelihood of large-scale atrocities.
Historical data reveals the brutal nature of previous campaigns: between 2003 and 2012, roughly 8,000 enforced disappearances were reported, with victims often tortured and executed to instill terror. Analysts warn that without constructive dialogue or alternative measures, Pakistan is poised to implement the most extreme version of the ‘kill and dump’ policy in Balochistan yet, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the civilian population.