Balochistan Blast
Seven Pakistani army personnel were killed on Tuesday in a deadly roadside bombing in Balochistan, which Pakistan’s military has attributed to Indian involvement. The military reported that the soldiers’ vehicle was targeted by an improvised explosive device (IED) in the southwestern province, where insurgent violence has been a long-standing issue.
In a strongly worded statement, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) identified the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) as the perpetrator behind the attack, describing the group as an “Indian proxy.”
The BLA, considered the most formidable among various separatist factions in Balochistan, has carried out multiple attacks in the past against both Pakistani forces and Chinese interests in the region. The mineral-rich province borders Afghanistan and Iran and hosts significant Chinese investments, including the strategic Gwadar Port.
The accusation against India comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, following a recent terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. That attack targeted a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims and killed 26 civilians. India swiftly blamed Pakistan, alleging that two of the three attackers were Pakistani nationals.
Islamabad has categorically denied any involvement, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated. However, Pakistan has also stated that its armed forces are fully prepared to defend the country against any aggression.
As the diplomatic standoff escalates, international voices are growing concerned. On Monday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm at the rising hostilities and urged both nations to exercise “maximum restraint.” He warned that any military confrontation could quickly spiral out of control, given the volatile nature of South Asia’s geopolitics.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign ministry revealed that members of the United Nations Security Council were briefed on the developing situation. During the meeting, Islamabad presented intelligence reports indicating a potential “imminent threat” of Indian military action.
According to the ministry’s statement, the Security Council members collectively emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, urging both countries to resolve disputes peacefully and to de-escalate the situation before it leads to broader conflict.
India has yet to respond to Pakistan’s latest accusations, and its foreign ministry has so far remained silent on the matter. However, the deepening mistrust and hostile rhetoric from both sides continue to fuel fears of a renewed crisis in the subcontinent.
