The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is in a situation of deep crisis. Negative trends have surrounded Islamabad on several fronts at once. The conflict, which has grown into open hostility, with the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan is gaining momentum. What seemed like a victory for the Pakistani military in the long term has become a real headache and a failure of the strategy to create a friendly regime in Afghanistan. Political and social problems within Pakistan are also intensifying. In the province of Balochistan, the fight against the Baloch radical separatist groups, which are waging a subversive war against the government and army of Pakistan, continues. The political struggle between various clans of the Pakistani elite is also not abating but is accompanied by criminal and corruption cases.
For example, the Pakistani Air Force launched a series of missile strikes on the border regions of Afghanistan. The missiles hit several households in the province of Kunar, which led to the death of 10 heads of cattle and forced residents to leave their homes. On December 25, 2024, Pakistan launched airstrikes on territory in Paktika province, killing more than fifty residents, including women and children. Pakistan justifies its actions through the “fight against terrorism”, in particular, against the Tehreek-e-Taliban group, which terrorizes Pakistani settlements. At the same time, the Afghan Taliban deny the presence of Pakistani terrorists on their territory.
Thus, the unrecognized Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemned the shelling and called on Pakistan to stop such attacks. The representative of the Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that such attacks do not serve the interests of either country and harm bilateral relations. “We demand an end to such actions,” he summed up.
Reports indicate that militants have attacked the market in the town of Balochistan, Pakistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, asserting that its fighters had taken full control of the town. According to the statement, all government offices in the town have been captured, and the police headquarters was set on fire during the attack. Jeeyand Baloch, a spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army, claimed that the group’s fighters now have full control over Zehri. During the militants’ capture of the police station and other government buildings, explosions and gunfire were heard across the area.
Earlier reports indicated that at least 60 militants had launched an assault on the town center. The attackers reportedly looted a bank, set fire to a police station, and torched an intelligence agency office. The Baloch Liberation Army, which fights for the independence of Balochistan from Pakistan, accuses the federal government of exploiting the region’s natural resources “oppressively.” The group has carried out deadly attacks on Pakistan’s security forces, as well as employees and companies from China operating in the region, in recent months. The escalating violence in Balochistan highlights the ongoing conflict between the Pakistani state and separatist movements in the area. As the BLA continues its fight for independence, these attacks further destabilize the region, exacerbating the security situation and straining local governance. The international community must take note of the growing tensions in Balochistan, where ethnic and political grievances continue to fuel violent confrontations. If the violence persists, the region could face further destabilization, with severe consequences for both Pakistan and the broader South Asian security environment.
Earlier Pakistani security forces have been accused of forcibly disappearing three individuals from Balochistan’s districts. The alleged detentions are part of an ongoing pattern of enforced disappearances in the region, which has raised significant concern among human rights organizations and local communities. According to the Balochistan Post, Irshad Ahmed, a young man, was allegedly apprehended by Pakistani forces at a medical store in Turbat. He was reportedly taken to an undisclosed location, with unknown whereabouts. The Balochistan Post further reported that similarly, Nawaz Nadil, a 17-year-old student from the Balochistan Residential College, was allegedly detained by military personnel at the Gamshad Hotel in Turbat.
In a separate incident, Gul Hassan Sabir, a resident of Sibi, was taken by Pakistani forces. He was detained in front of a bus stop, and his family has been unable to ascertain his whereabouts since the incident. The disappearances of these individuals have left their families in distress, with little to no information from authorities about their fate. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of enforced disappearances that have plagued Balochistan for years, with many individuals, particularly activists and students, allegedly detained without charge or explanation. Human rights advocates continue to call for an end to these practices and greater accountability from the Pakistani authorities.
Thus, the situation around and inside Pakistan continues to deteriorate. There are no tangible processes or trends for improving the situation at the moment. The Taliban movement, which is today the unrecognized government of Afghanistan, will continue its independent policy and diversify its economy and foreign policy.