A convoy of Pakistani military buses was attacked in the Noshki area of Balochistan on Sunday, March 16, 2025, causing a tragic event that left many people dead. Ninety Pakistani soldiers were slain in the attack, according to the separatist militant group known as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
Details of the Attack
When the attack occurred, the convoy—which consisted of eight buses carrying security personnel—was moving along the RCD Highway close to Rakhshan Mill. The attack reportedly started when a suicide bomber crashed a car carrying explosives into one of the buses, resulting in a huge explosion. Subsequently,Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists began fire on the caravan, targeting the remaining buses.
Witnesses reported that the situation was chaotic, with gunfire reverberating throughout the region and massive smoke plumes billowing from the location. The continuous firefight between the militants and security forces made it extremely difficult for emergency personnel to reach the injured.
Conflicting Casualty Reports
Through its Majeed Brigade, a suicide attack-prone organisation, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) asserted that 90 Pakistani military soldiers were killed in the operation. They claimed that the large number of casualties was caused by the initial explosion completely destroying one bus and their soldiers encircling and attacking another.
Official Pakistani sources, however, have stated fewer numbers. At least five cops were slain and ten others, some gravely, were injured, according to local police head Zafar Zamanani. The injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment, he said.
In combat areas, where instantaneous reports might differ depending on the source and the pandemonium present, this disparity in casualty numbers is not unusual.
Baloch Liberation Army’s Ongoing Insurgency
The BLA has been adamantly advocating for the independence of Balochistan, claiming that the government of central Pakistan is taking advantage of the province’s abundant natural resources while ignoring the Baloch community. Over the years, their insurgency has resulted in multiple attacks against Pakistani infrastructure and security forces.
Days prior to this convoy attack, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) was involved in a major incident in which they took control of the Jaffar Express train in the vicinity of Sibi, Balochistan. About 400 passengers were taken hostage by the extremists, resulting in a siege that ended with the deaths of 26 hostages and all 33 assailants when security forces intervened.
Government and Military Response
Following the convoy attack, Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister of Balochistan, denounced the attack and threatened harsh punishment for anyone who disrupted the calm in the province. He underlined the government’s resolve to resolve the issues that have stoked the insurgency and bring stability back.
In an effort to destroy the BLA’s infrastructure and limit its operations, the Pakistani military has stepped up its operations against the group’s strongholds in the area. However, these operations have been difficult due to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)’s guerrilla tactics and the difficult terrain of Balochistan.
Impact on the Region
The largest and least populous province in Pakistan, Balochistan, is abundant in minerals, oil, and gas. The province is still underdeveloped despite its abundance of resources, which has long caused the Baloch people to feel economically and politically marginalised.
Potential investments and development initiatives in the area have been hampered by the ongoing conflict. Regular assaults on people, security personnel, and infrastructure have produced an unstable atmosphere that discourages both foreign and domestic investors.
International Reactions
The growing violence in Balochistan has drawn the attention of the world community. Both the Pakistani government and the Baloch militant organisations have been pushed by their neighbours and international powers to engage in discussion in order to find peaceful solutions.
Human rights organisations have also emphasised the necessity of tackling the fundamental problems that are fuelling the conflict, such as the Baloch people’s cultural rights, economic growth, and political representation.
Conclusion
Balochistan’s unstable condition and the difficulties the province has in obtaining peace and stability are highlighted by the recent attack on the Pakistani military convoy. To end the protracted conflict and establish enduring peace in the province, it is imperative to address the underlying causes of the insurgency, guarantee equitable development, and promote inclusive democratic processes.
