Security forces in Balochistan have been put on high alert after intelligence indicated an 'unpredictable situation' building up in the conflict-torn region. The government has also closed educational institutions in the Balochistan capital Quetta.
The Balochistan Post says that military cantonments in Quetta, Gwadar and other cities of Balochistan have been advised to keep a lookout for the next two days due to the unpredictable security situation.
Home department of Balochistan has issued a letter to Police, Levies, District Administrations, conveyed to review security arrangements due to 'prevailing threat perceptions', ensuring that LEAs are vigilant 'to avoid any unwanted incident '.#Quetta #Balochistan pic.twitter.com/7dJUiMJeXI
— Asim Ahmed khan (@leokhanasim) March 16, 2022
Different units of the Pakistani forces and even the Pakistan Air Force have been put on high alert till March 22. The security forces have been ordered to thoroughly check the vehicles moving in and out of Chaman and other areas. Police has been asked to guard the main highways even as the forces have been banned from patrolling for a week.
The security measures are causing panic and confusion among the masses. Academic institutions, including schools, have been shut down for two days. Even exams have been postponed due to an unprecedented security situation.
Notification regarding Matric exams in Quetta. https://t.co/CRen6Jled4 pic.twitter.com/a5Ilcnj9p8
— Asim Ahmed khan (@leokhanasim) March 17, 2022
Geopolitical analyst Mark Kinra explains the unprecedented development to India Narrative: “With sudden increase in attacks by Baloch freedom fighters, it is assumed that they will sabotage March 23 celebrations by Pakistan—commemorated for the adoption of Pakistan’s first constitution and the Lahore resolution of 1940. The Baloch armed groups are likely to attack events by the Pakistani government as it brings them media attention and sends a message that Balochistan does not want to be a part of Pakistan”.
He adds that three notifications have been doing the rounds in Balochistan related to the perceived threat of armed violence. One of the notifications calls for the public to refrain from activities.
Meanwhile, students affiliated to the Baloch Students Council Islamabad are boycotting their classes from March 21 against the “enforced disappearance” of Hafeez Baloch and other kidnapped persons. The students council has appealed to students across Pakistan to boycott classes to mount pressure on the government.
The students are also protesting against the enforced disappearance of Zahid Baloch, the former chairman of the Baloch Students Organisation (BSO).
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recently expressed concern over reports of a fresh wave of State-organised disappearances in Balochistan including that of Hafeez Baloch–a postgraduate student at an Islamabad university.
Over the last two months, Baloch armed organisations seeking independence from Pakistan have upped deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces, taking over security camps and spreading fear among the Pakistani military.
