Context
Pakistan’s Prime Minister has urged for reconciliation in Balochistan. Speaking at a troop induction ceremony in Quetta, he said militants needed to enter into negotiations and urged development in the province. Balochistan, although rich in minerals has suffered from sectarian and militancy which has enveloped the region. 20 people were killed in a suicide bombing at a military official’s residence in Quetta, while countless others were killed in sectarian shootings last month.
The BBC has reported frustration among the youth is high in the province due to poverty and unemployment. This is causing them to join pro-Taliban groups or separatist networks. The security situation in the province is grave, with tremendous pressure on the security officials to maintain law and order.
