For decades, the country has been dragged into believing that what is happening in Balochistan is merely a political crisis and that talks are the only way forward. This very belief serves as a jerrycan for anti-state actors, both local and foreign, who are continuously fueling militancy in the region.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Quetta visit to review the post-Jaffar Express hijacking security situation, the National Assembly’s unanimous resolution against terrorism and promises made during speeches delivered across the country are all comforting steps. Then again, that has always been the way – using words as a balm to the victims and their heirs.

Besides calls for national unity and realization of the fact that a lack of development is breeding terrorism in the region, another important aspect of the premier’s speech was his mention of “enemies disguised as friends”. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir had shared similar sentiments last month, and vowed to defeat duplicitous elements. The India-Afghanistan-terrorist nexus is not something speculative, nor is it out of the blue. However, it continues to operate and employ violence against the innocent population. The world, on the other hand, seems too reluctant to accept the tangible and irrefutable proof of this alliance that has grown over the years.

Pakistan must dismantle this ‘money-means-manpower’ triangle — an alliance of India’s financial support for terrorism, Afghanistan’s access to advanced US weaponry, and terrorist manpower

Mere reactions and warnings have not produced the desired results. There is apparently room for more prongs to measures to counter militant propaganda and ideology that are usually used to radicalize youth and subsequently fill the ranks. This process is systematic and nowhere near exhaustion. The government acknowledging the sense of alienation among the Baloch population is a good start. Now the words must translate into action to remove the people’s disillusionment with the state.

Simultaneously, it must be understood that while diplomacy and dialogue can prevent guns from being fired in the first place, words can never dodge bullets. They never have. The political elite must consider that groups like the BLA, BRA, and UBA have nothing to do with political insurgency anymore, as they have evolved into full-fledged militant organizations, sympathized by two of Pakistan’s neighbors. Pakistan must dismantle this ‘money-means-manpower’ triangle — an alliance of India’s financial support for terrorism, Afghanistan’s access to advanced US weaponry, and terrorist manpower. To counter its effects, Pakistan must launch diplomatic offensives and raise the issue at every possible forum to expose the hostile intentions of terror outfits and their handlers.

The issue has been ignored, misinterpreted and misrepresented for far too long. The world cannot be allowed to turn a blind eye to ground realities. Otherwise, condemnation will keep pouring in after every terrorist attack, and that is never enough.