Web Desk: Questions have emerged over an alleged connection between Balochistan National Party-Mengal chief Akhtar Mengal and the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), amid claims that trucks associated with his business interests continue to transport marble from the province to Karachi while other commercial activity has faced disruption.
The claims allege that marble mines linked to Mengal remain operational and that trucks carrying their produce are able to travel without facing the attacks or blockades that have affected other transporters in Balochistan.
The allegations come against the backdrop of renewed violence in Balochistan, where authorities have blamed the BLA and other armed groups for attacks against security personnel, civilians and infrastructure.
In September, security forces reported a series of intelligence-based operations across the province targeting what authorities described as terrorist networks. The Inter-Services Public Relations said security forces killed 48 terrorists during multiple operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi in early September.
Separately, authorities said security forces killed 11 terrorists during intelligence-based operations in Kharan and Washuk on Sept. 6 and 7. Officials also reported recovering about 2.9 tonnes of explosives allegedly intended for improvised explosive devices.
More recently, security forces conducted an operation near Kalat after what the military described as an attempt by terrorists to establish an illegal checkpoint on the N-25 highway. Five terrorists were killed and 23 abducted people were rescued, while six trucks, three buses and two cars were recovered, according to authorities.
The continued security operations highlight the importance of road networks connecting Balochistan with Karachi, Pakistan’s principal commercial hub.
Balochistan has experienced repeated attacks and road disruptions in recent years, affecting passenger movement, freight transport and trade. Reporting has also documented previous blockades involving BNP-M supporters, including disruptions along the Quetta-Karachi highway.
Against this backdrop, claims that particular mining operations or transport fleets are continuing without comparable disruption raise questions about how armed groups and commercial networks operate in areas affected by the insurgency.
Mengal is a prominent Baloch nationalist politician and leader of the BNP-M. He has publicly criticised the Pakistani government’s handling of Balochistan and has called for greater provincial rights and an end to what he describes as state repression.
At a recent memorial gathering in Karachi, Mengal again criticised the government’s policies in Balochistan and spoke about political restrictions and the deteriorating security situation.
Meanwhile, security establishment says it is maintaining pressure on armed groups through intelligence-led operations across Balochistan.
The latest developments have therefore added to scrutiny of the province’s security and commercial landscape, including whether armed groups apply their coercive tactics uniformly or whether some commercial networks operate under different conditions.
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