THE evolving security landscape in Balochistan has generated increasing debate over the relationship between the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Security analysts and state institutions have raised concerns that the two may function as different stages of a broader recruitment and radicalization process, particularly targeting vulnerable youth and, increasingly, educated women. According to this perspective, the process operates through a two-stage pipeline. In the first stage, BYC is alleged to serve as a platform for ideological mobilization, utilizing public protests, social media campaigns and narratives centered on grievances such as enforced disappearances and perceived state oppression. Critics argue that these themes are used to cultivate resentment and political radicalization among segments of Baloch youth, especially students and educated middle-class women.
The second stage allegedly involves the transition of radicalized individuals into the ranks of the BLA. Security officials contend that recruiters identify potential candidates from activist circles and gradually move them into clandestine networks, where they may undergo training and preparation for operational roles. Particularly noteworthy is the reported focus on young, educated Baloch women, including students, teachers and professionals. Observers point out that many of the women later associated with militant activities did not appear to have direct personal experiences commonly cited as drivers of radicalization, such as family members who had gone missing. This has led some analysts to argue that ideological grooming and sustained propaganda may play a significant role in the recruitment process. Once recruited, militants are reportedly provided training in weapons handling, explosives and guerrilla tactics at remote camps. Women have increasingly been assigned roles ranging from propaganda and logistics to combat operations. Most concerning has been their growing presence in suicide attacks, particularly within the BLA’s Majeed Brigade, where female operatives generate significant media attention and symbolic value for militant narratives.
BYC was formally established in 2020. Within two years, Balochistan witnessed a notable shift in the profile of militant attacks involving women. A watershed moment came on April 26, 2022, when Shari Baloch carried out a suicide bombing at Karachi University. The attack marked the first known female suicide bombing linked to Baloch separatist militancy and was followed by the circulation of videos purportedly showing women receiving organized militant training in BLA camps. Subsequent incidents appeared to reinforce this emerging pattern. On June 3, 2023, Summiya Qalandarani carried out a suicide attack in Turbat. In August 2024, Mahal Baloch was reportedly involved in an attack in Bela, followed by Ganjatoon in Gwadar in March 2025. More recently, in February 2026, Zarina Rafiq Baloch carried out a suicide bombing in Nokundi. During the same month, Asifa Mengal and Hawa Baloch were reportedly involved in suicide operations associated with what security sources described as “CTA-II.” A striking feature of many of these cases is the educational and social background of the women involved. Several came from relatively stable and educated families and were not publicly known to have suffered severe economic hardship or personal experiences typically associated with militant recruitment.
Supporters of militant groups often portray suicide attackers as symbols of resistance and empowerment. Critics argue that such narratives blur the distinction between peaceful political activism and violent extremism, creating an environment that may encourage further recruitment. Concerns have also been raised regarding certain protest activities associated with BYC. Security officials allege that some demonstrations have gone beyond peaceful activism, citing incidents involving confrontations with law-enforcement personnel and alleged assistance provided to militants. These allegations remain matters of public debate and require careful scrutiny. Questions have further emerged following statements from individuals who claim to have been targeted for recruitment. In one publicly reported case, a young Baloch woman alleged that extremist elements attempted to manipulate her into supporting militant activities and claimed that facilitators linked to activist networks played a role in the process. Such allegations, if substantiated, would raise serious concerns about the existence of covert recruitment channels operating behind publicly visible activist platforms.
As observed, BYC is reluctance to unequivocally condemn attacks attributed to the BLA, including incidents involving civilian casualties, kidnappings and acts of terrorism. They argue that this silence has fueled suspicions regarding ideological alignment between activist and militant circles. Another recurring controversy involves individuals initially presented as victims of enforced disappearance who later surfaced as active members of militant organizations. Cases cited by security analysts include individuals who were publicly portrayed as missing but were subsequently identified in militant operations or celebrated by separatist groups after their deaths. Such developments have intensified scrutiny of narratives surrounding disappearances and militant recruitment.
The rise in female suicide bombers, coupled with the public dissemination of images and videos depicting women undergoing militant training, has attracted significant attention from policymakers and security experts. Indeed, exploiting legitimate grievances to recruit young people and women into violent extremist organizations poses a serious threat to both public security and the social fabric of Balochistan. Any response, however, must be grounded in credible evidence, due process and a commitment to addressing the underlying grievances that continue to fuel unrest in the province.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
