QUETTA: The Balochistan provincial cabinet has approved the establishment of special anti-terrorism courts in the province, indicating what officials describe as an important and timely decision aimed at strengthening the legal framework against terrorist networks and their facilitators.
The courts will focus on expediting trials and ensuring effective legal action against those accused of undermining peace and security in the province.
The initiative is being presented as part of broader national counter-terrorism efforts, with authorities stressing that stability in Balochistan remains essential for overall regional peace and economic development.
However, the move has drawn criticism from certain quarters. In particular, statements by Marri Mahrang, who has opposed the establishment of these courts, have started debate.
In this regard, the security analysts contend that presenting the BLA in political or human rights terms amounts to providing indirect support to a group internationally recognized as terrorist in nature.
They caution that using the cover of humanitarian language to justify or normalize violent actors risks damaging both local peace initiatives and the province’s international standing.
Furthermore, the government officials maintain that exposing such facilitation is not only the duty of the state but also a collective responsibility of civil society.
Moreover, the legal experts have also underlined that establishing special courts aligns with both domestic constitutional obligations and international counter-terrorism commitments.
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The Balochistan government has reasserted its resolve to confront militancy with both firmness and fairness, stressing that peace in the province cannot be compromised.
