Pakistan (MNN) — On January 31, fighters from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) coordinated attacks across Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Later reports said two of the suicide bombers were women.
Nehemiah from FMI calls this a grim shift: “This is very, very sad and tragic, and of course, significant, how these women have become part of this terrorist group.”
The attacks killed dozens, including 31 civilians, across multiple locations.
This isn’t the first case. A Baloch female suicide bomber appeared in the 2022 Karachi University attack. Public reports now say hundreds of women in Balochistan are joining the BLA, including as suicide bombers.
Representative photo of Baloch people (photo courtesy of Mostafameraji via Wikimedia Commons)
Some women reportedly join for the fight for “liberation of their community,” because of poverty pressure, or to avenge loved ones. Nehemiah sums it up:
“They want to get separated from Pakistan, and they attack forces, churches, people,” says Nehemiah.
But in this struggle, civilians pay the highest price. “Families live under uncertainty. Markets can close without warning, and trust is fragile,” says Nehemiah, adding that many children grow up with instability and with the sounds of fighting more familiar than school lessons.
Despite the turmoil, Nehemiah encourages that FMI partners are staying focused on Gospel work — and their question is not “Is it safe?” but “Who needs the Gospel next?”
“Our partners face constant challenges, roadblocks, suspicion, weather extremes, and threats from those who oppose the gospel. Yet, praise God, they remain steadfast,” says Nehemiah.
Pray for those grieving loved ones lost. Pray that the Gospel heals the hearts of the Baloch people and gives lasting hope. Pray for FMI workers serving in very dangerous areas — that God would protect them, give them discernment, and strengthen their faith.
If you want to help Baloch people in a practical way, there’s a clear need: audio Bibles. In many areas, literacy rates are very low, and some people can’t read or write even in their own language. Audio Bibles can make a big difference — especially in a person’s mother tongue. Visit FMI to learn more about the work they do!
“Even though there’s brokenness and darkness, not only in Balochistan but in the world, Jesus Christ is the only hope in life,” encourages Nehemiah.
Header photo: Karkh Balochistan (Photo courtesy of Sarfarazahmedakhund via Wikimedia Commons).
