Op-ed: The Baloch issue in Pakistan remains one of the country’s most complex and long-standing conflicts, rooted in historical grievances, political marginalization, and economic exploitation. From the Baloch perspective, this struggle is not just about political autonomy or economic rights—it is about identity, dignity, and the fundamental right to self-determination. Despite decades of promises, Balochistan remains one of the most underdeveloped and militarized regions in Pakistan, fueling resentment and resistance among its people.
The issue dates back to 1948 when Balochistan was forcibly incorporated ,with the help of military operation, into Pakistan despite opposition from Baloch leaders. Over the years, multiple insurgencies have erupted, each met with heavy-handed military operations rather than political dialogue.
From the assembly of Kalat and the military operation against the Khan of Kalat and Prince Karim, leading to their killing, to the military operation against Nawab Nauroz and his sons, followed by the military operation against Nawab Akbar Bugti, and his death, to the ongoing crackdown against the Baloch Yakjehti Committee—Pakistan's history in Balochistan has always remained tainted.
The Baloch people always felt betrayed by successive governments that have failed to honor commitments of greater autonomy, control over natural resources, and respect for their cultural identity.
The Constitution of Pakistan has provisions for provincial rights, but in reality, Balochistan has been governed more like a colony than an equal federating unit. Decisions about the province’s future are often made in Islamabad, with little to no input from local representatives. The Baloch people argue that they have never been treated as equal citizens, leading to growing demands for greater autonomy or even independence.
Balochistan is rich in natural resources, including gas, coal, gold, and copper, yet it remains the poorest province in Pakistan. A common grievance among the Baloch people is that these resources are extracted and utilized for the benefit of the central government and other provinces, while the local population remains deprived of basic facilities like education, healthcare, and clean drinking water.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Balochistan, is seen as yet another example of exploitation. While the project promises economic growth, local communities see little benefit. The deep-sea port of Gwadar, a cornerstone of CPEC, has brought an influx of non-Baloch workers and security forces, further alienating the local population. Instead of development, Balochistan has witnessed an increase in enforced disappearances and a crackdown on dissenting voices.
One of the most alarming aspects of the Baloch issue is the widespread human rights violations. Enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and a heavy military presence have created an environment of fear and oppression. Families of the disappeared have been protesting for years, demanding justice, yet their voices are ignored. The state’s response to Baloch grievances has largely been through military operations rather than meaningful dialogue, deepening the mistrust between the people and the government.
Instead of addressing political and economic concerns, the state has attempted to suppress dissent through force. This has led to further radicalization, with many young Baloch joining armed movements in frustration. If the government continues to rely on coercion rather than engagement, the cycle of violence will only continue.
In a recent National Security Conference, the Army Chief asserted that Pakistan must become a "hard state," questioning how long the country would continue to sacrifice lives as a "soft state." However, history tells a different story.
Since its inception, Pakistan has consistently operated not as a soft state but as an extremely hard state. From military operations in Qalat to the Charsadda massacre of 700 unarmed political workers, from prolonged martial laws and severe human rights violations against political leaders and activists to the acknowledged mistakes in Bangladesh—Pakistan’s trajectory has been defined by state force. The assassinations of Akbar Bugti, the repression of leaders like Bacha Khan and Wali Khan, the suppression of the National Awami Party and the Awami National Party, military interference in politics, draconian media censorship, enforced silencing of political and social activists, and the ongoing crackdown on movements like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and Baloch Yakjehti Committee—all these are undeniable markers of Pakistan’s enduring identity as a hard state.
The claim that Pakistan has been a soft state contradicts its historical and ongoing realities and the state's reliance on coercive measures over political dialogue has perpetuated cycles of unrest and resistance, particularly in regions like Balochistan.
The government's recent suppression of Baloch political activism has intensified, with organizations like the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) facing severe crackdowns. Activists such as Dr. Mahrang Baloch have been targeted; she was notably barred from traveling to New York to attend a TIME100 Next event honoring her work, with authorities confiscating her passport under dubious pretenses.
Instead of addressing their long-standing grievances, the authorities continue to silence political activists. This suppression has only fueled frustration and strengthened the call for justice. In response, the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) has decided to support the Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s protest movement, advocating for the right to dissent and demand accountability. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that the nationalist party of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Awami National Party (ANP), has also indicated its willingness to stand in solidarity with this movement. The growing alliance of nationalist voices across regions highlights the urgency of addressing the concerns of the Baloch people rather than attempting to suppress them.
While the federal government and military is indicating a military operation in Balochistan, they must note that the nature of military operations in Pakistan varies significantly between regions. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the focus has been on combating extremist and Islamist terrorism, with no support or sentimens from people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Conversely, the conflict in Balochistan is rooted in ethnic nationalism, with the Baloch population united under their distinct identity and flag. The state's militarized response in Balochistan, aimed at suppressing ethnic aspirations, risks exacerbating tensions and driving the populace further towards radicalization.
The solution to the Baloch issue does not lie in military operations or forced assimilation but in political dialogue, economic justice, and respect for human rights. The Baloch people demands , Genuine political representation, Control over natural resources, End to enforced disappearances and Respect for cultural identity.
Pakistan must realize that peace in Balochistan can only be achieved through justice, inclusion, and respect.
