Why peace remains elusive in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan | Conflict News
Islamabad, Pakistan — Balochistan, spanning Pakistan’s southwestern border, is the nation’s largest province but also its poorest, marked by a history of conflict between Baloch nationalist movements and the state. This region has experienced unrest almost continuously since joining Pakistan in 1948.
Following the partition of India in 1947, the relationship between Balochistan and the Pakistani government has been fraught with tension. The province has seen periodic violence, escalating sharply in recent years. The latest wave of conflict erupted on January 31, when coordinated attacks carried out by secessionist groups across nearly a dozen cities resulted in the deaths of more than 30 civilians and at least 18 law enforcement personnel. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) led these attacks, prompting extensive government operations that reportedly resulted in over 150 combatant deaths.
In a television interview following the violence, Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister of Balochistan, stated that military intervention is essential for addressing the province’s issues, although analysts argue that the roots of the conflict run deep into the colonial era.
Historically, Balochistan’s territory was divided into various political units during British rule. Some areas were directly governed, while others were ruled as princely states. Upon the creation of Pakistan, the Khanate of Kalat was initially acknowledged as independent. However, the strategic significance of Balochistan led its leader, Mir Ahmed Yar Khan, to accede to Pakistan in March 1948, even as his brother led a rebellion against this decision. This act was perceived as enforced accession and set a precedent for ongoing resistance.
The cycle of conflict frequently repeats: political exclusion sparks armed resistance, followed by a military crackdown, resulting in temporary calm before the pattern resurges. A major turning point occurred in the late 1950s when the government’s “One Unit” policy diluted provincial identities, leading to further uprisings, arrests, and military trials of regional leaders.
The 1970s witnessed the most severe violence, following the dismissal of the National Awami Party-led government. Thousands of fighters clashed with government forces, exacerbated by accusations against the party of conspiring against the state. The violent rebellion concluded in 1977 with a military coup, yet the underlying grievances remained largely unaddressed.
In the early 2000s, resentment re-emerged, illustrated by incidents like the 2005 rape of a physician allegedly by an army officer, which sparked massive protests and violence. The situation further deteriorated in 2006 with the death of Baloch tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti in a military operation, which galvanized Baloch resistance.
The current conflict has coincided with significant economic developments in the region, including substantial natural gas extraction and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Many Baloch groups view these efforts as exploitative. The state has accused neighboring India of supporting separatism, particularly following the 2016 arrest of prominent Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav in Balochistan.
As violence continues, the Pakistani government has intensified its focus on exploiting the province’s mineral resources, despite widespread discontent among local communities. The emergence of sophisticated armed groups targeting foreign projects marks a new phase in the conflict.
Experts suggest that effective solutions require a fundamental shift from military responses to a comprehensive political dialogue addressing the root causes of discontent. Analysts advocate for confidence-building measures to foster trust among Baloch communities, ensuring that grievances related to representation, enforced disappearances, and the need for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission are urgently prioritized to promote stability in the region.
