The Balochistan conundrum

Balochistan is one of Pakistan’s most pressing challenges, marked by a complex mix of political unrest, terrorism and a deep-seated sense of alienation among its people. As Pakistan observed its national day on Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed the state’s resolve to combat terrorism and support the armed forces. His statement reminded one of the grim reality of escalating violence, particularly in Balochistan, where unrest and terrorism continue to destabilise the province – the latest being the violent clashes in Quetta during a protest rally by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). The use of baton charges, tear gas and water cannons against protesters, coupled with the arrest of BYC leadership, has only added fuel to the fire. While the provocations are admittedly increasing with time, the state’s response to such demonstrations will still need to be measured, since heavy-handed tactics risk further alienating an already disenfranchised Baloch population. Compounding the political turmoil is yet another spate of terrorist attacks in Balochistan. The brutal killing of four Punjabi labourers in Kalat, the murder of four police officers in Noshki, and the deadly suicide bombing on a paramilitary convoy are part of a troubling pattern. The hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) was a particularly alarming incident, resulting in the tragic loss of 26 innocent lives. The BLA’s violent agenda is for all to see; the terrorist organisation not only targets security forces but also deliberately inflames ethnic tensions by attacking non-Baloch workers.

A kinetic operation against the BLA is a necessity to curb its militant activities. However, military operations alone cannot bring lasting peace to Balochistan. A purely force-driven approach has historically failed to resolve insurgencies and instead risks pushing more young Baloch into the ranks of militant groups. The state must tread carefully, ensuring that its counterterrorism efforts do not serve as propaganda tools for BLA recruiters looking to exploit Baloch grievances. In this context, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent commitment to playing a role in restoring peace in Balochistan offers a potential pathway toward a political resolution. The province’s turmoil cannot be resolved through military might alone; it requires a comprehensive, democratic approach. The current wave of insurgency in Balochistan can be traced back to the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti in 2006 under the Musharraf regime. This heavy-handed approach ignited an insurgency that persists to this day. Despite efforts by the PPP and PML-N governments in the past to address Baloch grievances, trust between the Baloch people and the state remains fragile.

The state now must adopt a balanced strategy – one that includes targeted counterterrorism operations against violent groups like the BLA while simultaneously addressing the socio-political and economic grievances of the Baloch people. This means investing in education, infrastructure and employment opportunities in Balochistan, ensuring the province’s fair share of resources and upholding human rights. The state must also avoid reactionary measures, such as the recent arrests of BYC leadership, which only serve to deepen resentment. Balochistan’s issues are deeply rooted in history, marginalisation and a lack of political representation. The only sustainable solution lies in an inclusive democratic process, where the voices of Baloch leaders and people are heard, their grievances are addressed and their rights are respected. The alternative – continued military crackdowns and political suppression – will only push the province further into chaos. The state of Pakistan needs to act wisely and prioritise dialogue, development and democratic engagement alongside security measures to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Balochistan.