Balochistan's struggle for freedom has further complicated Pakistan's already troubled situation. Following the hijacking of the Jafar Express last week, the Baloch Liberation Army launched a fierce attack on the Pakistani military, reportedly killing 90 soldiers. Baloch people have long accused Islamabad of discrimination and have demanded independence, but there are other regions also vying for secession.
The Baloch people continuously allege that the Pakistani government exploits their resources without offering any benefits in return. This discontent is longstanding, tracing back to the time of independence. As British rule ended, Balochistan did not join either India or Pakistan, but was an independent state. Its parliament voted for independence. However, in March 1948, Pakistan annexed it forcibly. Baloch nationalists consider this an illegal occupation and have been running separatist movements since then.
Why Independence is Wanted
- Balochistan contributes over 40% of the country's gas production and is rich in copper and gold. Pakistan benefits economically but the province remains underdeveloped.- The Baloch language and culture differ from the rest of Pakistan. They speak Balochi while Urdu and Punjabi are more common in Pakistan. There's fear that Pakistan might extinguish their language, similar to attempts made with Bangladesh.- Despite being the largest province, Baloch representation in Islamabad’s politics and military is minimal.- The Pakistani government is accused of human rights abuses in Balochistan. Supporters often disappear or fall victim to extrajudicial killings.
Source: aajtak
Who are the Demanding Entities?
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is the most vocal. Initially seeking peaceful separation, the movement turned violent over decades. The Pakistani government has leased local mines to Chinese firms, angering Baloch protesters who have resorted to bombings, targeting Chinese citizens, the Pakistani Army, and police. As of 2006, Pakistan has labeled it a terrorist organization.
Additionally, the Baloch Liberation Front has been active. Formed in the 1960s, it is known for guerrilla warfare against the Pakistani military. The Baloch Republican Army adopts a different approach, often targeting gas pipelines and railway tracks. The Baloch National Movement, on the other hand, is notable for diplomatic advocacy and raising its voice among the Western diaspora.
Is Foreign Funding Involved?
There are allegations of foreign support for Baloch separatist groups, with suspicions particularly directed at the Taliban ruling Afghanistan. After the Taliban takeover, terrorism in Pakistan surged. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), historically close to Baloch factions, is rumored to provide training. Recent attacks suggest collaboration between TTP and Baloch armies. While their agendas differ—TTP seeks Islamic law in Pakistan, while Baloch demand independence—they unite against a common adversary.
Source: aajtak
The Rise of Extremism
Balochistan’s demands resulted in an array of extremist groups emerging across Pakistan. Limited resources motivated groups to prioritize suicide bombings, driven by concerns over potential infiltrations if attackers were captured. Allegedly, the TTP offers training support. BLA's recent suicide bombing, which killed dozens of Pakistani soldiers, indicates a troubling trend. Pakistani National Party's MP Fulain Baloch has claimed that BLA has amassed numerous suicide bombers.
Main Areas of Focus
Suicide attacks mainly occur in border regions, allowing terrorists to move freely. Targeting the borders directly impacts governmental stability. Urban areas, mosques, and markets are seen as soft targets. Pakistani military installations remain constant targets.
Other Flourishing Separatist Movements
Among these is the Sindhudesh Movement, with Sindhi nationalist groups seeking independence. Active separatists operate in Karachi and other Sindhi-speaking regions. In 2020, Pakistan banned several separatist parties simultaneously. The Sindhudesh Liberation Army and Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army were among them.
Gilgit-Baltistan, part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has long pursued independence. Radicals there have named the region "Balawaristan" or "Land of Heights" due to its mountainous terrain. Periodic movements arise, with local leaders claiming inadequate promotion despite its status as a prime tourist spot. This fuels their independence demands.
Source: aajtak
There have been instances where demands have surfaced for merging Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan's Pashtun provinces into an independent Pashtunistan. Recently, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement gained momentum, advocating for a separate nation for Pashto speakers to preserve their culture. However, this movement weakened post-Taliban's 2021 Afghan takeover, given the Taliban’s Pashtun majority.
Additionally, across the country, localized separatism persists. Even Muslims migrating post-partition remain unaccepted, referred to as 'Muhajirs,' and excluded from state programs. Occasionally, calls for a Muhajir province arise, including regions like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas. Yet, such demands aren't as extreme as the ones troubling Pakistan.
The Impact of Balochistan's Secession on India
- As Pakistan's largest province, Balochistan's separation would significantly decrease Pakistan's territory and resource control.- China's massive investments in Gwadar Port face jeopardy should independence be achieved.- Preoccupied with preventing secession, Pakistan's focus on Kashmir may diminish, amplifying India's voice on international platforms.
