Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 09:45 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Apr 22, 2025 16:38 [IST]
The Irony of Terrorism in Pakistan
The menace of terrorism has been witnessed frequently across the world since the 1970s—in the Middle East, Gaza Strip, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, and even the USA. However, what has unfolded inside Pakistan over a long period may baffle many. Having been one of the facilitators and perpetrators of terrorism (Pakistan sheltered Osama Bin Laden), it is now facing the consequences—especially at the hands of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Origins of the BLA
Founded in 2000, the BLA is a militant organisation that regularly targets Pakistan’s armed forces, civilians, and foreign nationals. It was preceded by the Balochistan Liberation Front, established in 1964. Allegedly, two former KGB agents, codenamed Misha and Sasha, were among its architects. The group views Sindhis and Punjabis as outsiders or settlers. Chinese nationals are also targeted due to their involvement in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC, estimated at $61 billion), the Belt and Road Initiative, and the development of Gwadar as a deep-sea port. Interestingly, Gwadar was an Omani colony for over a century until Pakistan annexed it in the 1960s.
Neglected Province
Balochistan, the most neglected of Pakistan’s four provinces, has eight divisions and 36 districts. It is an extensive plateau of rugged yet scenic terrain, dominated by a dry desert climate and some notable tourist attractions. The devastating floods of 2022 severely impacted the region.
The Balochistan Assembly has 65 seats, including 11 reserved for women and 3 for non-Muslims. Historically, the Hindu Sewa dynasty ruled the Kalat division, and Banias traditionally served as finance ministers. Their community has played a key role in trade, banking, and moneylending in the region.
The Baloch people, who speak Balochi, Brahui, and Pashto, are predominantly Sunni Muslims. While there are 59,107 Hindus in Balochistan, around 300 Baloch families also reside in Mumbai.
Abundance of Natural Resources
Mainland Pakistan extracts immense wealth from Balochistan—44% of Pakistan’s area—but gives little in return to its local population. The province contributes 36% of the country’s natural gas production and possesses reserves of coal, gold, copper, silver, platinum, aluminium, and uranium. Yet, its population accounts for only 5.94% of the country. The region remains a resource colony.
Home to distinct, semi-nomadic Baloch and Pashtun tribes, only about 5% of its land is arable.
‘Kill and Dump’ Operations
Due to longstanding deprivation, Balochistan has become a hotbed of unrest and insurgency. Enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are rampant. 'Kill and dump' operations by the Pakistani government continue unabated. Even the Supreme Court of Pakistan has acknowledged the involvement of intelligence agencies and security forces in such atrocities.
Conversely, unarmed Punjabi civilians—professors, teachers, students, and laborers—have been targeted and killed by Baloch rebels, as resentment against outsiders grows. Consequently, thousands of Punjabis and Sindhis, known as "settlers," have fled Balochistan.
Key Grievances
Baloch people deeply feel their underrepresentation in politics, bureaucracy, and the armed forces. The region receives significantly fewer funds compared to other provinces. Unemployment is rampant, and 62% of the population lives below the poverty line—up from 50.9% in 2005-06. Human development indicators are extremely poor.
Frequent human rights violations and the large military presence—often involving land seizures—have further inflamed tensions.
Tactics Adopted by the BLA
The BLA has resorted to various violent methods in its fight against the state:
These tactics have intensified since 2017-18.
Notable Incidents
Balochistan is riddled with conflict and violence. Though Baloch rebels have been active for decades, their operations gained significant momentum around a decade ago, indicating grassroots support.
Assaults on Chinese Nationals
Other Major Attacks
Wider Impact
The growing Baloch nationalist movement has had significant repercussions:
Foreign Involvement?
Pakistan has accused India and Afghanistan of aiding the BLA. The group is known to operate from safe havens in southern Afghanistan, where Baloch communities also reside.
India has denied involvement, although Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced concern for the Baloch cause during an Independence Day address. Some Baloch leaders reportedly received medical treatment in New Delhi.
On June 8, 2015, Balochistan’s Home Minister accused the Indian PM of supporting terrorism and alleged RAW’s involvement in military base attacks.
Recently, the U.S. has shown interest in the region—likely to monitor Chinese activities and Iran via Gwadar port. This might pressure Pakistan to rethink its policy of neglect towards Balochistan, potentially benefiting its people.
Conclusion
Larger than France, Balochistan has historically been home to a harmonious mix of Dravidians, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. Unlike other regions of Pakistan, it has witnessed peaceful coexistence.
Military responses alone cannot ensure peace. The Baloch people feel deeply deprived and have benefited little from state-led development projects. Unless Pakistan addresses their economic and political grievances, the insurgency will persist.
Even the current Prime Minister has admitted that lack of development hinders the fight against terrorism in the province.
Though the BLA may not achieve independence, its secular identity and unpredictable, low-intensity strikes are likely to continue—highlighting a continuing struggle for justice and identity in a long-ignored land.
