The Fight for Balochistan's Independence

Historical grievances and socio-economic disparities are significant root causes of political instability in Balochistan.

Historical Grievances Balochistan has been a center of political instability since it became a province of Pakistan.

Political Engineering and Fragile Governance:

Successive governments of Pakistan have been involved in political engineering in Balochistan by installing tribal heads, Sardars, and other inexperienced political figures, which has led to a lack of proper political representation at both federal and provincial levels. This has resulted in a fragile political setup that is easily influenced by the civil, military, and political elite, who have not actively sought to bring political stability to the region.

The traditional way of governing by tribal chiefs, who held both executive and judicial powers before Balochistan became a full-fledged province in 1970, continued even after its provincial status. Challenges to their authority led to increased insecurity and weakened government control.

Exclusion from Mainstream Politics:

Balochistan is home to diverse ethnic and linguistic groups like Baloch, Pashtuns, and Hazaras, many of whom feel politically excluded from the provincial setup.

This perception of exclusion has provided opportunities for successive federal governments to engage in political engineering, bringing figures like Sardars, tribal heads, and even "drag dealers" into mainstream politics, which ultimately contributes to political instability.

Central Government Intervention:

Unresolved political problems have persisted in Balochistan since Pakistan's independence in 1947. Attempts by successive central governments to establish strong governance for stability and development often involved interventions that, instead of resolving issues, exacerbated political instability.

For instance, the introduction of the One Unit system in 1955, combining all four Western provinces into a single administrative unit, sparked political unrest among Balochistan's politicians.

Assassination of Nawab Muhammad Akbar Khan Bugti:

A significant turning point was the assassination of Nawab Muhammad Akbar Khan Bugti in 2006. Despite his pro-Pakistani stance during his governorship in the 1970s, President Pervez Musharraf's policies failed to address the political unrest, instead fueling it.

His death led to one of the most severe insurgencies in Balochistan's history and continues to pose a serious threat to political stability. Bugti's killing transformed him into a symbol of resistance, reviving separatist demands.

Colonial Mindset and Unresolved Problems:

From Ayub Khan to Pervez Musharraf, military leadership has attempted to unify Pakistan without truly understanding the social and political realities of Balochistan's diverse ethnic groups.

The state's reliance on brutal suppression and a "colonial mindset," including forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and collective punishment, has deepened grievances. This has left people feeling frustrated and disappointed, leading to further instability and discontent.

Socio-economic Disparities

Despite its strategic location and abundant natural resources, Balochistan remains the poorest and economically least-developed province in Pakistan. This underdevelopment and disparity contribute significantly to political instability.

Resource Mismanagement and Exploitation:

Balochistan occupies 43% of Pakistan's total territory and possesses natural resources like oil and gas, as well as a strategically important 750-mile coastline on the Indian Ocean, making it crucial for trade routes.

However, resource mishandling has led to economic exploitation and a pervasive sense of marginalization among the local population. Major projects like the Sui Gas Fields and the Saindak and Reko Diq mines generate significant revenue for the federal government, but the province receives minimal returns, deepening local resentment.

Lack of Development and Infrastructure:

The province is considered one of the most backward in Pakistan in terms of socio-economic development. There is an absence of basic essentials like infrastructure, healthcare, and education, which significantly prevents socio-economic advancement and increases public unhappiness.

The leadership's failure to enhance security, coupled with appointing inexperienced individuals to important security roles, has worsened security issues and increased overall instability.

High Unemployment and Economic Alienation:

Balochistan faces high unemployment rates. This economic disparity is worsened by inter-tribal clashes, historical neglect, and a lack of focus on socio-economic development.

Many people in Balochistan feel negative towards the government due to prolonged economic and political exclusion. The lack of economic growth is further exacerbated by the presence of rebel groups, perpetuating poverty and instability.

Youth Dissatisfaction:

Young people in Balochistan feel neglected by successive federal governments, leading to disappointment with politics and general distrust of leadership.

This youth dissatisfaction contributes to societal unrest and exacerbates existing instabilities. The inadequacy of governance has also pushed educated Balochistan youth towards destructive actions, further contributing to political instability.

Informal and Dangerous Employment:

Due to the lack of suitable and sustainable jobs, many Baloch citizens, especially youth, are forced into dangerous informal economic activities like "fuel carrying" (sootbari).

This profession involves high risks from accidents, security force gunfire, landmines, fires, robbery, and natural disasters, leading to numerous deaths and injuries annually.

The deaths or injuries of fuel carriers impose severe economic and psychological hardship on their families, often forcing children to drop out of school to support their families.

These intertwining issues of historical political marginalization, continued ineffective governance, and stark socio-economic disparities have consistently fueled separatist movements and a cycle of violence, profoundly impacting political stability in Balochistan.

Balochistan's population, particularly on the Iranian side, faces a multitude of severe and systematic human rights violations that deeply impact their daily lives and overall well-being. These issues are often rooted in historical grievances, discriminatory government policies, and socioeconomic disparities. The primary human rights violations and their impacts include:

Executions:

Baloch individuals are disproportionately executed in Iran; while they constitute approximately 5% of Iran's population, they account for nearly 30% of all executions nationwide.

These executions frequently occur without fair trials, often denying access to independent legal counsel or due process. Many prisoners are allegedly coerced into confessions under torture, and security agencies reportedly use the threat of execution as leverage to force cooperation in political assassinations.

In 2024, at least 111 Baloch prisoners were executed, with 74.8% on drug-related charges, and many families claim their relatives were unaware of illicit substances in their cargo due to economic desperation.

This systematic approach leads to widespread insecurity and public distrust, with profound social and psychological consequences for families and communities

Unregulated Shootings and Extrajudicial Killings by Security Forces:

Iranian security forces frequently engage in direct, arbitrary shootings of citizens in Balochistan and other Baloch-majority areas, often without judicial orders or adherence to national laws on firearm use.

They often enjoy unwritten immunity, leading to a lack of proper investigation or dismissal of complaints from victims' families. In 2024, at least 208 Baloch citizens were killed (115) or injured (93) by security forces, including 13 children and 4 women among the deceased, and 20 children and 12 women among the wounded.

This includes casualties from home raids, car chases, and unmarked landmine explosions. This behavior escalates fear, insecurity, and public mistrust towards law enforcement, normalizing violence against the Baloch population.

Attacks by "Armed Unknown Individuals":

There is a recurring phenomenon of deadly attacks by "armed unknown individuals" in Baloch-majority areas. While often attributed to tribal conflicts, evidence suggests direct or indirect involvement of security agencies, which are accused of irresponsibly arming individuals with criminal backgrounds to serve their security interests.

In 2024, at least 469 Baloch citizens were attacked by these individuals, resulting in 284 deaths and 185 injuries, including 47 children and women. This phenomenon has created a significant human and security crisis, fostering widespread distrust and hopelessness among the people due to the lack of prosecution against the culprits.

Destruction of Homes and Seizure of Ancestral Lands:

Governmental and military entities, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), seize ancestral lands under various pretexts like "national lands" for development projects and the settlement of non-Baloch populations.

This includes plans like the "Makran Coast Development," which aims to settle millions of non-Baloch people, threatening the cultural and linguistic identity of the indigenous Baloch. The proposed division of Sistan and Balochistan Province is also seen as a discriminatory plan to weaken Baloch national identity and political power.

In 2024, at least 36 cases of home demolitions and destruction of Sunni places of worship were recorded, with security forces often refusing to provide judicial warrants.

These actions violate the rights of indigenous people, exacerbate poverty, create social discrimination, and increase political tensions, undermining the Baloch's right to self-determination.

Deaths and Mistreatment of Baloch Prisoners:

Prisons in Balochistan are characterized by overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and a severe lack of medical care, leading to the rapid spread of infectious diseases.

Prisoners are subjected to physical and psychological torture, and many deaths in custody occur due to medical negligence or intentional neglect by authorities.

In 2024, at least six Baloch prisoners died in two prisons, with one death attributed to severe torture. This reflects systemic discrimination and a blatant disregard for human dignity, transforming prisons into tools of political pressure against the Baloch people.

Illegal Arrests and Summons:

Baloch citizens are frequently arrested without legal procedures, warrants, or clear charges, often accompanied by violent and humiliating methods.

Detainees are held for long periods without access to legal counsel or family visits. Similarly, security and judicial institutions often summon Baloch citizens and activists via phone calls without official procedures, subjecting them to threats, insults, and illegal pressures.

In 2024, at least 364 Baloch people were illegally arrested, including women and children, and 38 cases of unlawful summons were documented. These practices create an atmosphere of fear and terror, undermining public trust in the judicial and security systems and serving as tools of systematic repression.

Dangers of "Fuel Carrying" (Sootbari):

Due to extreme poverty and a dire lack of sustainable employment opportunities, many Baloch citizens, especially youth, are forced into the dangerous informal activity of "fuel carrying" (sootbari).

This involves transporting fuel in unsafe containers over hazardous roads. Fuel carriers face numerous threats, including direct gunfire, vehicle confiscations, and arrests by Iranian security forces, often without warning or accountability.

Other dangers include unmarked landmines laid by the Revolutionary Guards, frequent road accidents due to poor infrastructure and high-speed chases, fires and explosions from unsafe fuel transport, robberies by armed criminals, sometimes with ties to security forces, and natural disasters like floods.

In 2024, at least 479 fuel carriers were killed (253) or injured (226) from various incidents.

The deaths and injuries of fuel carriers impose severe economic and psychological hardship on their families, often forcing children to drop out of school and leading to deeper poverty.

Socioeconomic Deprivation and Discrimination:

Underlying many of these issues is the systemic marginalization and discrimination against the Baloch people by the government. Balochistan remains the poorest and least-developed province despite being rich in natural resources, suffering from high unemployment, inadequate infrastructure (healthcare, education), and perceived exclusion from mainstream politics.

This persistent neglect fuels widespread unhappiness, societal unrest, political alienation, and a severe shortage of skilled professionals, contributing to an uncertain future for Baloch children.

The ongoing crisis in Balochistan is deeply rooted in a complex interplay of insurgent activities and the state's responses, both of which perpetuate a cycle of violence, instability, and human rights violations.

Here's how each contributes:

Insurgent Activities:

Escalation of Violence and Sophistication:

Baloch militant factions, such as the Baloch Liberation Army-Jeeyand (BLA-J), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), and Baloch Liberation Army-Azad (BLA-A), have significantly intensified and diversified their attacks.

This includes large-scale coordinated offensives like BLA-J's "Operation Dara-e-Bolan" and "Operation Herof," which aimed to temporarily seize and hold urban areas and major highways.

The BLF's "Operation Baam" in July 2025 involved 84 coordinated attacks targeting Pakistani military forces, intelligence agencies, and state infrastructure. Such actions demonstrate increased organizational strength, coordination, and aggressiveness among insurgents.

Targeting of State and Economic Interests:

Insurgents frequently target Pakistani security forces, alleged informants, "Death Squads," and government installations. A major focus is on Chinese nationals and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, which are viewed as symbols of external exploitation of Balochistan's natural resources.

These attacks, including deadly suicide bombings and ambushes, aim to disrupt infrastructure and deter foreign investment.

Use of Advanced Tactics:

Militant groups have adopted new tactics, including the increased use of suicide bombers (fidayees), even deploying female attackers, a significant evolution in their operational strategy.

Groups like BLA-J employ special units such as the Majeed Brigade (suicide squad) and ZIRAB (intelligence wing) to conduct high-impact operations.

Anti-Election Campaigns:

Baloch insurgent groups view parliamentary elections as a tool of repression by the Pakistani state and actively work to disrupt them through attacks on polling stations, candidates, and election staff.

Cross-Border Operations:

Some factions, like BNA (Beebarg), have extended their activities into Iran's eastern Baloch provinces, highlighting the transnational dimension of the conflict.

State Responses (from both Pakistan and Iran, where applicable):

Political Engineering and Federal Overreach (Pakistan):

Successive Pakistani governments have engaged in "political engineering" by installing inexperienced tribal heads and political figures, leading to a fragile political setup and a lack of genuine local representation.

The central government's interference in crucial areas has limited provincial powers, contributing to feelings of marginalization and exclusion. The unilateral decision to construct Gwadar Port without consulting provincial bodies is a prime example of federal overreach that fueled the insurgency.

Militarization and Heavy-Handed Suppression (Pakistan):

In response to the insurgency, Pakistan has militarized the region and relied on extensive security forces, particularly to safeguard CPEC projects.

However, this "heavy-handed approach" and reliance on "colonial-era tactics" like collective punishment, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings have backfired, deepening Baloch alienation and inadvertently strengthening support for insurgents. State-sanctioned "Death Squads" have also been reported, involved in abducting and killing Baloch activists.

Human Rights Violations (Iranian Balochistan):

In the Iranian part of Balochistan, severe human rights violations are systematically perpetrated against the Baloch population. These include:

Disproportionate Executions:

Baloch individuals account for a significantly higher percentage of executions in Iran than their population share, often carried out without fair trials, access to legal counsel, or due process.

Many are coerced into confessions under torture, and security agencies are accused of using execution threats for political leverage.

Unregulated Shootings and Extrajudicial Killings:

Iranian security forces frequently engage in direct, arbitrary shootings of citizens, including children and women, often without judicial orders or adherence to firearm use laws, and enjoy unwritten immunity from the judicial system.

State-Exacerbated Violence by "Armed Unknown Individuals":

While some killings are attributed to tribal conflicts, evidence suggests direct or indirect involvement of security agencies, which are accused of arming individuals with criminal backgrounds, exacerbating gun violence.

Land Seizures and Demolitions:

Governmental and military entities, particularly the IRGC, seize ancestral lands under various pretexts for development projects and the settlement of non-Baloch populations, leading to forced displacement and the demolition of homes and places of worship.

Mistreatment of Prisoners and Illegal Arrests:

Baloch prisoners face overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, lack of medical care, and are subjected to physical and psychological pressure, leading to deaths in custody. Citizens are frequently arrested without warrants or clear charges, subjected to violent treatment, and denied legal counsel or family visits.

Contribution to the Ongoing Crisis:

Perpetuation of the Cycle of Violence:

The state's reliance on military force and repressive tactics, instead of addressing root causes, further fuels resentment and radicalizes segments of Baloch society, leading to more insurgent activity. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle where violence begets more violence.

Deepening Alienation and Distrust:

Historical grievances, including political sidelining, economic exploitation, and ethnic prejudice, are exacerbated by state actions such as resource mismanagement, unfair fiscal systems, and consistent human rights abuses. This has led to widespread discontent, a sense of marginalization, and a profound lack of trust in governmental and security institutions.

Socioeconomic Deprivation:

Despite Balochistan's rich natural resources and strategic location, it remains Pakistan's poorest and least-developed province, characterized by high unemployment, inadequate infrastructure (healthcare, education), and limited opportunities.

State policies, including the exploitation of resources for federal benefit and the neglect of local development, contribute significantly to this deprivation, pushing many into dangerous informal work like "fuel carrying".

Undermining Governance and Rule of Law:

Ineffective governance, corruption, and the dominance of dynastic politicians lead to a lack of accountability and hinder reforms. The military's pervasive influence and de facto immunity for abuses further erode the rule of law and public trust in the judicial system.

Regional Instability:

The cross-border dimensions of the insurgency, with accusations of harboring militants between Iran and Pakistan, and the influence of ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan, contribute to broader regional instability and complicate counterterrorism efforts.

Ultimately, the ongoing crisis in Balochistan is a direct consequence of both the evolving and increasingly sophisticated actions of Baloch insurgent groups and the state's persistent reliance on repressive and discriminatory policies that fail to address the deep-seated political, economic, and humanitarian grievances of the Baloch people.