THE EXPLAINER
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, is home to the ethnically distinct Baloch people who speak Balochi, not Urdu, and have unique cultural practices. Many Baloch feel their culture, language, and history are ignored by the federal government. The province has faced insurgency for decades, driven by ethnic differences and nationalism. The Khan of Kalat advocated for an independent Baloch state during partition. Five independence wars occurred in 1948, 1958-59, 1962-63, 1973-77, and since 2003.
Rich in resources like gold, copper, oil, gas, coal, and diamonds, Balochistan remains one of Pakistan’s poorest regions. The federal government or private entities control these resources, leaving locals feeling excluded. Underdeveloped with low literacy and limited infrastructure, the province is underrepresented politically (Ahmed et al., The Political Economy of Development, 2017). Baloch leaders claim Punjab dominates Pakistani politics, marginalising their voice.
Locals feel economically exploited, as wealth from their land benefits other provinces, mainly Punjab and Sindh. The government faces accusations of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, military crackdowns, and activist repression, to suppress dissent.
Insurgent groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) demand independence, targeting military, government sites, and Punjabi civilians in their fight against Pakistan.
