CSS Current Affairs | Historical Perspective of the Baluchistan Issue
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Outline
1-Introduction
2-Historical Events that have Led to the Conflicts in Baluchistan
A-The First Wave of Conflict before Pre-Partition
- ✓ Balochistan’s Autonomous Status Under British Rule
- ✓ The Prevalent Tribal Groups and Resistance to Nationalist Movements
- ✓ One Unit Scheme in 1955
B- The Second Phase of Conflict
- ✓ Uprising in the Time of Ayub Khan in 1962-1963
- ✓ The Continued Conflict in the Time of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s Government and Dismissal of Elected Baloch Leaders
- ✓ 1977 Military Coup and Its Impact on Balochis tan
C- The Third Phase of Conflict in the 1990s and the 2000s
- ✓ The Rise of Baloch Nationalist Parties
- ✓ Pervez Musharraf’s Coup (1999) and Escalation of Conflict
D- The Fourth and Present Phase of Conflicts
- ✓ Continued Insurgency and Militancy under the Rule of Asif Ali Zardari
- ✓ China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Renewed Tensions
- ✓ The Gwadar Project
- ✓ Economic Disparities Contributing to the Existing Conflicts in the Province
- ✓ The Spillover Effect of War on Terror on Balochistan Intensifying the Existing Conflicts
- ✓ Geopolitical Factors
3- Other Present Factors Leading to the Uprising of Baluch Insurgencies
- ✓ Exploitation of Baloch Resources
- ✓ Rise of Terrorism and Other Insurgent Groups
- ✓ State-Military Repression
- ✓ Enforced Disappearances in Baluchistan
4-Critical Analysis
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Baluchistan, the troubled heart of Pakistan, is the largest province of Pakistan that has been the home of different tribal groups and ethnicities. The region has been marred with betrayal and contradictions vis-à-vis the Pakistani state. Despite being rich in resources, the conflicts in Baluchistan have hampered its potential to become the most valued region of the world. The conflicts date back to the late 19th century when Balochistan came under the administration of the British Empire. Unfortunately, the conflicts intensified with the emergence of Pakistan, and since then, Pakistan has been struggling to maintain peace in this arid region. Sadly, the continued constant turmoil in Balochistan for more than two decades has impacted infrastructural development and led to a gap between the state and the region for multiple reasons. For instance, advocating for the rights of the Baluchi people, struggling to gain autonomy, demanding due royalty funds, increasing militarization, and many more reasons have fueled the existing grievances; subsequently, this has deteriorated the peace and social fabric of the region. Thus, the present wave of conflict calls for reforms and pragmatic measures to address the situation in the region. This answer sheds light on the historical perspective of the conflicts in Baluchistan along their instances.
Historical Events that have Led to the Conflicts in Baluchistan
Following is the detailed timeline of the conflicts rising in Baluchistan that have played a key role in shaping the current situation of the province.
A- The First Wave of Conflict Before Pre-Partition
The first wave of conflict was before the partition of Pakistan, the time when Baluchistan was not part of the subcontinent. The key events of this period include:
- Balochistan’s Autonomous Status Under British Rule
Tracing back the history, the conflict stretches back to the pre-colonial era when Baluchistan was a highly fragmented society. At that time, Nasir Khan was the famous leader who successfully unified the Baloch tribes. This fragmentation affected economic development and led to conflict with neighboring Pashtuns in northern Baluchistan and Afghanistan. British exploited this weak alliance system through a divide-and-conquer strategy. As a result, this divided Baluchistan into seven regions. Thus, the British annexation of Baluchistan in 1884 marked the beginning of the conflicts in the region.
- The Prevalent Tribal Groups and Resistance to Nationalist Movements
Another issue that gave rise to the conflict is the existence of tribal groups and resistance to nationalist movements. The tribal nature of Baluchistan also prevented a unified nationalist movement from forming at the time of partition; this led to the annexation of the province. In the mid-1940s, some Baloch leaders formed a group based on ethnic identity, rooting for an independent Baluchistan. However, Baloch separatism was the project of only a few tribal chiefs and failed to become a cohesive ideological movement. After the annexation of Baluchistan into Pakistan, the Punjabi domination further led to the alienation of Baloch.
- One Unit Scheme in 1955
The first-ever conflict that led to political instability and resistance against the government’s efforts to consolidate power was from the 1950s till the 1960s. One Unit Scheme came in 1955, a pivotal movement that aimed to merge Pakistan into a single administrative unity. This idea was rejected by the Baloch masses, who were insecure about losing their identity and provincial autonomy. During this period, Nawab Nauroz Khan led the widespread insurgency, highlighting the Baloch resistance movement’s aspirations for self-determination. Thus, the one-unit scheme played a key role in shaping the present situation in the region.
B- The Second Phase of Conflict
The second phase of conflict includes the following key reasons, which play a significant role in shaping the present dynamics of the region.
- Uprising in the Time of Ayub Khan in 1962-1963
It is known as the second wave of insurgence during Ayub Khan’s rule. The central government employed a military approach to deal with the rising insurgencies. There was increasing violence and militarization of Baloch people who protested against the government for injustices and denial of their rights. The rising insurgencies also revolted against the oppressive policies imposed by the state.
- The Continued Conflict in the Time of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s Government and Dismissal of Elected Baloch Leaders
In the time of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the provincial assembly of Baluchistan was dismissed. The political instability led to armed conflicts led by tribal leaders like Ataullah Mengal and Nawab Khair. These leaders resisted the central government; as a result, Bhutto made a decision to launch a military operation that targeted the protesting people. This escalation also inflicted a sense of alienation on the Baloch people, and thus, they continued their struggle for autonomy. During this time, external factors like Soviet and Afghan involvement also supported the insurgency.
- 1977 Military Coup and Its Impact on Balochistan
These conflicts were intensified with the military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq. This insurgency in Baluchistan began to subside due to amnesty offered to tribal leaders. However, the focus was then sifted to the Soviet-Afghan war, diverting attention from Baluchistan. Hence, this external factor exacerbated the conflicts, leaving tensions unresolved and setting the stage for future conflicts.
C-Third Phase of Conflict in the 1990s and the 2000s
It was a critical time in the history of the Baluchistan conflict as there was the rise of Baloch nationalist parties, military conflicts, and other issues that further intensified the conflict in Baluchistan.
- The Rise of Baloch Nationalist Parties
The formation of parties like the Baloch National Party (BNP) and other nationalist parties changed the political landscape of the province. This period is known for political instability as these parties advocated for provincial autonomy, resource allocation, and the protection of Baloch cultural identity. These parties aimed to address the long-standing issues, but unfortunately, they were mistaken for being anti-state parties. Hence, the rise of Baloch Nationalist parties was another key factor in the rising conflicts in the region.
- Pervez Musharraf’s Coup in 1999 and Escalation of Conflict
Another event that led to the escalation of the conflict was Pervez Musharaf’s hard approach to dealing with the uprising groups. He adopted an aggressive stance towards the people of Baluchistan and blamed Sardars for posing a threat to the sovereignty of the state. During his time, the rape of Dr Shazia Khalid and the assassination of prominent leaders like Nawab Akbar Bugti led to extreme conflicts. Musharraf consolidated the masses by releasing statements like, ‘..enmity of not just the Baloch rebels but the wider Baloch population, who may not have believed in taking up arms but were still frustrated with Islamabad for its failure to develop the province’. Thus, there were extreme Baloch protests in the wake of these events, showcasing deep-rooted discontent with the state.
D- The Fourth and Present Phase of Conflicts
The fourth phase encompasses various key events that further led to the uprising of the Baloch masses. Some of the events are mentioned below:
- Continued Insurgency and Militancy under the Rule of Asif Ali Zardari
The wave of conflicts and insurgency continued even after the end of the Musharaf era. Asif Ali Zardari and the political party Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) initiated reconciliation through the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package; this initiative aimed at addressing the grievances of the Baloch people and promoting peace in the region. The military operations continued despite the political efforts that portrayed the fragile and sensitive condition of the province. These attempts to address the insurgencies faced more setbacks and further deteriorated the conditions in Baluchistan. Hence, this continued insurgency and militancy under the rule of Asif Ali Zardari also plays a key role in the rising conflicts.
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Renewed Tensions
CPEC, a new economic infrastructure development project, met a cold welcome in the mother province of the project, Baluchistan. The project promised economic investment and infrastructure development but ended up raising concerns among the Baloch people regarding their resource extraction with no royalty funds given and increased marginalization. A recent report from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) culminated the fears of all Baloch as it argued that at the current rate of influx of Chinese nationals into Balochistan and after the completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the native population of the area will be outnumbered by 2048.’ This highlights the stark reality of the region: there are limited benefits given to the Baloch people. The development of Gwadar port, along with other projects, bypassed the insecurities of the Baluch people. Thus, the new developmental projects and the influx of other ethnicities and migrants also pose a threat to Baluchistan, leading to more conflicts.
- The Gwadar Project
Gwadar is another factor leading to the rising conflicts in Baluchistan. It began in 2002, and since then, it has been subjected to criticism by Balochis for multiple reasons. This project was not welcomed by the people as it was leased to the Chinese for forty years. According to the development report of CPEC, Pakistan will receive fifty per cent of the profit while China will take forty-eight per cent, leaving only two per cent for the province. This shows how the major resource of Baluchistan is exploited by others, leaving no benefits for the people. Moreover, there is also a looming fear that because of the strategic location of the port, both Pakistan and China are attempting to make Gwadar a naval base, which would further militarize the area and become an omnipresent threat to the Baloch. Hence, the Gwadar port is another factor that has played a key role in the present unrest in Baluchistan.
- Economic Disparities Contributing to the Existing Conflicts in the Province
Economic disparities serve as another issue that has contributed to the ongoing regional conflict. Baluchistan is the biggest province of Pakistan and home to different minerals and valuable natural resources. Despite being rich in the province, it remains the least developed area of the state. As no royalty fund is given, limited political participation, economic marginalization, and social alienation have strengthened over time; the Baloch people remain deprived of basic amenities. Hence, economic disparities also play a key role in contributing to the conflicts in the province.
- The Spillover Effect of War on Terror on Balochistan Intensifying the Existing Conflicts
The War on Terror has played a dominant role in the rise of insurgencies in Baluchistan as military operations have increased. This has shifted the focus of the state towards countering terrorism. The increased militancy in the region led to more arrests, enforced disappearances, and surveillance; subsequently, this increased the Baloch grievances over economic marginalization and political exclusion. The heavy-handed tactics used by the State to counter terrorism have blurred the line between insurgents and civilians; this also fuels the ongoing conflicts in the region. Thus, the war on terror has further exacerbated the uprising in Baluchistan.
- Geopolitical Factors
The geopolitical context surrounding Balochistan also plays a role in the insurgencies. Regional tensions, especially with neighbouring countries, and the strategic importance of Balochistan in terms of trade routes and military interests have led to external influences that can exacerbate local conflicts. The involvement of foreign actors in supporting various factions can complicate peace efforts and prolong the insurgency.
Other Present Factors Leading to the Uprising of Baluch Insurgencies
The following are some present factors leading to the uprising of Baluch insurgencies in the region.
- Exploitation of Baloch Resources
The exploitation of Baluch resources also adds grievances among the people as it is the only region that has an abundant number of natural resources, including minerals, gas, and oil. With the CPEC and other development projects, their resources are being exploited as no royalty fund is given to them. This exploitation of resources has marginalized the inhabitants, and little to no allocation of resources is given to them. As a result, there is economic disparity and social alienation. Thus, this has fueled resentment and anger among the Baloch people, who are already deprived of their rich resources and land.
- Rise of Terrorism and Other Insurgent Groups:
The aftermath of the war on terror led to the rise of terrorism and the formation of other insurgent groups in the region. For instance, the repeated attacks on the Chinese in Pakistan by Baloch insurgents since 2004 now accurately signify their extreme discontent with these projects and their future prospects. As per the reports, in August 2018, BLA (Balochistan Liberation Army) carried out a suicide attack, the first-ever by a Baloch Nationalist, on a bus carrying Chinese workers and escorts from the Frontier Corps to warm China to vacate Balochistan and stop plundering its resources. This highlights how terrorism is contributing to the uprising in the region. Thus, the rise of terrorism and other insurgencies in the region has also intensified the conflicts.
- State-Military Repression
The uprising of the Baloch people is also due to unsettling political grievances. The interaction between the Baloch and the state has been violent and militaristic. No efforts have been made by the successive governments to address the issues raised by Balochis. Thus, the violent military and the poor state response have been crucial reasons for sustaining the insurgency.
- Enforced Disappearances in Baluchistan
Enforced disappearances in Baluchistan are another issue leading to the rise of conflicts in the region. It usually stems from state repression, where security forces use enforced disappearances as a tactic to target suspected insurgencies. This has intensified the existing conflicts as different Baloch rights activists like Mahrang Baloch lead protests advocating for the rights of Balochis. Hence, enforced disappearances in Baluchistan also lead to increasing grievances among the people of the region.
Critical Analysis
The present condition of Balochistan has not risen overnight; it is the result of years of grievances the Baluch people hold against the state. The issues have intensified over time, owing to multiple factors that surely landed the state and the region in hot waters. Pakistan, since its inception, has been facing insurgencies and anti-state groups inflicting a wave of terrorism and destabilizing the province. Baluchistan is a gifted land, and by using its resources and utilizing the hidden potential it holds, Pakistan can ultimately reap the benefits it holds. It is high time for the government to address these insurgent groups, take pragmatic measures, and address their long-standing issues. Thus, it is pertinent to take necessary actions and eliminate the differences that lead to marginalization and alienation of Baluchistan, keeping the province intact with the state.
Conclusion
The decades-long conflicts within the state can harm the country’s standing in the world. Baluchistan, home to multiple ethnicities and rich resources, is still struggling with grievances against the state and advocating for the due rights of its people. There are many long-standing issues that have harmed the country’s peace and destabilized the region since independence. These series of historical issues have engulfed the province in terrorism, waves of insurgencies, and widespread protest; as a result, this has further destabilized the province and hampered its growth. Thus, Pakistan should address the issues and take an active part in resolving the conflicts in Baluchistan.
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