The Issue of Baluchistan: Upholding Justice, Human Rights and Dialogue

By Momina Khalid

Baluchistan is the largest province of Pakistan, rich in natural resources. Since its integration into Pakistan in 1948, this province has faced several issues such as insurgents’ attacks, human rights violations, and marginalization. The Baloch people believe that their rights and resources are being exploited in several ways by the mainstream authorities. This has created hate among the local population, who feel excluded from national progress and representation.

Despite having significant natural resources, including gas, coal, and minerals, it remains one of the most underdeveloped regions in Pakistan. There is a lack of access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The provincial economy relies heavily on these natural resources, but the benefits of these resources have not been shared equitably with the Baloch people. The living conditions of the locals highlights a severe case of economic injustice that must be addressed.

Baluchistan has historically been marginalized in Pakistan’s political landscape. The federal government has been accused of interfering in the province’s right to make their own decisions and failing to implement effective policies that promote local development. The voices of Baloch representatives are often ignored. The sense of political exclusion has fueled frustration. The Baloch people have long demanded self-governance, but their demands have always been pushed back by the central government. This continuous rejection has triggered unrest in the region. Rather than responding with understanding, the state often sees these demands with security perspective. A democratic society must listen to all its people, not silence them through force or neglect. More importantly, Human rights violation is considered another vital issue of Baluchistan; where locals have constant reservations regarding it.

While the government argues that certain actions are essential for maintaining law and order, they have only created a sense of mistrust between the Baloch people and the state. Enforced disappearances and state violence have become common in Baluchistan. This breakdown of trust between the people and the state is dangerous for the country’s unity and future. A government must ensure security through various forms of justice. It should engage the youth in various welfare programs.  

From time to time, the Baloch continue to protest and raise their voices. For instance, it has been almost 12 days since Baloch women and children began protesting outside the Press Club in Islamabad, demanding the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and meeting other demands of the same nature. they are yet to be approached by the stakeholders in this regard. They face several serious issues, while exercising their peaceful right of protest. In this regard, the authorities need to engage them in fruitful talks and find a way forward to their rightful demands.

In my opinion, the matter of Baluchistan is a national concern that requires urgent and sincere attention. Ignoring the issue or handling it with force will only deepen the divide between the province and the rest of the country. If Pakistan wishes to progress as an ideal federal and democratic state, it must address the legitimate concerns of the Baloch people and treat them with the dignity they deserve. For a meaningful solution, there must be a shift from confrontation to dialogue. Engaging in honest conversations is the first step toward reconciliation. Authorities should engage with Baloch leadership, address their concerns, and ensure the implementation of policies. A true genuine democracy is one true choice of the people, should be formed, allowing Baloch voices to shape their future. The constitution of Pakistan should be followed which urges that, the province’s resources should be fairly distributed, ensuring that its wealth benefits the Baloch people. Economic empowerment is vital to restoring stability. The state must uphold justice and human rights in Baluchistan by providing them with the opportunities for education, healthcare, and employment.  Baluchistan’s problems cannot be solved through force only or neglect, they demand a commitment to justice and honest dialogue. A peaceful and prosperous Pakistan is only possible when every province, including Baluchistan, is treated with respect, inclusion, and fairness.

The writer is the student of Communication and Media Studies at Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi, Pakistan.