Following the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, the province’s increasingly volatile security situation has once again come under intense scrutiny within Pakistan’s parliament. While both the Senate and National Assembly have unanimously condemned the brutal acts of terrorism, there has been a notable divide on how to address the root causes of this violence. Opposition lawmakers have stressed the need for a broader debate on the underlying factors contributing to Balochistan’s instability. They argue that terrorism is not just a product of foreign interference or extremist ideology but is also deeply tied to socioeconomic inequalities and the sense of injustice felt by local communities. In contrast, members of the ruling party have dismissed these concerns, maintaining that the issue is purely one of terrorism and that socioeconomic factors are being used to fuel a separatist narrative.
For example, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif strongly rejected the idea that disparities in socioeconomic development were contributing to the insurgency, accusing groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) of exploiting such narratives. He pointed to the growth in infrastructure, particularly in health and education facilities, since Pakistan’s independence, arguing that Balochistan had seen significant development. Prime Ministerial adviser Rana Sanaullah echoed similar sentiments in the Senate, asserting that the people of Balochistan were not angry and that there were no significant issues of rights violations in the province. However, opposition leader Mehmood Achakzai, himself a Baloch, disagreed with this view, emphasizing the longstanding “unjust distribution of resources” and its role in exacerbating the province’s sense of deprivation—factors which he believes are fueling terrorism and separatism.
While it is undeniable that terrorism in Balochistan is a horrific and unjustifiable act, the state must take a hard look at the underlying causes of the unrest. It is clear that terrorist groups are responsible for the violence, but it is also widely acknowledged that foreign actors are seeking to destabilize the province, adding a complex layer to the issue. While counter-terrorism operations are essential for security, these measures cannot be the only solution. The root causes of the violence, especially the socioeconomic disparity, must also be addressed if any lasting peace is to be achieved.
Balochistan is a province rich in natural and mineral resources, yet its socioeconomic indicators are among the lowest in Pakistan, and in some cases, the world. Despite its wealth, the province has some of the worst health and education statistics, with a significant portion of its population living in poverty and deprivation. According to a 2024 World Bank report, Balochistan’s human capital indicators are “amongst the lowest in the world.” Nearly half of children under the age of five in the province are stunted due to malnutrition, and 58% of children do not attend school. These are not just statistics; they represent the lived reality of millions of people in Balochistan, who feel that the wealth of their land has not translated into tangible benefits for them. While government officials may dismiss these observations as propaganda pushed by local activists and politicians, it is difficult to ignore the findings of international organizations like the World Bank.
The state’s efforts to eliminate terrorism are crucial, but these security measures alone will not solve Balochistan’s larger issues. Acknowledging the province’s grim socioeconomic realities is essential for a comprehensive strategy. Addressing these deep-rooted issues will not yield immediate results, but it is essential for long-term peace and stability in the region. The government must adopt a holistic approach to the problem, one that does not just focus on military action but also on economic development, education, healthcare, and greater inclusion for the people of Balochistan.
In this context, the provincial chief minister’s recent proposal to round up family members of suspected terrorists, a practice reminiscent of colonial-era collective punishment, is deeply troubling. Such an approach is unlikely to address the underlying issues of deprivation and resentment. Instead, it risks exacerbating the sense of injustice and alienation felt by local communities, potentially creating more recruits for terrorist groups rather than diminishing their influence. It is crucial that Pakistan’s response to Balochistan’s crisis is measured, compassionate, and focused on long-term solutions that go beyond the immediate security concerns. Only by addressing the root causes of the violence will Balochistan have a chance to experience true peace and prosperity.
Shafaqna Pakistan
pakistan.shafaqna.com
Note: Shafaqna do not endorse the views expressed in the article
