Tariq Mahmood Awan
Pakistan, as a federation, must adhere to the principles of federalism to ensure stability and unity among its diverse regions and provinces. Legislative, administrative, and fiscal federalism are essential for maintaining harmony and equality across the provinces. The situation in Balochistan, a province historically marginalized and embroiled in conflict, highlights the need for Pakistan to implement these principles effectively.
Baloch populations must be granted not only their political and social rights but also their long-denied cultural, linguistic, and economic rights. Moreover, they must be allowed the right to elect their own leadership, an essential part of their political autonomy.
The spirit of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan must be honored, with greater devolved powers to the provinces, especially Balochistan. However, it is equally crucial that the state address the threats posed by separatist forces within the federation. A federation must not allow any region or group to disintegrate the federation; the unity of the state is paramount. However, in achieving that unity, it is essential that Pakistan rehabilitates the people of Balochistan, restoring their faith in the federation by building on the structures of federalism. This must be done through equitable distribution of resources, respect for their cultural identity, and protection of their rights.
The rule of law, adherence to the constitution, and strengthening democracy are the best practices to safeguard the interests of the federation. These principles must be central to any strategy that aims to resolve the ongoing conflict in Balochistan. Only by respecting these democratic values and ensuring equal treatment for all citizens, Pakistan can maintain its unity while addressing the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people. There is also a need to decentralize power by raising the provincial police service PPS and strengthening the provincial civil services. How could centralized services PAS and PSP serve the interests of Baloch people? Schedule IV of the constitution of Pakistan provides a federal legislative list. Accordingly, the residuary subjects with legislative and administrative powers must be delegated to the province of Balochistan. Then, the Baloch people must be allowed to elect their genuine governments.
Recent events in Balochistan underscore the urgent need for a solution to the province’s longstanding issues. On Tuesday, a group of separatists, believed to be from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), hijacked the Jaffar Express train as it was traveling from Quetta, the provincial capital, to Peshawar. The attackers, who seek Balochistan’s secession from Pakistan, killed at least 10 passengers, including the train driver, and took over 200 hostages, mostly security personnel. This incident has heightened tensions and demonstrated the growing strength and audacity of separatist groups in the region.
While the Pakistani military and security forces successfully launched a rescue operation, freeing 127 passengers, the attack highlighted the escalating conflict in Balochistan. The BLA, which has carried out numerous attacks in the province over the years, claimed responsibility for the train hijacking. The group has demanded the unconditional release of Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons, and national resistance activists, placing the government under pressure.
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Balochistan, despite being rich in natural resources such as copper and gas, remains Pakistan’s least developed province, with a population of around 15 million. The province’s underdevelopment, coupled with the perception of exploitation by the central government, has fostered resentment among the Baloch people. The BLA and other separatist groups accuse the state of abductions, disappearances, and persecution of those who oppose the government’s policies. Furthermore, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $62 billion infrastructure project that passes through Balochistan, has added another layer of complexity to the conflict. While the project promises economic growth for Pakistan, it has also fueled fears among the Baloch that their land and resources are being exploited without benefiting the local population.
The surge in attacks in Balochistan, including the hijacking of the Jaffar Express, reflects the growing frustration of Baloch separatists and their increased capabilities. Analysts suggest that the BLA’s shift from smaller attacks to more large-scale operations demonstrates both its growing strength and its confidence that the Pakistani state is unable to contain them effectively. The group has enhanced its command structure, and reports indicate that it has gained access to advanced weaponry, possibly including arms left behind by U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
The failure of the state to curb the BLA’s rise is partly due to its reliance on outdated strategies and crackdowns that also target civilians. These multi-pronged operations, aimed at suppressing separatist activity, have only deepened the divide between the Baloch people and the central government. A lack of familiarity with the region’s terrain, combined with intelligence failures, has given insurgent groups a significant advantage. The disconnect between the state and Baloch citizens has led to the alienation of the local population, further strengthening the insurgency.
The worsening security situation in Balochistan is also a consequence of the political instability within the province. Over the past decade, Balochistan has seen six different chief ministers, excluding caretaker setups. This instability has eroded democratic processes and undermined the role of parliamentary politics in the region. The political engineering in the province has only deepened the sense of injustice among the Baloch people, making them more receptive to the separatist cause. The lack of a stable, representative government in Balochistan has allowed insurgent groups to gain influence, particularly among the youth, who see the separatist movement as a means of addressing their grievances.
For the government of Pakistan, the task of bringing stability to Balochistan requires more than just military action. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including the demands for political autonomy, economic justice, and respect for cultural rights. The state must work to rehabilitate the Baloch people within the framework of federalism, ensuring that they have the opportunity to elect their own leadership and participate in the governance of their province. Only through genuine political inclusion can the government begin to rebuild trust and move toward a lasting peace.
The government must also implement the spirit of the 18th Amendment, which was designed to devolve power to the provinces and give them more control over their resources. Balochistan, in particular, must be given the autonomy it deserves, not just in terms of governance but also in the distribution of its vast natural resources. This will require a shift in the central government’s approach, moving away from a top-down model of governance to one that is more inclusive and respectful of the rights of all provinces.
Hence, the ongoing conflict in Balochistan is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Pakistan’s federation. While the state must ensure that no part of the country breaks away, it must also respect the rights and aspirations of the Baloch people. A true federation, based on the principles of federalism, rule of law, and democracy, is essential for ensuring the long-term stability and unity of Pakistan. By addressing the grievances of Balochistan and rehabilitating its people within the framework of federalism, Pakistan can pave the way for a more inclusive and peaceful future. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with a commitment to justice, federalism, and democracy, a solution to the Balochistan crisis is within reach. Lastly, the balochistan must be given all rights under federalism; however, at the same time, it is the responsibility of the state to take on all sepratists.
