Terrorism in Pakistan’s troubled province of Balochistan continues to escalate. Recently, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for killing 130 Pakistani soldiers in the region. The frequent targeting of Punjabis and the daily attacks in Balochistan are deeply rooted in the history of Pakistan.
Balochistan was declared an independent country just four days before India gained independence from British rule and Pakistan was established in 1947. Ironically, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who later became Pakistan’s founder, was the lawyer who represented Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, the ruler of Balochistan, also known as the Khan of Kalat, before the British. However, Balochistan’s independence was short-lived, lasting only 227 days.
Today, Balochistan is in turmoil. The province made global headlines when several people were killed in separate terror attacks as Baloch militants targeted Pakistani Punjabis in what appears to be an ethnic insurgency. In response, Pakistani officials reported that security forces had killed at least 21 Baloch militants after the government vowed to avenge the civilian deaths.
These terrorist attacks followed a month of escalating political unrest in Balochistan. Since July 27, the province has been on edge due to ongoing clashes between the Baloch Yakjehti Samiti (BYC) and Pakistan government-led protesters. Despite the government’s heavy-handed crackdown, protest marches, rallies, demonstrations, and sit-ins continue unabated.
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province, covering about 44% of the country’s geographical area. Rich in natural resources like oil, gold, copper, and other minerals, Balochistan has attracted significant interest from China. Despite being a primary source of revenue for Pakistan, the province remains the least developed. The Baloch people have long demanded independence from Pakistan, claiming they have been subjected to systematic discrimination.
The Baloch people have a distinct culture that sets them apart from the rest of Pakistan and aligns them more closely with the people of Iran’s Sistan province. During British rule in India, the region was divided between Iran and what is now Pakistan.
The modern history of Balochistan began in 1876 with a treaty between the Principality of Kalat, part of the province, and the British Government of India. This treaty granted internal autonomy to Kalat, similar to the agreements the British had with Bhutan and Sikkim. When the Indian subcontinent gained independence in 1947, Balochistan consisted of four princely states: Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makran.