Time for Pakistan to introspect – Firstpost

The recent hijacking of a train (Jaffar Express) in Balochistan once again underscores the deep-seated issues plaguing the region. Instead of addressing its internal governance failures, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has predictably resorted to blaming India without any proof—a recurring pattern that reflects the state’s inability to resolve the Balochistan crisis, which has persisted ever since 1947.

Historical Context of the Baloch Struggle

The Baloch resistance dates back to the forced annexation of the independent State of Kalat into Pakistan in 1948. Since then, Balochistan has remained one of the most unstable and restive regions, with its people continuously resisting Pakistani rule. From Kalat to Quetta, from Gwadar to Bolan, the core issues remain unresolved.

Successive Pakistani governments, backed by the military establishment and intelligence agencies, have relied on brute force rather than addressing legitimate Baloch grievances. Prominent Baloch leaders such as Allah Nazar Baloch and Nawab Akbar Bugti have either been assassinated or imprisoned. This iron-fisted approach has only fuelled further discontent and insurgency.

The Role of CPEC in Balochistan’s Crisis

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), instead of bringing prosperity, has worsened the situation in Balochistan. The project, controlled by the Punjabi-dominated military and elite, has led to the marginalisation of local Baloch communities. Their resources are exploited, yet they remain deprived of basic rights, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.

The Gwadar Port—once projected as a game-changer—has become a failure, with even pigeons using Gwadar Airport for breeding due to its inactivity. The Chinese influence in Balochistan has only deepened resentment, as the majority of job opportunities under CPEC have been given to Punjabis, sidelining the local population.

Punjabi Domination and the Imminent Disintegration of Pakistan

One of the major factors behind Pakistan’s instability is the overwhelming dominance of Punjab in political, military, and economic affairs. This hegemony played a crucial role in the secession of East Pakistan in 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Today, a similar pattern can be seen in Balochistan and Sindh, where resentment against the central government is at an all-time high.

The Pakistani military and ISI deliberately maintain instability in Balochistan to justify increased defence budgets. Rather than addressing core issues, they manipulate the situation to sustain their dominance.

The Punjabi-controlled establishment has also systematically weakened other political entities:

• Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has been fractured into multiple factions, such as MQM-Haqiqi, MQM-90, and Mustafa Kamal’s Pak Sarzameen Party, diluting its influence.

• The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), once a dominant force, has been pushed to the sidelines.

• Political killings—whether through assassinations or judicial means—have become commonplace, as seen in the execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the assassination of Nawab Akbar Bugti.

Shia Killings: A Pakistani Problem, Not a Baloch Issue

The targeted killings of Shia Muslims in Pakistan are a nationwide problem, not limited to Balochistan. However, Balochistan plays a crucial role due to the Taftan border, which serves as the primary route for Shia pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq for religious rituals.

Shia pilgrims are frequently attacked along this route, yet the Pakistani state does little to protect them. This reflects the broader sectarian violence that Pakistan has failed to control. Balochistan is not the problem—Pakistan is the problem, just as in Kashmir, where Pakistan, not India, fuels instability.

Pakistan’s Moral and Governance Crisis

Pakistan’s failure to protect its own citizens, even during the holy month of Ramadan, exposes the irony of a country founded in the name of Islam but struggling with its own moral and governance crisis. The deteriorating law-and-order situation, continued suppression of ethnic minorities, and unchecked military rule suggest that Pakistan is moving toward further fragmentation.

Instead of falsely blaming external forces like India for its failures, Pakistan must confront its internal problems. If history is any indication, continued oppression in Balochistan and Sindh may eventually lead to Pakistan’s disintegration, leaving it confined to Punjab alone—a fate eerily similar to 1971.

The author is National Working President of All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.