Balochistan is a resource-rich area which enjoys a long coastline that borders the Arabian Sea and an array of natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, coal, zinc, copper, lead, and many more. The region’s geostrategic significance has drawn international focus on it, making it a focal point of global conflict. The abundance of resources has, however, made the smallest contribution to the economic growth of the Baloch region. The insurgent groups backed by foreign actors in Balochistan pose a serious threat to the prosperity of Balochistan
Baloch nationalist insurgent groups, known as religiously prompted regional and global extremist groups like the Pakistani Taliban and ISIS associates, as well as violent Sunni and Shia religious extremists have all been involved in terrorist violence in Balochistan. Along the province’s border with Iran, a few religious-nationalist organizations, mostly Iranian Jundullah, and their successor Jaishul Adl has been prominently operating. The insurgent and sectarian organizations with religious motivations primarily pursue religious political aims, which occasionally intersect with the nationalist objectives of the Baloch rebel groups.
Since 2013, in particular, the frequency of terrorist activities in Balochistan has gradually decreased. The major cause is the constant counterterrorism effort that is being conducted nationwide, including in Balochistan, which has led to the decline of various types of terrorist groups. The deployment of a massive security infrastructure in the province, especially to safeguard China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related facilities, most notably the Gwadar Port, has also seriously hindered insurgents’ ability to conduct operations.
Gulzar Imam Alias Shambay , a hard-core terrorist and founder of Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA), was most recently detained by Pakistani security forces after an intelligence-based operation. Gulzar Imam, a well-known figure in the Baloch separatist movement, carried out several terrorist acts in Balochistan and other regions of Pakistan. The capture of Imam is a big victory for the Pakistan Army along with other law enforcement organizations, who have been putting up a great effort to fend off the menace of insurgency and terrorist activity in the country as a whole. Especially in Balochistan, where separatist organizations have been waging attacks on security personnel, government facilities, and civilians for many years, the Baloch separatist movement remains a significant issue for Pakistan. The arrest of Imam is a major setback for the Baloch separatist movement, which has long been attempting to undermine the government’s efforts to maintain peace in Balochistan. Gulzar Imam was behind several terrorist attacks across the country, notably on security forces and chekpoints. To increase security in Balochistan and other regions of the nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan have been operating diligently. The army has been interacting with the local populations and responding to their problems, which has assisted in lowering sympathy for the separatist groups. The army has also been offering the local population employment possibilities and social services, which has assisted in reducing the rate of unemployment and poverty.
Insurgents in Baloch have received funding and weaponry from foreign organizations that assist them to fight against the government and Armed Forces of Pakistan. India, a close ally of Pakistan, has made significant investments in Balochistan intending to use the region’s territory against Pakistan. Indian authorities have many times admitted that they are continuously involved in anti-state activities in Balochistan to isolate Pakistan. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in his speech once threatens Pakistan by saying that ‘If you attack Mumbai, you may lose Balochistan. The statement from the Indian security advisor clearly showed their intention and provide proof of their involvement in Balochistan. However, the Armed Forces along with law enforcement of Pakistan bodies persisted in their attempts to neutralize this danger and restore peace and stability to the country. The rise of terrorism and insurgency in the Balochistan region has long been a problem, and they are mostly supported by the Indian government and its intelligence department.
Authorities in Pakistan have been attempting to clear up miscommunications that have arisen between the Balochi people and the remaining population of Pakistan. It is important to build an understanding that Pakistani authorities are not hostile towards Baloch sub-nationalists or other groups of insurgents in its territory. Pakistan being a democratic state has practiced democratic values where everyone’s rights, including the freedom to disagree and demonstrate peacefully, are guaranteed by the constitution. The administration has been attempting to use dialogue and peaceful measures to resolve the problems of the dissidents of Balochistan.
Pakistan has always shown maternal concern and affection to the people of Balochistan. To raise the standard of living of the residents in the province, the government has been offering them economic possibilities and social services. One such project where the government is substantially investing in the development of Balochistan’s infrastructure is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is improving the region’s economy overall and generating jobs. To boost confidence among the public, the government has been interacting with the Balochi people and responding to their grievances. To offer security and ease their worries, the Pakistan Army has also been closely collaborating with the locals.
For the country’s growth and prosperity, Balochistan’s peace is all that matters. The province is an important regional center for international trade and commerce due to its strategic position and wealth of natural resources. The game-changing CPEC program has the potential to turn the region into an economic epicenter. The brave and loyal Baloch people have always made significant contributions to Pakistan’s development and prosperity. Where Balochistan has a rich cultural history, Baloch people have always contributed significantly to the growth of the nation as a whole. However, some misguided members of the Baloch separatist movement have turned the province into terrorism and bloodshed to pursue their objectives. These people need to change their perspective to reflect reality and realize that using violence and terrorism to solve problems will not work. It’s critical to resolve their complaints calmly through communication. To address their problems, offer them job possibilities and social assistance, and prevent foreign backing for the separatist movement, Pakistani authorities must continue their attempts to interact with local people. The capture of Gulzar Imam made it clear that Pakistani forces are clearly aware of all the illegal activities across the country and they will never compromise on country’s security situation.
Balochistan: A Land of Peace
