GROUP PROJECT: PAKISTAN STUDIES

GROUP NO: 5

MEMBERS:
 LAIBA NASEEM
 JAVERIA BAIG

 SOHAIB

BS-IR-1A

PAKISTAN STUDIES
 UNRAVELING THE BALOCHISTAN
CONUNDRUM; EXPLORING ISSUES AND
EMBRACING OPPURTUNITIES

The enigmatic world of Balochistan, a land caught in a web of complexities, challenges, and
hidden potentials. Nestled in the rugged terrain of southwestern Pakistan, Balochistan presents a
unique conundrum that demands closer examination. This vast province, rich in cultural heritage
and abundant natural resources, finds itself grappling with a myriad of issues that have shaped its
socio-political landscape.

Bordering Afghanistan, Iran, and the Arabian Sea, Balochistan covers a large land area but has a
small population. Despite being rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, copper, and gold,
Balochistan remains one of the poorest regions in Pakistan. Many people in the province live in
poor housing conditions without access to basic amenities like electricity and clean water.

Balochistan is a region that holds great cultural and historical significance. Its strategic location,
bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has contributed to its complex history and interactions with
neighboring countries. The region has witnessed periods of conflicts, striving for autonomy, and
struggles for resource control. Despite challenges, the Baloch people have preserved their
distinct cultural heritage and continue to forge ahead with resilience and pride.

The Baloch people's deep-rooted sense of identity, their artistic expressions, and their warm
hospitality contribute to the rich tapestry of Balochistan's cultural fabric. As the region continues
to evolve, it remains an essential part of the cultural mosaic of South Asia.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF BALOCHISTAN

Before the partition of India and Pakistan, Balochistan consisted of four princely states under
British rule: Kalat, Lasbela, Kharan, and Makran. Discussions took place between Muhammad
Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League and later the first Governor-General of Pakistan,
and the Khan of Kalat, the ruler of Kalat state, regarding the future relationship between Kalat
and Pakistan. Initially, Jinnah recognized Kalat as an independent sovereign state with a
different status from other Indian states. However, Jinnah later changed his stance and wanted
Kalat to accede to Pakistan in a similar manner as other princely states.

Negotiations between Kalat and Pakistan took place, but the Khan of Kalat was reluctant to
abandon the notion of independence and sought satisfactory agreements on leased areas
before signing any treaty or instrument of accession. Meanwhile, two feudatory states of Kalat,
Lasbela and Kharan, acceded to Pakistan, which the Khan of Kalat objected to, considering it a
violation of Kalat's Standstill Agreement with Pakistan.

In March 1948, the Pakistan Army moved into the Baloch coastal region, followed by the march
on Kalat. Under pressure, the Khan of Kalat agreed to merge his state with Pakistan. However,
the Balochistan Assembly had previously rejected the idea of forfeiting Balochistan's
independence. The annexation of Kalat by Pakistan was met with resistance, and Balochistan
has experienced multiple insurgencies since then.

Human rights organizations, such as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Amnesty
International, have documented cases of human rights abuses in Balochistan, including
arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture, extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and excessive use of
force by Pakistani security forces. Baloch nationalist leaders, such as Sardar Akhter Mengal,
have been targeted and arrested on false charges.

The Crisis Phase of Balochistan spans from August 12, 1947, to May 17, 1973. It began with the
declaration of Balochistan's independence by Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, the Khan of Kalat, on
August 12, 1947. The Balochistan parliament rejected merging with West Pakistan multiple
times between December 1947 and February 1948. However, on March 27, 1948, the Khan of
Kalat agreed to the accession of Balochistan into West Pakistan. Subsequently, government
troops entered Balochistan on April 15, 1948.

Tensions escalated when government troops attacked the residence of the Khan of Kalat in the
city of Kalat on October 6, 1958, leading to the arrest of the Khan and several hundred Balochi
political leaders. The following day, martial law was declared by the government. In October
1958, Nawab Nauroz Khan (Mir Naroze Khan) initiated a rebellion against the government.
From 1963 to 1969, Balochi tribesmen led by Sher Mohammad Marri rebelled against the
government in the tribal areas of Mengal, Marri, and Bukti. In 1967, the Baloch Students
Organization (BSO) was established in support of Balochi independence. Clashes between
government troops and Balochi rebels occurred in 1967 and 1968, with the rebels being largely
suppressed in 1969.

Elections took place in 1970 and 1971, with the National Awami Party (NAP) winning eight out
of 20 seats in the Balochistan Legislative Assembly. On July 1, 1971, the government announced
the formation of the province of Balochistan. In April 1972, Prime Minister Zulfikar Bhutto
appointed Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo of the NAP as the governor of Balochistan.

The conflict phase of the crisis began on May 18, 1973, and continued until July 31, 1977.
Approximately 55,000 Balochi rebels and 80,000 government troops were involved in military
hostilities. The clashes resulted in several incidents of violence, including the killing of
government policemen, clashes near Gumbaz, and the arrest of NAP leaders. A ceasefire and
amnesty for the rebels were declared by Prime Minister Bhutto on May 15, 1974.

During this phase, Iran provided military assistance to the government, and government troops
launched a military offensive against the rebels. The conflict resulted in the deaths of
approximately 5,300 rebels and 3,300 government soldiers. Martial law was lifted on December
30, 1985, marking the end of the post-conflict phase.

The crisis in Balochistan continued with sporadic incidents from June 1, 2000, until the present.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) emerged as a prominent insurgent group. Multiple
bombings and attacks were carried out by the BLA against government forces and installations
in Quetta and other areas. Government troops launched military offensives, and clashes
between rebels and government forces resulted in casualties on both sides. The crisis has led to
the death of around 1,000 individuals and the displacement of approximately 150,000 people.

The situation in Balochistan remains complex and continues to be a significant challenge for the
governments of Pakistan and the province. Efforts towards reconciliation, dialogue, and
addressing the grievances of the Balochi people are crucial for achieving a lasting resolution to
the ongoing crisis.

ISSUES IN BALOCHISTAN

This land of contrasts, Balochistan, blessed with abundant natural resources and rich cultural
heritage, is plagued by a web of issues that have shaped its tumultuous journey. From
separatist movements to economic marginalization, political unrest to a lack of representation,
Balochistan finds itself at a critical juncture, yearning for solutions to unravel its complex
conundrum.

To this day Balochistan has not recovered from the devastating effects of decades of political
unrest, which have led to some formidable challenges for the region. Balochistan has been
facing many long-standing issues which will be discussed below:

SEPARATIST MOVEMENTS:

Balochistan has dealt with a lot of separatist movements led by nationalist leaders demanding
separation of Balochistan from Pakistan, and in less extreme cases demanding greater
provincial autonomy for the province . This has led to an increase in insurgencies and conflicts
in Balochistan against the state. These conflicts have caused a long-standing political unrest in
the province and the creation of separatist militant groups like Balochistan liberation Army and
Balochistan Liberation Front has led to terrorism in the region.
For example, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist group that has claimed
responsibility for several attacks, including a suicide bombing at the Chinese consulate in
Karachi in 2018 and an assault on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi in 2020.

The conflicts in Balochistan have not seen a comprehensive political settlement, prolonging the
grievances and tensions. A lack of dialogue, trust-building measures, and inclusive governance
mechanisms hampers the resolution of political issues.

LACK OF POLITICAL REPRESENTATION:

The political representation of people of Balochistan does not adequately reflect the province's
demographics and the aspirations of the Baloch population. There have been claims that they are
often left out in political decision-making processes. Baloch nationalist parties, which advocate
for greater provincial autonomy and representation, have argued that they face challenges in
mainstream politics and have limited representation in the national and provincial assemblies.
The electoral process in Balochistan is also damaged by irregularities, including allegations of
voter disenfranchisement and manipulation.

For example, while education remains one of the main development challenges in Balochistan,
its share in Public Sector Development Programme has declined from 23% in 2014-15 to 14%
in 2018-19.

RESOURCE MISMANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC DISPARITY:

Balochistan has a historical association with gold and colonialism. The British colonial
administration recognized the mineral wealth of Balochistan, including gold deposits, and
established mining operations for their economic gain. However, the local population benefited
minimally from these activities, and the legacy of resource exploitation persists, contributing to
the socio-economic and political challenges faced by Balochistan today.

Similarly now too, the land of Balochistan is rich in natural resources such as minerals, gas and
oil. But the province has not benefitted much from the use of these resources by the state. There
have been issues with gas royalties being paid to Baloch people, which they consider to be
inadequate and unfulfilling for the needs of Baloch people.

In comparison to other Pakistani provinces, Balochistan's industrial growth has not been
particularly substantial. Economic growth and employment opportunities are hindered by the
lack of industries and industrial facilities. Critics argue that the lack of political representation
and influence, and economic inequality has contributed to inadequate attention and resource
allocation for development projects in the region This economic marginalization is often linked
to the lack of political representation and influence of the province in decision-making
processes.

EXTERNAL ACTORS:

The involvement of external actors in aggravating the conflicts in Balochistan is a subject of

speculation and debate. While concrete evidence is challenging to obtain, allegations and claims
have been made regarding the role of neighboring countries, such as Afghanistan and India, in
supporting Baloch nationalist groups. Pakistan has accused these external actors of providing
shelter, training, and financial assistance to destabilize Balochistan and consequently create
unrest within the country. Additionally, Balochistan's strategic location, rich natural resources,
and the potential for regional connectivity have attracted the attention of various regional and
international players with their own strategic interests. Some argue that these external actors
engage in proxy warfare by supporting different Baloch nationalist groups to further their
agendas. Balochistan shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, which poses challenges in terms
of border security and the movement of armed groups. The porous borders and cross-border
activities can be exploited by external actors to influence the situation in Balochistan.

INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES:
Balochistan is faced with a number of infrastructure issues, including insufficient road networks,
electricity supplies, and communication networks. Trade, investment, and economic growth in
the province are hindered by these infrastructural problems.

SECURITY CONCERNS:

Balochistan continues to be plagued by security problems, like terrorist attacks, sectarian

violence, and violent clashes between militant groups and security forces. These security issues
influence Pakistan's general stability as well as the growth of the province.

There have been reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch activists,
intellectuals, and suspected militants by security forces. These incidents have raised concerns
about human rights violations and have further fueled tensions between the state and the Baloch
nationalist groups.

POVERTY:

More than 60% of people in Balochistan live below the poverty line, contributing to the state's
high poverty rate. The lack of employment opportunities especially for people living in rural
regions, contributes to the poverty cycle. The unemployment issue is made worse by insufficient
facilities, industrial growth, and economic opportunities.

ILLITERACY:
Balochistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in Pakistan, notably for women and girls. The
illiteracy rate in Balochistan is high according to THE NATION the literacy rate in Balochistan
is less than *43.58%. The high illiteracy rates in Balochistan are due to a number of factors,
including poverty, lack of infrastructure, lack of access to education, and cultural norms that
discourage girls from attending school.

Illiteracy rates in each province

HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE:

Balochistan has issues with its healthcare system and with availability of high-quality medical
treatment. Basic healthcare resources including hospitals, clinics, and licenced healthcare
professionals are lacking in many places. As a result, healthcare is not adequately covered,
especially in rural and remote regions.

WATER SCARCITY:

Balochistan is a dry area with problems regarding water scarcity . Agriculture, a crucial industry
for lives in the region, is impacted by improper water management, poor irrigation systems, and
depleting reservoirs of water. Additionally, daily living, hygiene, and sanitation conditions are
impacted by water scarcity.

TRIBAL AND ETHNIC DISPUTES:

Balochistan is a diverse province with various ethnic and tribal groups. Violence and social
unrest have frequently been started from the tensions and disputes between different
communities, which are frequently caused by historical and cultural differences. Social
cohesiveness and peace is hampered by these disputes.

OPPERTUNITIES AND SOLUTIONS

OPPURTUNITIES:

Balochistan, offers several prospects and possible solutions to its economic, political, social, and
environmental concerns.

Natural Resources:

Balochistan is abundant in natural resources, including coal, copper, gold, and natural gas. The
province has the potential to enhance its mining sector and attract exploration and extraction
investments.Balochistan's coastal areas provide prospects for fisheries and aquaculture sectors,
which can contribute to the province's economic growth and job creation. Balochistan is well-
known for its massive mineral endowments. It is rich in coal, copper, gold, chromite, limestone,
and other minerals. The mining sector in the province has huge development and investment
potential. Expansion of exploration and extraction operations may produce cash while also
creating job possibilities for the local populace.

 Coal

 Copper and Gold:

 communities.

 Natural Gas.

 Coastal Areas.

 Aquaculture:

 Marine Tourism:

GWADAR PORT:
Balochistan and the Gwadar Port are closely intertwined due to the port's location in the
province. Gwadar Port is a deep-sea port situated on the southwestern coast of Balochistan,
Pakistan. It holds strategic significance as it provides a gateway for maritime trade and has the
potential to become a key hub in the region.

The development of Gwadar Port has been a focal point for both the provincial and federal
governments in Pakistan. It is seen as a crucial component of the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China's Belt and Road Initiative. The port's
construction and subsequent operation have involved substantial Chinese investment and
expertise.

The Gwadar Port aims to enhance regional connectivity, boost economic development, and
facilitate trade activities, particularly between China and the Arabian Sea. It offers an alternative
route for China's trade, reducing dependence on the Strait of Malacca. Additionally, Gwadar Port
has the potential to serve as an energy transit hub, facilitating the transportation of oil and gas
from the Middle East to China.

TRUST BUILDING AND POLITICAL DIALOGUE:

Trust building and dialogue are essential components for addressing the complex issues in
Balochistan. It involves creating an inclusive environment where all stakeholders feel heard and
valued, fostering open and honest communication to understand different perspectives and find
common ground. Through inclusivity, confidence-building measures, mediation, transparency,
accountability, and reconciliation, trust can be fostered, paving the way for constructive dialogue
and collaborative efforts to address grievances, promote sustainable development, and ultimately
achieve lasting peace in Balochistan.

TOURISM

Balochistan has stunning natural features, including a picturesque coastline, deserts, mountains,
and historical monuments. Tourism promotion may attract both local and foreign visitors,
resulting in economic growth and employment creation.
MODERN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

Balochistan has a large agricultural potential due to its fertile soil and suitable weather
conditions. Investment in modern agricultural practices, irrigation infrastructure, and agro-
processing industries can boost productivity and improve rural communities' livelihoods. • The
province also has a large livestock population, and the development of the livestock sector can
contribute to economic growth and export opportunities.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION:

Balochistan has enormous potential for renewable energy generation, notably solar and wind
energy. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure may meet the province's energy demands
while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

FOCUS ON EDUCATION:

Focusing on education, vocational training, and skill development may empower the young of
Balochistan and increase their employability. This can lead to increased productivity,
entrepreneurship, and economic prosperity.

INFRASTRUCTURE:

Investing in infrastructure, such as road networks, motorways, trains, and airports, may increase
connectivity within the province while also facilitating trade and investment possibilities.

INCLUSION:

Promoting the inclusion, empowerment, and involvement of underprivileged populations,

especially the Baloch community, helps create social cohesion, minimize disputes, and guarantee
a more fair allocation of resources and opportunities.

These are only a handful of the options available in Balochistan. Leveraging these potentials and
adopting suitable policies and methods can assist in addressing the province's economic,
political, social, and environmental concerns.

SOLUTIONS:
Here are some of the challenges Balochistan faces and potential solutions for each:

1. Lack of effective governance and institutional capacity: This issue may be addressed by
strengthening governance institutions, increasing transparency, and fostering
accountability. This involves investing in government officials' training and capacity
building, encouraging citizen involvement, and enhancing public service delivery.

2. Security: Insurgency and unrest require a comprehensive response that combines

security measures with socioeconomic development. correcting complaints, creating
discourse, and correcting economic imbalances are all part of this. Long-term peace and
stability need the development of trust and inclusion among all parties.

3. Inadequate transportation networks: Investing in infrastructure development, such as

road networks, highways, trains, and airports, may increase provincial connection and
assist commerce and economic growth. Infrastructure projects may be funded through
public-private partnerships and recruiting investments.

4. Unequal distribution of resources: Transparent resource allocation systems and inclusive

policies that emphasize the needs of vulnerable populations help ensure a fair and
equitable distribution of resources. This can aid in the resolution of disputes and the
promotion of social peace.

5. Low literacy rates and restricted access to quality education: It is critical to increase
access to education, particularly in distant and marginalized regions, and to improve
educational quality. This may be accomplished through constructing additional schools,
educating instructors, and adopting initiatives to boost enrolment and decrease dropout
rates.

6. Poverty and Unemployment: High poverty rates and a scarcity of work opportunities:
Encouraging entrepreneurship and encouraging investment in vital industries such as
agriculture, mining, tourism, and renewable energy can help create jobs. Individuals can
 also be empowered to create their own enterprises through skill development
programs, vocational training, and microfinance efforts.

7. Water Scarcity:

Water shortage and insufficient water management may be addressed by implementing

effective water management methods such as rainwater gathering, irrigation system
modifications, and water conservation awareness programs. Investing in water
infrastructure and increasing access to safe drinking water is critical for community well-
being.

8. Environmental Conservation:
Natural ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss: Promoting sustainable
development techniques, safeguarding environmentally vulnerable regions, and
enforcing environmental rules may all assist to maintain the distinct ecosystems of
Balochistan. This includes supporting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture
methods, and the establishment of wildlife conservation zones.

CONCLUSION
In the intricate tapestry of Balochistan, we have delved deep into its challenges, complexities,
and aspirations. Balochistan has faced many challenges along the way, including demands for
autonomy, economic marginalisation, political turmoil, and a lack of representation. There is,
however, a gleam of hope and fortitude amid the difficulties.
It is obvious that a comprehensive strategy is needed to solve the Balochistan
conundrum.To address the ingrained grievances that cause conflicts, political
discussion, trustbuilding initiatives, and inclusive governance methods must be accepted.
Only fair distribution of resourc, sustainable development, and creating employment
opportunities will fully realise Balochistan's potential as an economic powerhouse while also
empowering the Baloch people and promoting prosperity
Furthermore, the involvement of external actors demands careful scrutiny and cooperation to
ensure the region's stability and prevent exploitation of its vulnerabilities. Balochistan's strategic
significance should be used for regional connectivity, trade, and cooperation, creating peace and
fostering mutual understanding.
REFRENCES:

https://www.undp.org/pakistan/publications/balochistan-challenges-opportunities

https://www.jstor.org/stable/48537575

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
330875039_POLITICAL_ECONOMY_OF_BALOCHISTAN_PAKISTAN_A_CRITICAL_RE
VIEW

https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P156411

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51562020-balochistan