A Region in Turmoil
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, has been at the center of a decades-long armed rebellion seeking independence. Despite its wealth in minerals and strategic location bordering Iran and Afghanistan, the province remains one of Pakistan’s biggest security concerns. The latest escalation in the conflict came with a dramatic train hijacking by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), underscoring the region’s ongoing unrest. This rebellion, deeply rooted in historical betrayals and economic exploitation, continues to challenge Pakistan’s authority.
Train Hijacking: A New Chapter in the Rebellion
On March 11, 2024, armed BLA insurgents attacked the Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, halting it in a remote tunnel by blowing up railway tracks. The attackers, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners, engaged in a prolonged standoff with Pakistani forces. After 30 hours of siege and intense gunfire, security forces regained control, killing 33 rebels while losing 21 passengers and four personnel. The incident marked a significant escalation in the conflict and highlighted the rebels’ determination to challenge state control.
Why the Baloch Seek Freedom
Balochistan has long harboured aspirations of independence. Historically, the region was a British strategic base to counter Russian expansion, but its autonomy remained largely intact. However, post-Partition, Pakistan coerced Baloch leaders into merging with the newly formed country, triggering a fierce independence movement. The grievances fueling the conflict include:
- Resource Exploitation: The region holds vast reserves of gold, copper, iron, and coal, but locals claim they receive little benefit from this wealth.
- Marginalization: The native Baloch population alleges political and economic exclusion.
- Human Rights Violations: Reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by Pakistani forces have intensified resentment.
Armed groups such as the BLA and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) continue to resist, targeting Pakistani security forces and Chinese-funded infrastructure projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Gwadar Port, aiming to disrupt foreign investments and force negotiations.
Jinnah’s Betrayal: How Pakistan Took Balochistan
At the time of Partition in 1947, Balochistan consisted of four princely states—Kharan, Makran, Las Bela, and Kalat. The Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmed Yar Khan, chose independence, a decision initially respected by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founder. However, under British pressure, Jinnah reversed his stance, pushing for Kalat’s merger. In March 1948, after isolating Kalat by securing the accession of the other three states, Pakistan forcefully annexed the territory, triggering the first of many Baloch uprisings.
Decades of Rebellion: Five Uprisings and Counting
Since 1948, Balochistan has witnessed multiple uprisings:
- First Rebellion (1948): Following the forced annexation, Baloch nationalists launched an armed resistance, which was swiftly crushed.
- Second Rebellion (1954-1959): Resistance reignited when Pakistan introduced the One-Unit policy, merging Balochistan into West Pakistan. Khan of Kalat, Nawab Nauroz Khan, declared independence but was tricked into surrendering and imprisoned.
- Third Rebellion (1963-1969): Led by Sher Muhammad Bijrani Marri, this revolt demanded the withdrawal of Pakistani troops and restoration of Balochistan’s autonomy. It ended after General Yahya Khan replaced Ayub Khan and agreed to some Baloch demands.
- Fourth Rebellion (1973-1977): Inspired by Bangladesh’s successful secession from Pakistan in 1971, Baloch nationalists demanded greater autonomy. Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto responded with military force, leading to a prolonged insurgency that ended after his removal in a coup.
- Fifth Rebellion (2000s-Present): Sparked by human rights abuses, economic exploitation, and nationalist aspirations, this ongoing conflict has seen frequent attacks on security forces and infrastructure projects.
The Bangladesh Impact: A Renewed Hope for Independence
The independence of Bangladesh in 1971 had a profound impact on Baloch nationalists. Seeing another region successfully secede from Pakistan emboldened their movement. However, their demands for greater autonomy were met with military crackdowns, leading to intensified resistance. In 1973, after Bhutto dismissed the provincial government, thousands of Baloch rebels took up arms. The conflict only subsided after Bhutto’s ousting in 1977.
The Present Struggle: No Resolution in Sight
The fifth Baloch rebellion, ongoing for over two decades, has become more sophisticated and deadly. The BLA and BLF continue attacks on Pakistani forces and foreign investments, particularly Chinese-funded projects like CPEC. The Pakistani state has responded with heavy military action, mass arrests, and reports of enforced disappearances, further fueling resentment.
Despite years of conflict, no political solution has been reached. The Pakistani government remains unwilling to grant greater autonomy, while Baloch nationalists refuse to back down. The struggle for independence continues, with no end in sight.
An Unresolved Conflict
The Balochistan conflict remains one of Pakistan’s longest-running insurgencies. Rooted in historical betrayal, economic exploitation, and political marginalization, the rebellion continues to challenge state authority. While armed groups intensify their resistance, the Pakistani government responds with repression, deepening the divide. With no diplomatic resolution in sight, Balochistan’s struggle for autonomy is set to persist, shaping the region’s future in unpredictable ways.
(With inputs from agencies)
