Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, has always been a hotbed of tension and ethnic strife. The history of separatism here goes way back, and it’s far from over. The seeds of this conflict were sown during the partition of India in 1947 when princely states like Kalat were forced to choose whether they’d join India or Pakistan. Kalat, an independent state at the time, ultimately decided to join Pakistan under pressure in 1948 — but this decision did not sit well with the Baloch people.
Baloch nationalism simmered for years, but it reached a boiling point in the 1950s when Prince Abdul Karim of Kalat launched an independence movement. His efforts, though unsuccessful, inspired a series of bloody insurgencies between 1958 and 1977. Pakistan’s response was harsh, including mass arrests and the alleged forced disappearances of thousands of Baloch activists. Between 2001 and 2017, it’s estimated that over 5,000 people went missing. The Baloch people, however, didn’t back down.
Fast forward to the 2000s, when various smaller separatist groups came together to form the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). This new unified group presented a stronger front in their struggle for independence from Pakistan. The BLA has been behind many violent attacks over the years, including guerrilla tactics targeting military personnel and billion-dollar infrastructure projects. Despite the Pakistani government's efforts to squash the movement, the BLA’s presence and activities only seemed to grow.
What makes Balochistan so important — and so fiercely contested — is its wealth of natural resources. The province is rich in copper, gold, coal, and natural gas, making it a vital piece of Pakistan’s economy. But it’s not just Pakistan’s interests that are at play. China also has a significant stake in the region through its investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure project that includes the Gwadar port. This strategic location on the Arabian Sea has made the port a frequent target for BLA attacks.
In recent years, the BLA has escalated its tactics. The insurgents have started deploying women suicide bombers, targeting Chinese nationals, and launching attacks on Pakistan’s military bases. In 2022, they shocked the country by barging into army and navy bases. The group’s attacks on Chinese interests, like the Gwadar port, have led to direct confrontations between Pakistan and China, further complicating the situation.
The BLA’s fight isn’t just against Pakistan. They’ve also clashed with Iran, accusing both countries of using Balochistan’s resources for their own benefit. This tension has sparked near-conflict between the two neighboring nations. As the Baloch separatist movement continues, it remains a major security threat not just to Pakistan but to the broader region, with global powers like China keeping a watchful eye on its outcome.
