After a relative quiet of 2 decades Baluch insurgency is again in international news. Though 2024 had recorded record casualties. The hijacking of jafar express by the baloch liberation army looks like a throwback to the 70s when the region resembled civil war situation. The current crisis has historical roots starting from the coercive accession of kalat state in 1948 and the killing of top leaders in subsequent decades has created a deep alienation among the baloch who though make up only 5% of Pakistan population but occupy 50% of its area. The region rich in oil and gas complains of unfair distribution of its resources and feels colonized by rest of Pakistan especially the Punjab. The development of gwadar port and CPEC by china has further increased the alienation. With USA withdrawing from the region Pakistan is heavily dependent upon china and can’t afford upsetting the CPEC. This attack on civilians though is dastardly and needs to be condemned. World has moved ahead and insurgency doesn’t yield results now. Peaceful campaign and appreciation by international community can help resolve the crisis. The Pakistan establishment also needs to take into consideration the causes and background of the situation. In the immediate context the BLA should free all hostages and surrender arms. Political mobilization should be encouraged.
Balochistan in boil again
