Violence in Balochistan has long been framed as a fight for autonomy and the protection of local rights, often portrayed as a struggle against marginalization and state oppression. However, beneath the surface of this narrative lies a more complex and multifaceted reality. The insurgency, driven by a mix of ethnic, political and foreign interests, has been marred by extremist elements, economic exploitation and regional destabilization efforts. To fully understand the ongoing conflict, it is essential to debunk the myths surrounding its so-called “just cause” and unravel the true agenda that fuels this unrest. By examining the vested interests and hidden motives behind the violence, we can uncover the broader implications for peace, stability and development in the region.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) professes to be fighting for Baloch rights, yet its actions show otherwise. They typically target innocent individuals, such as low-wage labourers and ethnic Punjabis. Their actions have undermined the group’s promises of justice by exposing it as a terrorist organization that targets regular individuals for damage. The BLA led actions from attacking poor labourers to destroying domestic infrastructure proved that the BLA is fomenting discord and terror rather than fighting for actual rights.
Analyzing the BLA’s actions, a security expert from a think tanks located in Islamabad, highlighted the gap between BLA’s claimed ideology and their brutal methods. The expert argued that while the BLA promotes a narrative of fighting for Baloch rights, their ideology is merely rhetorical and not genuinely implemented. The group uses this narrative to project a softer image and gain sympathy, but their actual activities reveal a different reality targeting and killing innocent civilians, especially poor Punjabi labourers. The BLA justified these killings by labelling civilians as undercover agents of the state. They claim that security forces operate in civilian clothing, providing an excuse for their ruthless acts.
The BLA’s narrative is not rooted in a genuine struggle for rights but rather serves to instill fear and control. The expert lamented that their actions are motivated by alarmist and contentious propaganda rather than any sincere ideological commitment.
Meanwhile, a policy expert from the Centre of Peace and Social Studies (CPSS), Islamabad, condemned the BLA’s violent acts, highlighting that their tactics contradict traditional Baloch values and religious principles. He noted that the insurgency is driven by poverty, illiteracy, weak governance and external interference, particularly from India, aimed at destabilizing Pakistan and undermining CPEC. He stressed that a comprehensive security operation, alongside socio-economic development initiatives like improving education, healthcare and employment, is essential to address the root causes and restore peace in Balochistan.
An expert on counter-terrorism at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), termed the BLA undeniably a terrorist organization. He pointed out that the BLA’s activities, which challenge state authority and promote violence, are direct violations of the rule of law and must be addressed with iron hands. Any group that spreads anarchy and destabilizes society should be met with strong state actions. He further highlighted the disturbing trend of the BLA’s asymmetrical warfare, which now increasingly targeting civilians in Balochistan. Such acts of violence not only defy the norms of warfare but are also prohibited in Islam. Killing innocent people under any pretext is both morally and religiously indefensible. He stressed that protecting innocent citizens and national unity from terror should be the state’s priority, promising that no militant group can challenge its authority or harm innocent lives.
A regional security expert from the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, highlighted the BLA’s use of social media to promote its separatist agenda and spread fear. The group has carried out attacks on poor labourers, targeting civilians with no political ties. As Pakistan-China relations grow through projects like CPEC, the BLA increasingly seeks to disrupt them. Despite their propaganda, the expert believes the BLA will fail in its objectives, commending the Pakistan Army’s efforts in countering these activities. The BLA also spreads false narratives to influence Balochistan’s youth, leveraging ethnic and linguistic divisions to incite sectarian discord. The expert stressed the need for a strategic state response to protect unity, diversity, and economic potential.
Thus, the stability of Balochistan and the overall socio-economic development of Pakistan are both seriously threatened by the BLA. Under the pretence of a separatist objective, their violent actions are motivated by external meddling and intended to sabotage the progress and unity of the country. To counter the insurgency and its underlying causes, the state’s response must be decisive. Ensuring the protection of innocent lives, fostering sustainable peace in Balochistan and beyond is paramount for progress and stability of the country.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
