Balochistan and National Security: The Role of Militancy and the State’s Response
Mohd Ibrahim
Balochistan, the largest yet least developed province of Pakistan, occupies a pivotal position in the country’s national security framework. Stretching over nearly 44% of Pakistan’s total landmass, it is rich in natural resources, borders Iran and Afghanistan and serves as the gateway to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar Port. Despite its strategic and economic significance, Balochistan has been embroiled in a long-standing insurgency that poses considerable challenges to the state’s authority and cohesion. At the heart of this conflict lies a complicated mix of political, economic, ethnic and ideological factors that have given rise to militancy.
The roots of Balochistan’s discontent trace back to 1948, when the princely state of Kalat, a major part of what is now Balochistan, was annexed by Pakistan. The Baloch leadership contested this move, laying the foundation for a narrative of political suppression and forced integration. Over the decades, this sentiment has been reinforced by what many in the province perceive as systemic neglect, economic exploitation and cultural marginalization. Though Balochistan possesses immense wealth in natural gas, coal and minerals, the local population has seen little benefit. Infrastructure remains poor, unemployment is rampant and access to quality education and healthcare is minimal.
This persistent alienation has manifested in several waves of insurgency—most notably in 1948, 1958, 1963 and 1973. However, the insurgency that reignited in 2004 has proven to be the most enduring. A number of separatist militant groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army, Baloch Liberation Front and Baloch Republican Army have spearheaded attacks on state institutions, security personnel, infrastructure and non-Baloch civilians. The militants claim to be fighting for the rights of the Baloch people and, in many cases, for the establishment of an independent Balochistan.
These militant outfits operate in a decentralized manner, often taking shelter in remote terrains or allegedly, across the borders in Afghanistan and Iran. Their operations are sustained through various sources—smuggling, extortion, diaspora donations and in some cases, suspected foreign support. Though, Pakistan has repeatedly accused neighboring countries, especially India, of using the Baloch insurgency as a proxy to destabilize its western region. However, India has always rejected the allegations and has advocated for peace in the region.
Militancy in Balochistan has severe implications for Pakistan’s national security. Firstly, it challenges the state’s territorial integrity. Although separatist sentiments are not universally shared among the Baloch population, the symbolism of armed resistance reflects a deepening fracture in the federation. Secondly, the conflict jeopardizes economic progress. Militant attacks have targeted gas pipelines, railways, power transmission lines and workers associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which includes multi-billion-dollar projects like Gwadar Port and road networks, is central to Pakistan’s economic future. However, the unrest in Balochistan continues to deter foreign investment and delay project implementation. Lastly, the insurgency undermines regional stability. Given Balochistan’s proximity to conflict-prone regions in Iran and Afghanistan, unrest here could spill over borders and invite further international complications.
The Pakistani state has responded to this security dilemma with military operations and kept all the developments for Baloch people in abeyance. On the security front, the military, paramilitary Frontier Corps and intelligence agencies maintain a strong presence in the province. Counter-insurgency operations have been ongoing for years, aimed at dismantling militant networks and restoring order. While these operations have achieved some tactical successes, they have also been marred by accusations of human rights violations. Reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and harassment of activists and journalists are common. Such practices have deepened mistrust between the Baloch people and the state, and have fueled a cycle of violence and retaliation.
In parallel, the government has failed to launch any development initiatives to win hearts and minds. Though there were some projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. umbrella which were promised to bring economic transformation. But it never started. The government has not introduced any educational scholarships, vocational training centers and health initiatives targeting Baloch youth for bringing them on mainstream. Recruitment of local residents into the military and civil services has remained a distant dream for Baloch youth. That is why, critics always argue that developmental programs could yet fruits and end alienation among baloch youths, As Pakistani has failed to engage local stakeholders, and disproportionately benefit outsiders or elites. A sense of alienation and radicalization has emerged in Baloch youths.
Efforts at political reconciliation have been sporadic and largely unsuccessful. While mainstream Baloch parties like the Balochistan National Party participate in elections, they often complain of electoral manipulation and limited authority. Attempts to negotiate with exiled leaders or offer amnesty to militants have yielded few concrete outcomes. A major hurdle is the absence of trust. Many in Balochistan view state initiatives with suspicion, given the legacy of broken promises and continued military dominance in civilian affairs.
One of the critical challenges in addressing militancy is the complex tribal and ethnic landscape of the province. Balochistan is not a monolithic entity, it is home to various Baloch and Pashtun tribes, each with its own interests and loyalties. Internal rivalries, shifting allegiances and personal power struggles often complicate peace efforts. Furthermore, the state’s reliance on co-opting tribal chiefs has not always translated into wider legitimacy or stability.
Another key issue is the porous border with Afghanistan and Iran. Militants, smugglers and criminal networks frequently exploit this geographic reality, undermining border security and allowing insurgents to regroup. The broader regional dynamics, especially tensions with India and instability in Afghanistan, have turned Balochistan into a pawn in larger geopolitical contests.
In light of these complexities, it is clear that a purely militaristic or economic approach will not suffice. A sustainable solution to the crisis in Balochistan must be rooted in justice, dignity and democratic inclusion. The state must shift from a security-centric to a rights-based approach. Enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions must end and perpetrators of human rights abuses should be held accountable. A transparent and independent judicial mechanism is essential to restore the rule of law and build confidence.
Politically, the federal government should engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, including exiled leaders and representatives of militant factions who are willing to negotiate. This dialogue must be inclusive, unconditional and protected from political interference. Moreover, constitutional reforms that genuinely empower provinces, such as the full implementation of the 18th Amendment, must be upheld and extended where necessary.
Economically, resource-sharing mechanisms need to be restructured. The people of Balochistan should have ownership and control over their natural resources. Royalties must be distributed fairly and local communities must be involved in decision-making processes regarding development projects. Additionally, targeted investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure must prioritize long-term community well-being over short-term political gains.
Finally, there is a need to recognize and celebrate Baloch identity as part of Pakistan’s pluralistic fabric. Promoting Baloch language, history and culture through education and media can help counter feelings of marginalization and foster a sense of belonging.
In conclusion, the conflict in Balochistan is not merely a law-and-order issue, it is a question of political legitimacy, economic justice and human dignity. Militancy in the region is both a symptom and a consequence of deeper structural flaws in Pakistan’s governance model. While external interference may exacerbate tensions, the roots of the problem lie within. Addressing them requires courage, empathy and a commitment to democratic principles. Only by engaging the Baloch people as equal partners in the national project can Pakistan ensure peace, stability and true national security.
