Balochistan is currently facing significant unrest as the Pakistani government continues its trend of suppressing peaceful protests in the region. Since July 27, tensions have escalated between the government and Baloch protesters. Despite attempts to quell dissent, rallies, sit-ins, and demonstrations persist across various parts of Balochistan.
The unrest began when the government blocked major highways in Balochistan to prevent attendees from reaching a political gathering organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in Gwadar. The gathering, known as the Baloch Raji Machi or Baloch National Gathering, was intended to protest against what the BYC describes as Baloch genocide, resource exploitation, and oppressive security measures. In response to these roadblocks, the BYC transformed its rally into a sit-in.
The situation has led to a near-complete halt of daily life in Balochistan due to road closures and communication blackouts. Security forces’ crackdown has resulted in at least four deaths, numerous injuries, and hundreds of arrests, with many facing sedition charges. Although both the government and protest leaders have expressed willingness for dialogue, negotiations have been hampered by ongoing deadlocks.
The BYC, advocating for the civil, political, and socioeconomic rights of the Baloch, has condemned the government’s actions. They view the Baloch National Gathering as a crucial referendum against systemic injustices and exploitation of their resources. In contrast, the Pakistani military has dismissed the BYC as a front for terrorist organizations and criminal mafias, branding the protests as foreign-sponsored violence.
International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the crackdown. Amnesty has called for an end to the brutal suppression and the unconditional release of arrested protesters, while Human Rights Watch has urged the Pakistani authorities to exercise restraint and restore internet access.
The government’s heavy-handed approach reflects a broader pattern of suppression of political dissent in Balochistan, where families of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings frequently face violence from security forces. The state’s perception of Balochistan through a colonial and security lens leads to the denial of peaceful expressions of dissent, pushing the Baloch toward more extreme forms of resistance.
Gwadar, a focal point in the $65 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is particularly contentious. The Pakistani government has declared Gwadar an “international city,” preventing the BYC from holding its gathering there. Baloch activists argue that Gwadar’s development benefits outsiders while neglecting the local Baloch population, who face dire living conditions and fear displacement.
China’s Consul General in Karachi, Yang Yundong, has urged all parties to prioritize national interests and focus on economic development. However, the Baloch view these development projects as a form of colonization and exploitation, exacerbating their grievances.
The conflict in Balochistan, rooted in historical discrimination and neglect, continues to escalate. The Pakistani government’s reliance on military solutions has only intensified the situation, raising doubts about its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. The persistence of violence and repression highlights the urgent need for a genuine dialogue and equitable solutions to address the Baloch people’s demands.
