Ongoing Protests and Violence in Balochistan Amidst Human Rights Concerns

In recent weeks, Balochistan, a province in Pakistan, has been the site of large-scale protests led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). These demonstrations aim to draw attention to human rights violations, resource exploitation, and the government’s failure to provide basic amenities to the local population.

Clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in fatalities and detentions, prompting a security crackdown in major towns such as Gwadar, Hub, Mastung, and Quetta. This response has led to a significant rise in the prices of essential goods, including food, medicine, and fuel.

While the BYC has reportedly called off protests in Gwadar following negotiations with the government, the history of unrest in the region suggests that further demonstrations may occur. Past protests, such as those against custodial killings, have resulted in violent crackdowns, which fuel ongoing tensions.

The current protests reflect a long history of political turmoil in Balochistan, which declared independence in 1947 but was incorporated into Pakistan shortly thereafter. The subsequent decades were marked by centralization of power and the dismissal of provincial governments, leading to widespread discontent.

Balochistan is endowed with significant mineral resources, yet it remains one of Pakistan’s most impoverished provinces. According to a UNDP report, it contributes only 4.5% to Pakistan’s GDP, despite being rich in resources and having a long coastline.

Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of enforced disappearances in the region, with many attributed to counter-insurgency operations by the government. Reports indicate that over 7,000 individuals may have gone missing since 2002, exacerbating local grievances.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a significant investment initiative, has further complicated the situation. While aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic growth, concerns persist among locals regarding potential militarization of the Gwadar port and the impact on their livelihoods.

Recent violence in the region has escalated, with over seventy reported deaths from multiple attacks targeting both security personnel and civilians. Armed groups, such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claim responsibility for attacks, intensifying the struggle between Baloch nationalists and the state.