The Balochistan Struggle — A Forgotten Rebellion
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, has been simmering with rebellion for decades. Rich in natural resources but plagued by economic neglect, political marginalisation, and military repression, the Baloch people have long accused Islamabad of treating them as colonial subjects rather than equal citizens. Calls for autonomy have evolved into armed insurgency, with separatist groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) demanding independence.
The Baloch demand is rooted in grievances over resource exploitation, enforced disappearances, and systemic exclusion. Despite contributing vast wealth to the national economy, Balochistan remains one of the most impoverished regions in Pakistan. Over time, this has fueled a nationalist movement that views the Pakistani state—especially its military apparatus—as an occupying force.
BLF Chief’s Viral Appeal: A Call for Arms and Support
In a video circulating online since May 11, Allah Nazar Baloch, the exiled commander-in-chief of the BLF, made a rare direct appeal to India and the international community. Speaking in the 30-minute clip, he urged India to supply the Baloch fighters with the same 93,000 weapons surrendered by Pakistani troops during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
“India should only give us the 93,000 guns that were surrendered by the Pakistani army in Bangladesh, then watch what we do to the fascist state of Pakistan in Balochistan,” Nazar declared.
Framing Pakistan as a “fascist” and “rogue” state dominated by Punjab, Nazar accused it of brutalizing ethnic Balochs through enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and psychological warfare. He described the Pakistani military and establishment as perpetuating colonial oppression while eliminating dissent, from Baloch activists to national political figures.
Human Rights Concerns and Media Silence
Nazar Baloch highlighted the grave human rights situation in the region, citing mass graves and cases of mutilated bodies found in hospitals. He challenged the narrative that the Baloch insurgency is “anti-Punjabi,” clarifying that their resistance is against the state apparatus, not ordinary citizens. “We are friends of humanity; we love freedom,” he stated, rejecting accusations that his group targets civilians.
His message also condemned the Pakistani media for echoing state propaganda and suppressing stories from Balochistan. According to him, the Pakistani state needs to manufacture internal enemies like the Baloch rebels to justify its authoritarian grip.
BLA Attacks: A Coordinated Offensive Against the State
Simultaneously, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), another key separatist group, has launched a coordinated wave of attacks across 39 locations in Balochistan. These operations have reportedly targeted police stations, military convoys, and infrastructure, including major highways. The BLA claims to have captured security posts and blocked key roads as part of their ongoing campaign for independence.
Spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch stated that the attacks are part of a broader strategy to challenge Pakistani control over the province. The BLA, like the BLF, asserts that Balochistan’s vast mineral wealth is being exploited without benefiting its people, and demands self-determination.
A Tipping Point in the Baloch Resistance?
The Baloch insurgency is entering a new, more vocal and militarized phase. With rebel leaders openly appealing to international powers and groups like the BLA intensifying their military operations, the conflict in Balochistan is far from a contained issue. Whether the global community heeds these calls or continues to side-line the region will determine whether Balochistan’s rebellion remains a regional flashpoint—or evolves into a full-scale geopolitical crisis.
(With inputs from agencies)
