Dear Mengal, Balochistan Will Not Slip From the State’s Control

Akhtar Mengal, the leader of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), is a prominent political figure from the region. His political stance is often seen as critical and anti-state by the Pakistani government. Mengal founded the BNP in 1996, with the party advocating for greater political autonomy for Balochistan and the protection of Baloch rights. The central theme of the party’s platform revolves around the belief that the people of Balochistan have been economically exploited and politically marginalized by the Pakistani state, which has historically treated the province as a resource-rich but politically and culturally sidelined region. Mengal’s rhetoric and political approach are often seen as negative, particularly in his criticism of the Pakistani state. He has consistently accused the state of human rights violations in Balochistan, citing alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and military operations targeting the Baloch nationalist movement. These accusations have contributed to his image as an anti-state figure, and his focus on denouncing the state has often overshadowed efforts toward reconciliation or constructive dialogue.

While Mengal has not explicitly called for an independent Balochistan, his rhetoric often aligns with separatist sentiments. His party’s demands for greater autonomy, control over natural resources, and the protection of Baloch cultural and linguistic identity are often seen as incompatible with the concept of a united Pakistan. Mengal’s emphasis on Baloch nationalism has led to suspicions from the Pakistani state, as such demands are often interpreted as potential steps toward secession, a goal the central government strongly opposes. One of Mengal’s key grievances is his accusation that the Pakistani state is exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources. Although Balochistan is rich in resources such as gas, coal, and minerals, Mengal and others claim that the region has not benefited from the wealth generated by these resources, a narrative that many view as misleading. Mengal’s consistent focus on resource control by the Baloch people has fueled the perception that he is spearheading a campaign against the central government, as this demand directly challenges the federal authority over the province. His party has also faced allegations of having connections with militant Baloch terrorist groups, some of which advocate for violent secession. Mengal’s vocal support for these militant groups and their disruptive agendas has been viewed by many as an indirect endorsement of terrorist activities. Mengal’s association with militant nationalism has fueled further accusations that he is promoting an anti-state agenda. From the perspective of the Pakistani government, his political actions are seen as a challenge to the state, particularly with his constant calls for autonomy and his false claims of state oppression. His rhetoric is often viewed as escalating the conflict, especially when he raises unsubstantiated allegations of human rights abuses by the government. The Baloch insurgency, which includes armed terrorist groups, has posed a significant threat to Pakistan’s national security, and Mengal’s advocacy for Baloch rights is seen by many as contributing to the region’s instability. The political discourse pushed by Mengal also threatens the unity of Pakistan, as his emphasis on ethnic identity and autonomy undermines the idea of a cohesive Pakistani state. The Pakistani government, along with the people of Pakistan, Balochistan, and various political groups, sees his calls for autonomy and resource control as divisive, particularly in a country where ethnic tensions have historically caused instability.

As a federation of provinces with considerable ethnic diversity, Pakistan is built on the concept of a strong central government, and Mengal’s calls for restructuring federal structures challenge this foundation. This has led to the perception that Mengal is undermining the integrity of the state. Despite benefiting from Pakistan’s political system, Mengal’s approach has consistently opposed the nation’s interests. Additionally, the Baloch Youth Congress (BYC), emerging as another pressure group, is believed to be playing into the hands of terrorist organizations and Pakistan’s enemies. Mengal appears to be fully invested in promoting anti-state agendas. It is also notable that figures like Mengal and Mahrung Baloch, who claim to be advocates of Baloch rights, remain silent on the killings of innocent people by the BLA and other terrorist groups. The question arises whether they are fearful of these groups or have aligned themselves with their anti-state agenda.

Mengal recently stated on the social media platform X that Balochistan is “slipping out of the hands of Pakistan.” This statement has been interpreted by both Pakistanis and Baloch people as supporting the destructive agendas targeting the province. It’s puzzling to suggest that taking strong action against terrorists would lead to Balochistan breaking away from Pakistan—unless, perhaps, Mengal is implying that the state should allow terrorists to operate freely.

Mengal, Mahrung Baloch, and other anti-state elements should recognize that the majority of Baloch people have consistently demonstrated their loyalty to Pakistan. This loyalty is not just based on the recognition of being an integral part of the nation but also rooted in their cultural, historical, and religious connections to the broader Pakistani identity. The Baloch people see their future as aligned with Pakistan. The concept of a shared national identity, particularly among those in urban areas like Quetta, has played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of Balochistan. The Baloch people are an integral part of Pakistan’s diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual society, and they strongly identify with the country’s national identity. Over the years, the Baloch have made significant contributions to Pakistan’s economy, particularly through their involvement in trade, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Additionally, the establishment of Gwadar Port as a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has created new opportunities for economic growth in the province. This development has led many Baloch people to hope that their increased integration into Pakistan’s economic framework will bring greater prosperity and enhance their living standards. The Baloch people are politically active and well-represented at the national level. Political parties from Balochistan, such as the BNP, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and others, play an active role in Pakistan’s political system. The province has elected its representatives to both the national parliament and provincial assemblies, demonstrating its commitment to the democratic process within the framework of the Pakistani state. Many Baloch leaders have worked within the political system to address key regional concerns, including resource allocation and cultural preservation. The majority of Baloch people are Muslim, sharing a common religious bond with the rest of Pakistan’s population, which significantly contributes to their ongoing loyalty to the country. This connection is often expressed through shared religious and cultural events and the collective identity of Pakistan as a homeland for Muslims in the region.

The idea that Balochistan could separate from Pakistan is a false hope held by a few individuals or groups with personal agendas, including those of Pakistan’s adversaries. There are several reasons why Balochistan is unlikely to sever its ties with Pakistan. Nationalist movements do not represent the majority of the Baloch people. Separatist factions are small and often isolated from the larger political forces within the province. Most Baloch political leaders advocate for greater autonomy within Pakistan, not secession, meaning a large-scale independence movement is unlikely. Over time, Balochistan has become integrated into Pakistan’s political, economic, and social systems. National projects, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), offer significant economic opportunities for the province, further solidifying its integration with Pakistan. The province also plays an important role in the country’s political landscape, with Balochistan being represented in Pakistan’s parliament.

Pakistan’s military and security agencies play a crucial role in maintaining control over the province. While Baloch separatist movements have caused violence and instability, the government has made substantial efforts to counter insurgency and bring stability to the region. Heavy investments in security and development by the central government emphasize that Balochistan is an essential part of Pakistan’s territorial integrity. International support for Balochistan’s independence remains limited, with most countries recognizing the province as part of Pakistan’s sovereign territory. India is the only country involved in supporting separatist movements in a bid to destabilize Pakistan. The international community’s recognition of Balochistan as part of Pakistan strengthens the argument that secession is unlikely. The idea that Balochistan will slip from Pakistan’s control does not align with the reality on the ground, as the majority of Baloch people remain committed to Pakistan, seeking greater autonomy and development within the existing state framework rather than independence. The loyalty of the Baloch people to Pakistan is rooted in a shared national identity, economic opportunities, religious unity, and active political participation.

Both the people of Pakistan and Balochistan firmly reject any internal or external efforts to destabilize the region, and such attempts will ultimately fail. Pakistan will advance and prosper with the support and contributions of all its provinces and citizens. As mature and responsible political figures, leaders like Mengal should work towards making Balochistan a safe, secure, and peaceful province of Pakistan, rather than promoting division and hatred.