During past few weeks, Balochistan has become the centre of controversy and tensions, particularly in areas along the western frontier of Pakistan. International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) or Amnesty International (AI) are seen interfering in state’s internal affairs, while promoting sort of misguided narratives. Under such a milieu, it becomes an imperative to look at the historical reasoning of such actions, for ascertaining their actual effects towards the regional stability.
These foreign-funded and foreign-based based NGOs, despite having good intentions; at times, overstep the prescribed limits of freedom and authority. These cannot be allowed to complicate clear situations in pursuance of their misguided narratives. In this way, actions such as those perpetrated/ executed by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) led by Dr Mahrang Baloch, are diametrically opposed to the national interests. Ironically, themes of sub nationalists, are turning into a more conspiratorial form, calling for an immediate course correction. The vested interests of such sub-nationalists groups contribute nothing towards a stabilised Balochistan and Pakistan, but appear more oriented towards self-profits and self-projection for fetching more destabilising money and patronage from their external masters. Contrarily, Government of Pakistan and the Armed Forces are leaving no stone unturned to ensure peace, stability and sustained development in Balochistan.
The events and forces mentioned above and many others in addition, pose severe threats, which are then confronted by our security forces. Some the threats do directly emanate, from the terror-breeding grounds of Afghanistan. It is on the record that on July 29, 2024, an aggressive group of individuals, disguised in the protection of their right to assemble and protest politically, mounted a deadly attack on military personnel, in the Gwadar district. This pre-emptive aggression led to the tragic demise of Sepoy Shabbir Baloch and sixteen others among the injured: including an officer. Such incidents are quite alarming indeed. Later, using the online propaganda, anti-Pakistan forces posted fake photos and videos to pervert the social media platforms/ landscape.
Another narrative is being built that circumscribes a much larger conspiracy, brewing against Pakistan. Some critics talk about Mahrang Baloch, who can be considered a leader of the recent protests, as a woman working for hostile foreign agencies to destabilize the country. Dynamism of the mob is regularly prefaced by outside backing, as can be witnessed in case of Mah Rang Baloch and her backers. Instead of confronting local governance issues, sinister actors like her, are trying to disrupt peace in Balochistan in their bid to destabilizing Pakistan.
The narrative then goes on and further claims that Mahrang Baloch, daughter of BLA terrorist Abdul Ghaffar Langove is being backed by foreign funds. She is faking protests of missing persons in Balochistan. Based on such claims, Mahrang has recently arrived from Europe where she reportedly had a meeting with some CIA and RAW operatives with the aim of mobilizing internal anarchy in the country of Pakistan. Analysis of such protests reveal that these are aimed at developing an excuse for fomenting a violence-fueled anarchy.
The conspiracy theory seems to have provoked people into thinking that Mahrang Baloch is working towards creating a replica of Syria Model in Pakistan, by staging devices to ensure prevailing political anarchy/ turbulence. Top authorities are arguing that, different terror groups, including, Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorism, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) are being coordinated by their handlers to orchestrate what is referred to as FATA War Plan. This plan is claimed to target the disintegration of Pakistan through synchronised terrorist attacks and anarchy from within.
The Government’s critics claim that the Government has been too soft in handling the so-called separatists and terrorists. They argue that Mahrang is waiting for the right occasion to start implementing her sinister scheme for furthering unrest in Pakistan and thus demand for an individual and collective action to take a quick preventive action.
Being a political conflict, there are many players and a host of policies operating in Balochistan. On the one hand, one can hardly identify the real complaints and claims to rights and freedoms of the Baloch people. On the contrary, there are controversies of national security and threats of FDI that are aimed at triggering insecurity in Pakistan.
In the light of all these challenges, citizens should be cautious about propaganda that is being used to manipulate the truth and escalate conflicts. It remains crucial to ensure that the authorities get cooperation from the public in the fight against crimes to ensure that there exists order and safety. The security forces of Pakistan along with the support of the people of Pakistan are continuing to fight for the security and stability of Balochistan and Pakistan.
During such uncertain years, it is for us to stick to the tenets of the civilized discussion and meaningful actions aimed at combating the roots of the problems rather than providing an opportunity for angry voices to shout and external forces to manipulate. The key to achieving both peace and development together in Balochistan is unity, tolerance, and determined support when it comes to liberty and order.
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