Author: Shawaiz Baloch
Strategy is the art of utilizing resources to achieve a desired objective. Pakistan, with its deeply flawed think tanks and policymakers, often assumes that through the use of force—such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and staged encounters—it can suppress the liberation movement in Balochistan. However, history has demonstrated time and again that such tactics lead to failure. The United States, with a coalition of forces in Vietnam under the slogan of “kill anything that moves,” failed to deter the Vietnamese revolution, which remains a powerful example to this day. Across the historical record, massacres, repression, and even nuclear weapons have been unable to fully eradicate a nation’s aspirations for freedom.
Human history is marked by periods of suffering, mass destruction, displacements, and violence. Many efforts have been made to prevent violence, yet war persists as an inescapable reality. Whether inter-state or intra-state, conventional or unconventional, conflicts continue unabated. Intra-state wars—such as civil wars, regime changes, and national liberation struggles—are still prominent today.
Throughout history, national liberation movements have arisen in various regions. The Palestinian Liberation Organization, the Afghan Taliban, and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are some prominent examples of these movements. The long-standing Baloch resistance also appears to be approaching a critical juncture. The Balochistan Liberation Movement traces its origins back to 1849, when the British invaded Balochistan, then known as the Kalat State, resulting in the death of Mehrab Khan, its ruler. Since then, resistance to external aggression has been ongoing. On August 11, 1947, Balochs briefly succeeded in establishing their own independent state, but this autonomy lasted only eight months. On March 27, 1948, Pakistan, backed by a large military force, annexed the Kalat State, arresting its ruler, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, and raising the Pakistani flag over Balochistan. Soon after, waves of liberation movements against Pakistan began.
In recent decades, the Baloch liberation struggle has intensified, with various armed groups launching attacks on Pakistani forces and Chinese interests in the region. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) have emerged as the most prominent armed groups. The BLA, in particular, has several sub-units, including the Majeed Brigade, the Special Tactical Operation Squad (STOS), the Fateh Squad, and an intelligence wing. The BLF also operates with its own units, such as the Qurban Unit and intelligence wing.
In the recent past, the Majeed Brigade of BLA is been the most alarming and concerning armed group for Pakistan, creating hazards not only for Pakistan but also for attacking collaborators with Pakistan, The Chinese remain the most affected collaborators. Right after a fidayeen attack on Chinese engineer’s in Nushki in 2018 by the son of the commander in chief of BLA, back then. Then onward the attacks by Majeed Bridge have intensified till now.
”Fidayeen, those who are ready to sacrifice themselves for a cause”. Throughout the world chronicle, national liberation movements in different regions involved Fidayeen or self- scarifiers. The Iran-Iraq war, The Palestinian Liberation Organisation’s insurgency,
The Afghan Taliban and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), are some of the examples, these liberation movements had also carried out Fidayeen attacks against their foes. The Balochistan’s liberation movement, since the beginning of Pakistani colonisation is evolving and steadfast in the pursuit of freedom. The nature of warfare in modern times in the liberation groups in Balochistan has witnessed altered and modern guerrilla techniques. The Fidayeen of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), known as the Majeed Brigade have created havoc for Pakistan and Chinese interests in Balochistan.
The BLA, particularly its Majeed Brigade, has embraced modern guerrilla tactics and self-sacrificing attacks as part of its strategy. BLA, Majeed Brigade was formed and named after 2 brave brothers, Majeed and a younger brother Majeed 2, who fought courageously against the Pakistan and where active members of BLA. The BLA is the most organized Baloch armed group, with a clear vision for its end goal: national liberation. Its sub-units are highly secretive, well-trained, and dedicated to their cause. The Majeed Brigade, which serves as the BLA’s self-sacrificing unit, has carried out numerous attacks on Pakistani and Chinese targets. These operations, such as the attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi in 2018 and other high-profile assaults, have demonstrated the group’s operational capabilities. Present-days commander-in-chief of the Baloch Liberation Army, Basheer Zaib Baloch, expressed his thoughts regarding fidayeen, claiming that fidayeen were to counter Pakistan at that point where established techniques no longer suffice, he also stated that a key difference between a traditional guerrilla fighter and a fidayee is that a guerrilla fighter has to hit and run safely, while a fidayeen is ready to sacrifice his life to achieve the end objective at the cost of his life.
A significant moment in the movement occurred on April 26, 2022, when Shari Baloch became the first female fidayee in Balochistan, carrying out a suicide attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi. This event shocked Pakistan and underscored the depth of commitment within the Baloch resistance. Since then, more women have joined the cause, with images emerging of armed female fedayeen ready to sacrifice themselves.
Recent attacks in 2023 and 2024 have involved numerous fidayeen, many of whom were well-educated and motivated by the desire to achieve a free and independent Balochistan. Their final messages, released posthumously, express a common sentiment: “We will not see the freedom we seek, but it is for the generations to come.”
The Balochistan’s liberation movement, sustained by a history of resistance, is now marked by modern guerrilla tactics and a deep commitment to self-sacrifice. The people of Balochistan are actively contributing to this struggle—economically, socially, and politically—working towards the ultimate goal of ending oppression and achieving a free and independent Balochistan.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.