In Balochistan, Pakistan has continued to assert its authority through force rather than functioning as a federal state. Advocates of resistance politics were already under state persecution, but now even parties affiliated with Pakistan’s federal politics are facing restrictions. The policymakers of the state remain oblivious to the ground realities of Balochistan, assuming that by imprisoning Baloch women, they can compel the Baloch people to remain engaged in Pakistan’s federal politics.
Under the leadership of Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) has been striving for the recovery of hundreds of political activists, including Mah Rang Baloch, Sami Deen Baloch, Beebo Baloch, and Bebgar Baloch. However, by blocking their long march from Wadh to Quetta, the state is once again demonstrating its rigid policies. Yet, Pakistan’s approach toward Balochistan has been one of a hardline state since day one.
In the late 1950s, Nawab Nauroz Khan was deceived into negotiations under the pretense of the Quran’s sanctity, only to be imprisoned later, and his sons were executed in jail. In 1973, the elected government of the National Awami Party was dismissed, and military operations were launched against the Marri and Mengal tribes. In the 21st century, enforced disappearances and custodial killings have persisted for the past two decades. Other provinces of Pakistan may not have faced the brunt of a harsh state, but for seventy years, the Baloch nation has been subjected to such policies.
If the state’s ruling circles believe that by denying Baloch women the right to protest, imprisoning them, or orchestrating suicide attacks on Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s sit-ins, they can force the Baloch to abandon their struggle for self-determination, they only expose their ignorance of Baloch political history.
Despite state repression, Baloch national politics will continue. However, by imposing restrictions on parties affiliated with Pakistan’s federal politics, the state will only further weaken its roots in Balochistan, reinforcing the belief that achieving national rights through mainstream politics in Pakistan is impossible.