Pakistan’s powerful institutions continue to pursue various policies aimed at suppressing the political resistance movement in Balochistan. Efforts to curb political activity through the use of force remain ongoing; controversial court rulings are being used to imprison Baloch political leaders, and now, under the provisions of the Fourth Schedule, the basic political rights of Baloch activists are being stripped away.
Without fulfilling legal requirements, the names of more than sixty individuals — including those active in campaigns for the recovery of the disappeared and members of various political parties — have been added to the Fourth Schedule within the span of a single week. Such government actions are likely to further aggravate Balochistan’s already fragile political situation. By placing Baloch political workers on the Fourth Schedule and using anti-terrorism laws against resistance politics, state institutions are promoting an unconstitutional approach.
Forced disappearances of political activists, state repression, and measures such as adding names to the Exit Control List and the Fourth Schedule cannot put an end to resistance politics in Balochistan. The Baloch movement continues to enjoy public support, and its roots are firmly embedded among the people. Around the world, attempts to crush popular movements through force have never succeeded, and the policies of Pakistan’s establishment in Balochistan will likewise prove ineffective.
The temporary, controversial, and irresponsible decisions of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s imposed government in Balochistan will fail to break the unwavering resolve of Baloch political activists. However, such actions by the PPP-led administration will have adverse effects on politics and further fuel public unrest in the region.