Nadia Baloch, sister of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch, has warned that the Pakistani state’s continued suppression of peaceful political activity in Balochistan is deliberately pushing society toward frustration, helplessness and, ultimately, violence.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Nadia Baloch said that when all avenues of non-violent and political struggle are systematically closed by the state, the resulting instability should not be viewed as accidental. Rather, she described it as the outcome of a conscious and calculated policy.
She alleged that a powerful group operating within Balochistan – which she termed “war profiteers” – has a vested interest in preventing peaceful solutions to longstanding political and human rights issues. According to her, the escalation of violence strengthens such elements by increasing their relevance, influence and access to power, funds and authority.
Nadia Baloch said that Dr. Mahrang Baloch, through peaceful and political mobilisation, had offered Baloch youth an alternative to armed resistance, convincing them that it was possible to demand rights without resorting to violence. She added that thousands of young people stayed away from armed resistance precisely because they believed a non-violent political path still existed.
However, she said that the arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and her colleagues effectively imprisoned that hope. According to Nadia Baloch, those who believed peaceful politics was the only viable solution are now experiencing deep disillusionment. She warned that when dissent is criminalised, peaceful protest crushed and political participation made impossible, the state itself creates fertile ground for extremism.
She further stated that clear signs are already emerging that young people are becoming disenchanted with peaceful political engagement. If this trend continues, she said, responsibility will lie squarely with the Pakistani state and its ruling elite, whom she accused of deliberately closing all political and non-violent avenues for Baloch youth.