Written by: Javid Iqbal
The Baloch Freedom seeking movement has recently announced that it has launched large-scale attacks, under the name “Herof,” against Pakistani soldiers and security institutions stationed in Balochistan. The leader of the movement, Bashir Zeb, described these attacks as the second phase of the “Herof” operations and called on all Baloch people to join what he termed “this war of national liberation.” According to media reports, the attacks have inflicted heavy human and material losses on Pakistani forces, several checkpoints have fallen, major military centers have been placed under siege, and a state of emergency has been declared in the area.
The question is why the Baloch are fighting the Pakistani military stationed there, and what narrative the Pakistani army and government present about this war? The answer to this question, and the reality of the issue, can be clearly found in the available evidence. The Baloch resistance is the product of the policies of the Pakistani army and state, of historical oppression, political deprivation, economic exploitation, and continuous military operations. This war is neither imported nor initiated at the behest of another country; rather, it is the actions of the Pakistani regime that have produced fighters from among the Baloch people. For decades, the Pakistani army has unleashed repression against the Baloch; hundreds of thousands of youths, tribal elders, women, and children have been killed; tens of thousands have been forcibly disappeared; and thousands more are enduring harsh days and nights under torture in prisons without any specific charges or known sentences.
The Pakistani army and state have deprived the Baloch of their basic rights to life, plundered their vast natural resources, and denied them employment, education, healthcare, and almost every other necessity. Thousands of soldiers have been stationed there, who on a daily basis kill civilians, demolish homes, steal money and valuables, and make life bitter for the people. This is not a matter of a week, a month, or a year; this process has been ongoing for decades. The Baloch who are fighting are defending themselves against these oppressions and crimes, defending their lives, property, homes, resources, dignity, and honor.
This is not the first time the Pakistani army has acted in this manner. It treated the Bengalis in the same way, and now, apart from a few favored groups, it has imposed the same conditions on other nations and communities. Bangladesh gained independence as a result of such crimes by Pakistan’s military regime. The Bengalis fought for their own lives, property, and dignity and made great sacrifices, not for any other country or nation. At the time, the Pakistani army and government accused them of fighting on behalf of other countries; the outcome is well known. The Bengalis achieved independence and established their own state; they did not become part of another country, nor was the claim proven that they were fighting for someone else. Unfortunately, the Pakistani regime and army did not learn from that episode and have continued the same repression against other nations, especially the Baloch. Either they will grant the Baloch their rights, or this situation will continue until the Baloch, like the people of Bangladesh, secure their lives, dignity, honor, and existence.
On the other hand, the Pakistani regime is trying to portray this war as a foreign-backed project. It claims that the violence in Balochistan is organized and supported by Afghanistan, sometimes placing the blame on India and at other times on Iran. However, this narrative is far from the truth and fundamentally flawed. The Baloch are fighting for their land, identity, and basic rights, and this struggle is a clear reflection of Pakistan’s internal crisis. Therefore, linking Afghanistan’s name to this war is an artificial interpretation with no purpose other than concealing the real problem. It is an unfounded attempt by the Pakistani side to shift the blame for its security and political failures onto others. According to recent information, the Baloch leadership is itself present in Balochistan and is closely overseeing and organizing the course of the fighting from there. Invoking Afghanistan’s name is used solely for political pressure and propaganda campaigns.
The Pakistani army and regime employ all this propaganda to mislead public opinion and conceal their failures. However, the Pakistani nation, political figures, and the rest of the world should view and accept these realities with open eyes. The blame should neither be placed on Afghanistan nor on any other external party; rather, attention should be directed toward Pakistan’s own mistakes, oppression, and crimes.
Note: The articles, essays, and comments published by the Voice of Hindukush only reflect the views of the authors & writers and do not necessarily represent the agreement of the Voice of Hindukush.