On the unrest in the Balochistan region

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

In the past few weeks, Balochistan, in Pakistan, has witnessed large-scale protests demanding greater rights.

About Balochistan:

Balochistan is a region with a distinct cultural and historical identity that is now divided between three countries mainly Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.
In Pakistan, Balochistan is the biggest of its four provinces.
Though rich in minerals, Balochistan is one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped regions.

About the protests:

Baloch people are protesting against the Pakistan government’s alleged highhandedness, forced disappearances and human rights violations.
In a country with many restrictions on women’s rights, the demonstrations in Balochistan have witnessed a proactive participation from women.

Causes of the unrest

Historical reasons:

In 1947, Kingdom of Balochistan chose to remain independent. However, due to pressure from Pakistan, signed accession to Pakistan in 1948.
Additionally, in 1955, the One Unit scheme centralized power. Despite its abolishment in 1970, central control persisted.
The lack of provincial autonomy aggravated the discontent in Balochistan, which often became the site of multiple insurgencies and protests.

Economic Issues:

Balochistan with its significant mineral resources, such as copper, gold, coal, and natural gas continues to be one of the most backward regions in Pakistan.
The exploitation of these resources has not resulted in substantive economic benefits for the local population.
The region contributes 5% of Pakistan’s GDP but faces high poverty and underdevelopment despite its resources.

Counter-Insurgency operations:

The security forces, as a part of their counter-insurgency operations, reportedly resort to enforced disappearances.
Quite often, this has ended in extra-judicial killings and fake encounters.

Chinese Involvement:

China is a key player in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
A Chinese firm has taken the Gwadar port on a 40-year lease and is involved in constructing and operating it.
This has raised concerns about potential militarization and impact on local livelihoods.
Chinese trawlers’ presence has led to protests from local fishermen.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):

CPEC is part of China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative.
The CPEC begins from Kashgar in Xinjiang province of China, traverses through the length of Pakistan and ends in
Several other road, rail and power projects are associated with the corridor and seeks to expand and upgrade infrastructure across the length and breadth of Pakistan.
The initiative aims to widen and deepen economic ties with its “all-weather friend”