Pakistani Opposition Leader raises concerns over security in Balochistan

Khaama Press - During a recent session of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), expressed concern that Pakistan’s authority in Balochistan is weakening.

He drew a comparison to the events of 1971, when the Bangladesh Liberation War resulted in the separation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh on December 16 of that year. Rehman suggested that several districts in Balochistan—potentially five to seven—could be at risk of breaking away from Pakistan. He added that, in such a scenario, the international community, including the United Nations, might recognize these areas as independent. This view contrasts with official statements from the Pakistani government, which maintains that Balochistan remains stable and secure. Rehman also noted that armed groups in the province appear to be gaining influence, while state control is diminishing.

Rehman has repeatedly highlighted deteriorating security conditions in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Historically, he has supported military-led security measures in Balochistan, though he now questions their effectiveness. Recent violence underscores his concerns: last week, four security personnel were killed and eight injured in attacks on Frontier Corps and Levies’ checkpoints in Kalat and Kech districts within a 24-hour period. On February 1, 2025, clashes in Harnai and Kalat districts resulted in the deaths of 18 Pakistani soldiers and 23 individuals described by authorities as “terrorists” during security operations.

Security operations in Balochistan have reportedly intensified, partly due to pressure from China, a key partner in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, including the Gwadar Port. However, Rehman argued that state authority remains weak in parts of Balochistan and southern KP, citing deserted police checkpoints and the presence of armed groups in some areas. The annual “Pakistan Security Report” for 2024, published by a local think tank, supports these observations, documenting a significant rise in terrorist attacks across Pakistan. The report indicates that over 95 percent of such incidents occurred in KP and Balochistan, with Balochistan seeing an 84 percent increase in attacks compared to 2023. It recorded 202 incidents in the province, resulting in 322 deaths and 534 injuries. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was linked to 225 fatalities in 2024, according to the report.

Rehman has criticized what he describes as unilateral governance by Pakistan’s military in these regions, warning that public discontent could fuel further instability. He stated, “If the Baloch were to declare separation today, people might support them,” reflecting his assessment of local sentiment. His party, JUI-F, has itself faced attacks from militant groups, including a July 2023 suicide bombing by the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) at a political rally in KP, which killed 44 people and injured nearly 200.

Data from the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) indicates that Pakistan experienced over 1,600 deaths of civilians and security personnel due to terrorist attacks in 2024, including approximately 250 security force fatalities in Balochistan alone. Violence in the province reportedly surged following the launch of Operation Azm-i-Ishtekam (Resolve for Stability) in June 2024, a counterterrorism initiative supported by China.

Local grievances in Balochistan have been linked to the growing presence of security forces and Chinese personnel involved in CPEC projects, as well as allegations of political mismanagement. The current Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, assumed office following elections in 2024 that some critics claim were marred by irregularities. His administration has faced accusations of stifling dissent, though no official response has been provided to these claims. Rehman has called for dialogue between the government and residents of Balochistan and KP to address security and governance concerns, noting that armed groups are increasingly active in rural and urban areas.

Rehman also cautioned that ongoing instability could halt development initiatives, including CPEC projects, across a region stretching from Dera Ismail Khan to Balochistan. He urged Pakistan’s parliament in September 2024 to engage with local communities to prevent further escalation. The military has not publicly responded to Rehman’s statements, though it continues to conduct operations aimed at curbing militancy in the province.

If these security challenges persist, analysts suggest Pakistan could face significant territorial and political difficulties in the coming years, though the situation remains fluid and subject to ongoing developments.