Why the Baloch Remain Trapped in Tribalism — Even in 2025 – Hani Askani

Written by : Hani Askani

It’s the year 2025, but in many parts of Balochistan, society continues to function under a tribal system that belongs to the Stone Age. Despite the world moving forward with technology, education, and human rights, the Baloch nation is still caught between modern realities and an outdated structure that refuses to let go. The most tragic part is that the people themselves, especially in tribal areas, are still loyal to a system that continues to oppress them.

Not all Baloch are tribal. In fact, nearly half of the Baloch population, particularly those in cities and coastal areas, have moved beyond tribalism and live more independently. But in areas like Central Balochistan and the Koh-e-Suleiman region, tribalism still dominates everything from leadership to justice, marriage, movement, and even thought. People are not just influenced by their sardars (tribal chiefs), they are controlled by them.

This control comes at a heavy cost. These areas suffer from a serious lack of education, high poverty, and backward practices like honour killings. Women, in particular, are the worst affected. They are often denied basic rights and are used as tools in tribal feuds and power plays. The tribal structure is not just a social system it’s a wall that blocks the entire community from progressing.

A shocking example of tribal cruelty was seen in the Barkhan incident, where Abdul Rehman Khetran, a powerful tribal leader and government minister, was accused of keeping people including women , locked up and eventually having them killed. This is not a rare case. Many such crimes happen in tribal areas but are never reported because the people are too afraid to speak against their sardars.

What’s worse is that this system of oppression is not forced only by leaders many ordinary Baloch continue to accept and defend it. Even when they are hungry, uneducated, or abused, they remain silent or loyal. This isn’t just fear. It’s also due to generations of mental conditioning, where the sardar is seen as the ultimate authority even above the law, the state, and sometimes even religion.

Historically, this loyalty has been misused. During British rule, many Baloch sardars sided with the colonizers, helping them maintain control in return for power. Today, the same sardars work closely with Pakistan’s military establishment. They serve as middlemen, keeping their people under control while enjoying political and financial benefits for themselves. They are no longer just tribal leaders they have become tools of the state.

And yet, despite all this, many Baloch still do not want to break free from tribalism. They continue to support sardars who have done nothing for their communities. They still fear speaking against them. This blind loyalty is the biggest obstacle in Baloch society’s journey toward freedom, justice, and modern life.

Yes, respecting culture and tradition is important. But tribalism in today’s world is not culture it is a weapon that delays progress. It prevents democracy, human rights, and equality. It gives space for crimes, injustice, and exploitation.

The world has moved on. Societies everywhere are changing with access to education, information, and global awareness. But in large parts of Balochistan, the mindset is still stuck in the past.

Until the Baloch people themselves reject this outdated system until they say “no more” to the sardars who exploit them nothing will change. No government, no foreign power, and no leader can bring real progress unless the people rise for it themselves.

Balochistan deserves better. The people deserve better. But they must first want better and be brave enough to break the chains of tribalism once and for all.