Struggle for Independence – Naseer Baloch
Military operation in Mach, Bolan enters fourth day, disrupting local life
The Pakistani security forces have reportedly cordoned off multiple areas of Balochitan’s Mach, Bolan and their environs, as a large-scale military operation in the region enters its fourth day. The ground troops, assisted by gunship
Quetta: BLA claims responsibility for attack on police that killed 4, injured 18
In a deadly incident that occurred on Monday, at least four people, including two police officers, were killed and 18 others were left injured in an explosion in Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. The
Rampant street crimes leave residents of Khuzdar in fear and helplessness
The city of Khuzdar has become a hub of criminal activities, with reports indicating that street criminals, snatchers, and thieves are rampant in the area. The situation has left the residents of Khuzdar living in
Balochistan: two men killed in firing incidents
At least two persons were reportedly killed in two separate firing incidents in Balochistan on Friday. According to reports, unidentified armed men entered a house in the Dera Murad Jamali area of Balochistan and shot
Resident of Kech district disappears in Karachi raid
A man from Kech district, Balochistan, has reportedly disappeared in Karachi after Pakistani forces allegedly detained him and his two sons during a raid on their house in Goth Mallir. According to sources, the man’s
Balochistan’s captivating images; A lifeline for ailing photographer
For 14 years, Kamanchar Baloch has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of Balochistan’s culture, stunning landscapes, and the plight of its impoverished residents. Born in Tehsil Mand, Balochistan, on November 25, 1998, Kamanchar has
BSO-Azad concludes 23rd Council Session; Drapshan Baloch elected chairman
The Baloch Students Organization Azad (BSO-Azad) released the highlights of the 23rd Central Council Session. BSO-Azad announced in the media that it wrapped up its 23rd Central Council session, a three-day event held in memory
Quetta: Security forces bring 3 dead bodies to a hospital
Pakistani forces reportedly shifted three dead bodies to a hospital in Balochistan’s capital Quetta on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces shifted the dead bodies of three men to the civil hospital Quetta — where
Enforced disappearances continue; Another goes ‘missing’ in Panjgur
Another Baloch man went missing from the Panjgur district of Balochistan on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces have allegedly disappeared a man after his arrest from the Parom area of the district. The detainee
Writer: Naseer Baloch
Balochistan’s history since its occupation by Pakistan in 1948 has been marked by a persistent struggle for self-determination and independence. The region holds immense significance for Pakistan, constituting 44% of its landmass and possessing abundant mineral resources like gold, silver, copper, and uranium.
There’s a saying in Baloch culture: “A Baloch child may be born without socks but when he grows up, each step he takes is on gold”. This speaks to the region’s wealth, particularly in natural resources. The discovery of natural gas in Sui during the 1950s further strengthened Pakistan’s economic position, with the gas reserves alone saving the nation approximately $500 billion due to its lack of alternative energy sources.
Balochistan’s strategic location and rich resources have attracted the interest of various imperial powers throughout history. Selig Harrison highlighted this, mentioning the importance of Balochistan due to its oil, gas, uranium, and other minerals. Its strategic significance is evident not just historically but also in the present day.
The story of Balochistan’s struggle for autonomy intertwines with historical events. During the first Afghan war in the 19th century, Britain established buffer zones, with Balochistan playing a crucial role due to its access to landlocked Afghanistan. The strategic advantage this provided was essential for securing British interests in Asia.
Balochistan’s geographic placement, encompassing two-thirds of Pakistan’s coastal line and hosting the Gwadar deep seaport, is pivotal. Gwadar’s location at the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in the Indian Ocean for oil transportation to the West, China, and Japan, further underlines Balochistan’s global significance.
The narrative of Pakistan’s occupation of Balochistan dates back to the time of Nawab Mehrab Khan in 1839 when it was used as a buffer to safeguard British interests in India. Despite this, there was a steadfast refusal to accept subjugation, with leaders like Mehrab Khan fighting bravely against British forces.
The post-World War II era saw the end of many colonial regimes. In the case of India, Muhammad Ali Jinnah advocated for the creation of a separate Muslim nation, leading to the formation of Pakistan. Balochistan was recognized as a separate and independent state by Britain before leaving India in 1947.
However, the attempt to merge Balochistan into Pakistan was met with resistance. Despite efforts to force annexation in March 1948, the Baloch people continued their struggle for sovereignty, a battle that persists to this day.
The words of Ghaus Baksh Bezinjo echo the sentiment of the Baloch people—a desire for sovereignty and independence. The Baloch are determined to secure their freedom and will continue their fight until their right to self-determination is recognized.
