Here’s the rewritten content in English:
The southwestern province of Balochistan remains one of Pakistan’s most significant security challenges, grappling with a decades-long armed rebellion seeking independence for its mineral-rich region. The latest incident in this cycle of violence involved the hijacking of a train by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the most prominent rebel group active in the region bordering Iran and Afghanistan.
On the afternoon of March 11, armed attackers destroyed railway tracks to halt the Jaffar Express, which was on a 30-hour journey from Quetta to Peshawar with over 400 passengers onboard. It was Ramadan, and many civilians and officials were traveling home ahead of Eid. The train was forced to stop in a tunnel in a remote area, leading to an overnight gunfight between the rebels and security forces. There were fears that suicide bombers were guarding the hostages.
The rebels demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and civilians allegedly abducted by state forces, threatening to blow up the entire train if their demands were not met within 48 hours. The siege lasted less than 30 hours, with Pakistani forces killing 33 rebels and rescuing the hostages. However, at least 21 passengers and four security personnel lost their lives during the operation.
This hijacking marks a new chapter in the Baloch independence movement, which has persisted since Pakistan’s independence and its separation from a unified India. At the heart of the rebellion is a sense of betrayal by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who initially accepted the autonomy of one of the princely states that did not wish to merge with Pakistan.
Why Balochistan Seeks Freedom
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most sparsely populated province, has long aspired for independence. The British utilized the region as a base to protect their colonial interests against expansionist forces like Russia. However, facing strong resistance, they adopted a policy of non-interference in the 19th century, according to research from the University of Balochistan.
However, the situation changed after Pakistan pressured Baloch leaders to merge with them following India’s Partition. This did not sit well with the local population, fueling an even more aggressive campaign for an independent Balochistan.
Balochistan is largely arid but rich in minerals and resources. Areas like Reko Diq and Saindak in the Chaghi district contain significant gold and copper deposits, while the province also has iron ore, lead, zinc, and coal reserves. The Baloch accuse the government of exploiting these resources, which they believe belong to the indigenous population.
Several armed groups, including the BLA and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), are leading this resistance. The fallout has included targeted attacks on Pakistan’s security forces, establishments, and infrastructure, particularly projects funded by China, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China also manages the Gwadar port, a deep-water port central to CPEC.
The Baloch believe that instability will alarm the Chinese and pressure Pakistan into meeting their demands. A lack of local inclusion and resource exploitation has intensified their anger. The conflict has worsened in recent years due to allegations of human rights abuses, including forced disappearances of activists and civilians by state forces to suppress the movement.
Jinnah’s Betrayal
Balochistan was declared an independent state alongside India and Pakistan. The region comprises four former princely states: Kharan, Makaran, Las Bela, and Kalat. Before Partition, these states were given three options: join India, join Pakistan, or remain independent. Khan Mir Ahmed Yar Khan, the Khan of Kalat, chose independence, while the other three states joined Pakistan.
Historian Dushka H. Sayyid notes that Kalat never held the same strategic importance as Kashmir or Hyderabad, being on the periphery of the Indian subcontinent. Consequently, it was not a major focus in the contest between India and Pakistan over princely states during Partition.
Initially, Jinnah accepted Kalat’s independence, earning the Khan’s trust. However, the British believed it was too risky for Kalat to remain independent due to potential threats from expansionist regimes. They pressured Pakistan to bring Kalat under its control, prompting Jinnah to reverse his stance.
In October 1947, Jinnah urged the Khan to merge with Pakistan, but he refused. According to Taj Mohammad Breseeg’s book Baloch Nationalism: Its Origin and Development up to 1980, Pakistani authorities began a campaign to force the Khan to join Pakistan, including coercive measures.
On March 18, 1948, Jinnah announced the accession of Kharan, Makaran, and Las Bela to Pakistan, leaving Kalat landlocked and significantly reduced in size. Fake news alleging the Khan wanted to join India further antagonized Pakistan. With no external support, the Baloch leader had no choice but to accede to Pakistan.
Rebellion Over the Years
The second rebellion erupted in 1954 when Pakistan introduced the One-Unit Plan to reorganize its provinces. The merger of Balochistan States Union with West Pakistan in 1955 deepened feelings of neglect and deprivation among the Baloch. In 1958, the Khan of Kalat, Nawab Nauroz Khan, declared independence but was deceived into surrendering in 1959.
In his book Inside Baluchistan, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan Baluch recounted the military action: "I gave myself up to the army, which paraded me through the streets of Kalat. I saw several of my men fall dead from indiscriminate army fire… I shut my eyes in agony and knew nothing until I found myself in Lahore jail."
The third rebellion began in 1963, led by Sher Muhammad Bijrani Marri (General Sherof), who demanded the withdrawal of Pakistani troops, the cancellation of the One-Unit Plan, and the restoration of Balochistan as a unified province. The rebellion ended in 1969 when General Yahya Khan replaced Field Marshal Ayub Khan and signed a truce. A year later, the One-Unit Plan was abolished, and Balochistan became one of Pakistan’s four provinces.
The Impact of Bangladesh’s Independence
In the 1970s, the Baloch were inspired by Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan and demanded greater autonomy. However, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto refused, leading to massive protests and the dismissal of the Akbar Khan Bugti provincial government in 1973.
Pakistan launched a large-scale military operation to quell the protests, sparking an armed uprising that saw thousands of tribesmen fighting Pakistani troops for four years. The conflict ended when Bhutto was overthrown by General Zia-ul-Haq. The Baloch were granted amnesty, and Pakistani troops withdrew from the region.
The fifth conflict began in the mid-2000s, triggered by the alleged rape of a female doctor by military personnel in a Baloch town. The conflict has intensified in recent years, with deadly attacks on security personnel and infrastructure projects. However, the Pakistani government has shown no willingness to meet the Baloch demands.
The struggle for Baloch independence continues.
This rewritten version maintains the original meaning and details while improving readability and flow.
Stay updated with the latest news by visiting ZTC News and Z News Today. For more information and updates, don’t forget to check out these trusted sources!