Is Pakistan mishandling the Baloch crisis? Well, it seems that Pakistan is mishandling the crisis. For several years, the Baloch population is demanding equal treatment of their people. They are asking for equal rights; equal to that of other Pakistanis in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. They ask for the missing persons. They seek social, political and legal rights from the State of Pakistan. And historically, Pakistan has simply blamed the anti State elements for these protests. And while doing so, they have taken illegal steps of banning, forcing and mishandling the common people of Balochistan.

We must remember that it is not a new demand. Previously, several Baloch leaders have come out in support of rights of Baloch people. These include national figures, senior politicians and local leaders. There were marches from Balochistan towards Islamabad with a hope that the government officials will listen to their demands. However, it has always been a similar story. They would always blame the Baloch nationals of being a traitor. They hardly see their own response.

Now let’s come to the situation on ground. There is no doubt that Pakistani government is trying hard to develop Balochistan on the lines of other provinces. In fact, the funds for Balochistan are more on average when we see the funds for provinces. Yet, these funds end up in the pockets of local feudals. Thus, the Baloch citizens cannot avail the benefits of increasing funds for their region. Similarly, there is continuous demand for the rights of Baloch people everywhere in the country. However, the same citizens of Pakistan aren’t safe in Balochistan. Moreover, there are several anti State elements in Balochistan who are active against Pakistan.

Thus, it requires a comprehensive approach to handle the situation.

What is the Current Crisis of Balochistan?

The current crisis of Balochistan is one of the old problems that exist in the region. It is about the resources, the youth bulge, the lack of opportunities and the foremost of the missing persons.

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This crisis exists for several years. However, there isn’t any clear way out with any government in Pakistan. In fact, every government stands with the State’s authority and the opposition stands with the Baloch oppressed people.

Is Pakistan mishandling the Baloch crisis?

The simple answer is Yes. By all means, using violence against the protesters isn’t a viable option come what may. There could have been a better approach to deal with the crisis. First and foremost, it requires an engagement with protesters. More specifically, the women are a weaker gender and it was very possible to engage with them, console them and come up with solutions in a unified manner.

Moreover, there is a need to create a discourse on the Balochistan crisis and find viable options that can end up in a long term solution to the crisis. Additionally, the State needs to adopt an approach of hand holding for the weaker segments instead of standing aside and aloof from the problems its population is facing.