Balochistan on the Brink: Armed Militants Seize Checkposts and Independence Calls Surge

On May 12, tensions surged in Pakistan’s Balochistan region as armed militants seized key security checkposts in Kachhi district and set up blockades in Rarhsham area of Barkhan. Military operations are underway to quell the violence, with over 40 military vehicles and a significant troop presence observed in affected regions. The Balochistan Post reported that these militant actions are part of the ongoing insurgency led by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group.

The Pakistani government’s response has been criticized by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who has raised concerns about the fading authority of the state in Balochistan. In an interview, he noted that the region’s state presence is rapidly diminishing. “After dark, the state’s presence on the ground virtually disappears,” said Abbasi, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Human Rights Violations and Enforced Disappearances

Human rights groups like Human Rights Watch have condemned the widespread disappearances and torture in the region. In April 2024 alone, there were reports of 23 enforced disappearances, including student journalists and aid workers. These disappearances are part of a larger pattern of state-sponsored violence against activists and civilians, according to local reports.

Calls for Independence and International Intervention

As the violence escalates, calls for Balochistan’s independence have gained momentum. Writer Mir Yar Baloch, on May 9, made an impassioned appeal for international intervention and support for Balochistan’s independence. His demands include the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces and the removal of the Pakistani military from the region. The Baloch Liberation Army has also intensified its operations, launching Operation Herof with over 71 attacks across 51 locations.

The Struggle for Resources and Autonomy

Balochistan is rich in mineral resources but remains Pakistan’s most underdeveloped region. Its strategic importance has led to repeated clashes between Baloch separatists and the Pakistani military, which continues to deny the calls for independence. As the situation worsens, analysts warn that the region could become an unmanageable hotspot of unrest in the region.

For more on Pakistan’s counterinsurgency tactics, see our article on Operation Sindoor: Strategic Military Insights.