Tilak Devasher, a former Indian civil servant with years of experience, examined Pakistan’s internal and external affairs through his various articles and books, including “Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum” – a book composed of six sections and eighteen chapters. The word “Conundrum” in the title refers to a confusing or difficult problem/question, seemingly with an impossible solution. The book, as a whole, gives a deep comprehension, and tells a commanding story, about the struggles taking place in Balochistan – under the state of Pakistan.
Balochistan, the largest but ‘least populated’ region in the country, has adroit instability in terms of economic development and political representation. The first section of the book deals with Balochistan’s geography, history, religion and culture. While the other two sections are with regards to the manipulation of the terrain and its inhabitants from pre-partition to post-independence eras – the legitimacy of Balochistan that Khan of Kalat was forced to choose Pakistan when Britain left. The author also discusses the exploitations of the natural resources, socio-economic and political domains of Balochistan and how its political and economic situations are affected.
The fourth section mentions regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major project between the two countries facing various internal and external challenges.
In the fifth section, the author considers the violations of human rights in Balochistan very severe over years as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of the indigenous people.
In the sixth section, current insurgency, the role of army and the response of government to these challenges are highlighted.
Balochistan covers nearly half of the country’s land area, yet it is ‘scantily populated’ comprising only about ‘6% of Pakistan’s total population’. The region’s diplomatic importance is emphasized by vast natural resources and geopolitical significance, including the Baloch Sea. Religiously, majority of the residents practice Islam, which plays a central role in their daily life plus cultural implementations. Culturally, the Baloch are known for their traditions of hospitality, music, dance, and a strong code of honor.
Though it is rich in natural resources where natural gas, minerals and coal are discovered, yet it remains one of the poorest regions in terms of education or health facilities. Natural gas was discovered in Sui of Dera Bugti (Balochistan) in 1952 and Balochistan was almost the sole provider of gas to the country, but most parts of the region still lack access to this energy resource. The affluence generated from these resources benefits the central government and other provinces, particularly Punjab, but not local people. Nevertheless, it is compressible that gas from Balochistan commenced an epoch in Pakistan’s industry plus the economy. It played a crucial role in building up various industries all over the country except for Balochistan itself. On the authority of Balochistan Budget White Paper 2015-2016, if gas from the region was not available, the country would have required to use oil instead which would cost at least three billion dollars per year.
To illustrate, CPEC, a notable project between China and Pakistan, includes roads, railways, energy projects and Gowadar port is meant to manipulate trade and economic growth but ill-luck would have it; local residents are deprived of enough benefits from these projects. It is considered that most profits go to outsiders instead of upgrading the lives of Baloch and economic benefits are not fairly shared.
The author considers that the government looks at the Baloch liberation movement as a security problem, not a political or economic issue, owing to which, it (government) has dilapidated harsh tactics like a firm military presence, violence and forced disappearances. Ultimately, these actions have only contributed to further strengthen the movement.
Another pressing issue, highlighted in the book, is the concern of the enforced disappearances, also termed as the missing persons. Manifold Baloch activists, political leaders and scholars have been abducted or killed by security forces and thousands are still missing.
The author also touches on the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, including the Baloch groups fighting for ‘separation’ and how government is operating these circumstances. The author believes that Baloch can no longer be convinced that peaceful political dialogues could be the remedy for their problems, hence, they choose the armed resistance.
In Pakistan, covering Balochistan’s story is the hardest task though. The central government should focalize on progressing all the regions equally, instead of mainly assisting already developed ones. The federal system is supposed to ensure uniformed evolution and services for all the units, but the country has failed to do this for Balochistan. Thus, Baloch feel like second-class citizens and firmly resist it.
This book, Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum, by Tilak is a must-read, specifically, for the students, scholars and policymakers as it provides historical and political perspectives of the Baloch issue, explains the grave human rights abuses of the Baloch and the exploitations of the indigenous people and their natural resources.
