Forced migration

A fleeting glance at the number of fatalities in Balochistan instantly tells about the severity of instability and uprising in the province. Since 2006, civilian deaths amidst the adverse law and order situation in Balochistan have been increased massively, which include a majority of settlers. The situation has brought them at the crossroads where they must choose between sacrificing their lives and relocating from the province. Settlers continue to be oppressed with the ongoing guerrilla and the counter-insurgency warfare. The population of Balochistan comprises not only the locals but also people with Punjabi, Urdu speaking and other backgrounds. Pushtun and Hazara communities form a large segment of the population as Balochistan shares borders of about 625 miles with Afghanistan to its northwest and of about 475 miles with Iran to its west. Although as a consequence, the plight of the settlers alone is a huge challenge for the country. Conflict is not new to this part of the country in fact it predates the countrys independence. But the situation has become grave for settlers in the past decade as attacks against them have shot up. Development of the least developed province is at a standstill, despite cosmetic developments introduced by successive governments. Target killings and terrorist attacks are now cascading down from targeting government and military to doctors, teachers and other common civilians. The rising nationalist and separatist activities as a result of lack of interest of the Federal Government whether today or 60 years ago have become the primary reason of distress to civilians. There is a forced out flux of people necessitated by threats received through phone calls, pamphlets, letters, circulars and videos. Where the local operations, especially media have been facing constant threats from the insurgency in Balochistan, foreign investors are also being driven away with no intention to come back. The already crippled educational system has gone down to rubble as professionals are forced to leave the province. The quality of education has plummeted and settlers who continue to reside are sending their children away for studies. This much wanted yet forced displacement of people is also obvious from the selling of property way below market value. There have been instances where settlers have been offered only 40 percent of the market value, by opportunistic buyers, looking to cash in on the exodus. The past three years have brought new promises, not roads and infrastructure to the province, while the security situation remains dismal. Lack of developmental activities topped with life threatening environment leaves no incentive for the settlers to stay back. Still many continue to test their luck with fear and terror looming over their heads.