The way forward for Balochistan

EDITORIAL: National Party President and former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that the conflict in his province was political in nature and could only be resolved through political means, merit serious consideration. They underline an important fact about the situation in Baluchistan: a conflict rooted in political, economic and administrative grievances cannot be resolved through force alone.

At the same time, political dialogue must not be mistaken for weakness or an abdication of the state’s responsibility to protect its citizens. The need, therefore, is for a balanced policy that addresses the Baloch people’s legitimate grievances through democratic means while firmly confronting those who use violence to achieve their criminal ends.

Dialogue must remain an important part of the solution. Decades of political alienation, economic inequality, inadequate representation and concerns over constitutional rights cannot simply be wished away. If sections of the population feel excluded from political decision-making or denied a fair share of economic opportunities, their grievances deserve to be heard and addressed within the constitutional framework.

The 17-point agenda presented by the National Party, along with similar proposals from other political stakeholders, should therefore be considered seriously. Political engagement is particularly important because democratic institutions and peaceful political workers provide a genuine alternative to violence.

The continued participation of Baloch political parties in parliamentary politics demonstrates that influential voices still seek change through constitutional and democratic means.

The state should strengthen these voices by creating space for meaningful political dialogue, ensuring fair representation and addressing legitimate socioeconomic concerns. This requires sustained engagement and a willingness to address longstanding grievances through credible institutions. Without such an effort, alienation of the Baloch people will only deepen and the space for peaceful politics will shrink further.

At the same time, there can be no ambiguity about terrorism. Armed groups that deliberately attack civilians, target security personnel, destroy public infrastructure or terrorise communities must be dealt with firmly.

Where militants resort to violence, effective and proportionate use of force is necessary to prevent further loss of life. There can be no political justification for deliberately killing civilians or using violence to impose political demands.

The challenge, therefore, is to distinguish clearly between political dissent and terrorism. A citizen demanding greater provincial autonomy, economic justice or political representation cannot be equated with someone who deliberately takes innocent lives.

Treating every expression of political discontent as a security threat can increase estrangement; equally, allowing violence to be portrayed as genuine political dissent can endanger citizens and undermine the state. Pakistan needs both approaches simultaneously: dialogue with those willing to pursue their objectives peacefully, and decisive action against those who choose terrorism.

Political reconciliation must go hand in hand with stronger civilian institutions, transparent governance, economic development and constitutional rights.

The people of Balochistan deserve peace, dignity and equal citizenship, just as every Pakistani has the right to live without fear of violence.

A durable settlement will require political courage, patience, and a sustained dialogue. It will also require the state to make clear that peaceful politics can provide a meaningful avenue for resolving grievances, while those who deliberately target innocent people will face severe consequences. Neither force nor dialogue, in isolation, can help resolve the crisis.

The more credible path forward lies in political reconciliation backed by firm and lawful action against terrorism.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026