Parallels in Reprisal: China in Xinjiang and Pakistan in Balochistan
Balochistan, despite its wealth of natural resources, remains one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped regions. The local population often feels marginalized and does not see the benefits of the resources extracted from their land. The region has been a hotspot for conflict, with numerous military operations resulting in significant casualties and extensive destruction.
Baloch people have expressed strong concerns about Chinese investments, particularly those related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Activists argue that the local population does not benefit from these projects and that resources are being exploited without adequate compensation to the region. Large-scale infrastructure projects have raised issues related to environmental degradation and the displacement of local communities. The increased military presence to protect CPEC projects has led to heightened tensions and allegations of human rights abuses against the Baloch people. There is a fear among the Baloch that the influx of external workers and investments could erode their culture and way of life, fueling ongoing opposition to CPEC in Balochistan.
The Pakistani government has employed aggressive tactics to suppress Baloch rights movements. Military operations in Balochistan have led to significant civilian casualties, further fueling resentment. Reports of enforced disappearances, where individuals are taken by security forces without due process, are widespread. Many of these individuals are never seen again, leading to accusations of extrajudicial killings. The practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, dating back to the 1970s, has intensified since the early 2000s, with thousands of people reported missing. Families often remain unaware of the whereabouts of their loved ones, with many cases remaining unresolved. Some bodies of missing persons have been found mutilated, indicating torture and extrajudicial killings.
Peaceful protests by Baloch activists have frequently been met with violent crackdowns by security forces. For example, in November 2023, young Baloch rights activists were reportedly harassed and denied their right to peaceful assembly during a march from Turbat to Islamabad. Journalists and social activists reporting on the situation in Balochistan face abductions and threats, aiming to silence their voices.
The situation in Balochistan has drawn international attention, with various human rights organizations calling for investigations into the alleged abuses and for greater autonomy for the Baloch people. These organizations have documented cases of extrajudicial killings, where individuals are killed without legal proceedings. The heavy military presence and ongoing conflict have severely impacted the local economy and social fabric.
The Pakistani government generally denies allegations of human rights violations in Balochistan, framing its actions as necessary measures to combat terrorism and maintain national security. The government argues that military operations target insurgents and militants, not civilians, and highlights various development projects and investments in Balochistan, such as those under the CPEC, as evidence of their commitment to the region’s progress.
Advocacy groups like the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) have been vocal in demanding justice and accountability. VBMP claims that around 18,000 Baloch people have gone missing over the years, with approximately 1,000 reportedly extrajudicially killed. The organization alleges that Pakistan’s security agencies, including the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and intelligence agencies like Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI), are responsible for these disappearances.
Organizations like Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have called for investigations into these disappearances and for the Pakistani government to address the grievances of the Baloch people. However, the government denies reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, labeling them as propaganda by separatist groups or foreign entities. The government occasionally points to legal and political reforms aimed at addressing grievances, such as increased provincial autonomy under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan.
The suppression of civil liberties in Balochistan remains a significant concern, marked by various repressive measures. Peaceful protests are often met with violence and mass arrests by security forces. During the recent Baloch Raji Machi protests, at least three protesters were reportedly killed, with many others injured or detained. Pakistani authorities frequently impose roadblocks and shut down internet and mobile networks in Balochistan, restricting movement and the flow of information. Activists and protest organizers are often detained without due process, with notable figures like Sammi Deen Baloch, Sabghatullah Shah, and Dr. Sabiha Baloch being detained, their whereabouts unknown. Many Baloch people feel unable to express their political views or participate in protests without fear of reprisal.
Surveillance of the Baloch people by Pakistani authorities is a significant aspect of the broader conflict in Balochistan. The Pakistani military and intelligence agencies, such as ISI and MI, are reported to conduct extensive surveillance of Baloch activists, politicians, and ordinary citizens. Reports indicate the use of advanced surveillance technologies, including phone tapping, internet monitoring, and the deployment of drones to track movements and communications. Numerous military checkpoints and patrols across Balochistan allow for constant monitoring of the local population, often leading to harassment and arbitrary detentions. The heavy surveillance has a chilling effect on freedom of speech and assembly.
There are several parallels between Pakistan’s approach in Balochistan and China’s tactics in regions like Xinjiang. Both countries have been reported to use extensive surveillance to monitor and control the local population. Pakistan’s tactics in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, are comparable to similar methods in Xinjiang. In both regions, large-scale economic projects have been used as a means to integrate and control restive areas. In Balochistan, Pakistan highlights Chinese investment in infrastructure projects under CPEC as a major development initiative, despite concerns over its impact on the local Baloch population.
China has also been reported to support Pakistan in its mission to suppress dissent in Balochistan. International awareness and support can play a crucial role in addressing such issues. Just as global attention has been drawn to the plight of the Uighurs, raising awareness about the Baloch cause could help in seeking justice and better living conditions for the Baloch people.
Media coverage, academic research, and public discussions can help bring attention to the issues faced by the Baloch people. Governments and international organizations can use diplomatic channels to urge the Pakistani government to address the grievances of the Baloch people. This can include calls for human rights investigations and fair treatment. International human rights organizations must document and report abuses, providing a platform for Baloch voices and lobbying for international sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations.
Supporting the Baloch cause requires a multifaceted approach, combining advocacy, diplomacy, and direct support to address both immediate and long-term needs.
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