Session 8-- Does government is losing legitimacy over Baluchistan?

Baluchistan is geographically a biggest province of Pakistan, which is rich in natural resources like natural gas and coal. The population is comprise of several ethnic groups which arises several conflicts and questioned the legitimacy of government.

Baluchistan nationalism movement is gaining popularity among Baluchis and they are demanding greater provincial autonomy with larger chunk of natural resources royalties. In fact, Baluchi Natioanl Front is demanding complete freedom from Pakistan.

Secondly, Baluchi Liberation Army is involved in several terrorist activities. They demolished the Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s residency in 2013. The militants also removed the Pakistani flag and replaced it with BLA flag, claiming it to be their property. Moreover, they also attacked General Pervaiz Mushraff, chief of army staff, for being involved in destabilizing the Baluchistan.   

Furthermore, there were also conflicts between the Pakistan army and Baluchi leaders. Most famous one is the killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in 2006. He presented the 15 point agenda in 2005, which demands moratorium on construction of military bases and greater provincial autonomy. This killing filled the Baluchis with anger and leads to several riots between Baluchi activists and Pakistan army.

Human rights are deteriorating in the province as well as there were cases of missing persons, religious extremism like Lashker-e-jhangvi activities. Moreover, there are also several Shia-Sunni genocide which questioned the authority of government over Baluchistan.