Balochistan And The Melange Of Violence

This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the intricate security situation prevailing in Balochistan. It explores and establishes correlations between the internal structural vulnerabilities and fault lines of the Pakistani state with the external influences exerted on the region. Employing a rigorous examination of both primary and secondary data, the volume critically examines the multifaceted nature of organised violence in Balochistan. In addition to separatist movements, the presence of religious militancy and cross-border terrorism is thoroughly examined. The book delves into the external involvement of regional and global powers in the intricate tapestry of violence within Balochistan, thereby shedding light on the emerging geopolitical landscape and the corresponding power dynamics in the region. It also analyses how the implementation of largescale developmental initiatives, particularly facilitated by China under the auspices of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has elevated the geostrategic significance of Balochistan while simultaneously entangling it in the vortex of regional power politics. This volume will be of interest to scholars and researchers specializing in geopolitics, International Relations, and South Asian studies.

"This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the intricate security situation prevailing in Balochistan. It explores and establishes correlations between the internal structural vulnerabilities and fault lines of the Pakistani state with the external influences exerted on the region. Employing a rigorous examination of both primary and secondary data, the volume critically examines the multifaceted nature of organised violence in Balochistan. In addition to separatist movements, the presence of religious militancy and cross-border terrorism is thoroughly examined. The book delves into the external involvement of regional and global powers in the intricate tapestry of violence within Balochistan, thereby shedding light on the emerging geopolitical landscape and the corresponding power dynamics in the region. It also analyses how the implementation of large-scale developmental initiatives, particularly facilitated by China under the auspices of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has elevated the geostrategic significance of Balochistan while simultaneously entangling it in the vortex of regional power politics. This volume will be of interest scholars and researchers specializing in geopolitics, International Relations, and South Asian studies"--

This book critically examines the causes of the increase in insurgent violence in Balochistan and explores the relations between the national government of Pakistan and the province of Balochistan. Based on historical analysis, the book argues that the national government of Pakistan and the leaders of Balochistan both use a standard narrative when dealing with each other. According to the Baloch narrative, Islamabad exploits Balochistan’s natural resources without giving Balochistan its due share and has never accepted and granted Balochistan equal rights. The centre’s narrative emphasizes the tribal character of the Baloch society and suggests that the Baloch elite hinder Balochistan’s integration with the federation. This book demonstrates that both narratives are inherently flawed and presents a precipitous picture of the problem of insurgent violence. It also shows that the Baloch leadership is divided along tribal lines and lacks a unified voice and proposes that the Baloch elite use the narrative of enduring injustice only as a source of politicization of Baloch ethnicity when an actual or perceived injustice is taking place. An important addition to the literature on ethno-political conflicts, this unique analysis of the importance of narrative in the imagination of political movements will be of interest to scholars in the fields of South Asian studies, ethnic conflicts, separatist and political movements and Asian politics.

Balochistan has posed serious threats to Pakistan's internal security and stability. Plagued by a number of insurgent, religious extremist and sectarian groups, the security landscape of Balochistan has become exceedingly complex over the last few years. The federal government has taken a number of steps in recent years. However, Baloch nationalists and insurgents continue to dismiss the government's overtures, calling them nothing more than deception and a continuation of policies of former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf. This book explores the different perspectives of Balochistan's conflict, along with the possible solutions.

"Teachers, professors, and school administrators in Pakistan's Balochistan province have found their lives increasingly under threat from three distinct violent conflicts. Militant Baloch nationalist groups seeking separation or autonomy for Balochistan target Punjabis and other minorities. Militant Sunni Muslim groups attack members of the Shia community. And Islamist armed groups have conducted attacks on those who act contrary to their interpretation of Islam. Between January 2008 and July 2010, suspected militant groups targeted and killed at least 22 teachers and other education personnel in Pakistan's western Balochistan province. Although these 'targeted killings' have been directed at individuals from all professions, education establishments, personnel, and students--particularly ethnic Punjabis--have been disproportionately targeted because militants view them as representatives of the Pakistani state, and symbols of perceived Punjabi military oppression of Balochistan. Militants have also attacked, threatened, or bombed schools, damaging property, killing and wounding students, and severely curtailing the education of Balochistan's youth. Fearing for their safety, many teachers have sought transfers out of the province. This report--based on interviews with teachers, students, victims' families and friends, government officials, journalists, and local and international organizations in Balochistan--documents and describes these attacks and their consequences. Killing people who have devoted their lives to teaching undercuts educational opportunities in a province that is already struggling to educate its populace and achieve greater development. 'Their Future is at Stake' calls on armed groups in Balochistan to immediately cease all attacks against education personnel, other civilians, and schools. It also calls on the provincial government of Balochistan to bring attackers to justice and to take measures to prevent attacks and mitigate their impact."--P. [4] of cover.

`Excellent and compelling' - Partha Chatterjee, University of Columbia `A provocative, passionate and stimulating new interpretation of ethnic nationalism' - Dipesh Chakrabarty, University of Chicago `A significant study that informs us of the politics and group interests in one of the most volatile regions of the world' - Stephen Castles, Oxford University `Very interesting intellectual and political ideas - refreshing' - Gyan Pandey, Johns Hopkins University `An informed and lucid work that demystifies the politics of nationalism' - Howard Brasted, University of New England A major challenge Pakistan has been confronted with since it came into existence is the self-assertion of various ethnic groups, which have actively contested the legitimacy of the state structure. However, despite the seriousness of this ethnic challenge, there exists no detailed study of these movements, Politics of Identity fills this vacuum. Ethnic nationalism, the author argues, is a political issue and is essentially a struggle for power between dominant and non-dominant groups. Highlighting the role the state plays in the lives of individuals, the book: - studies both the pre-colonial and colonial state system in India and the changes it effected until India's independence and the creation of Pakistan; - assesses the state in Pakistan and explains its role in giving rise to ethnic discontent; - studies four ethnic movements - Pukhtun, Baloch, Sindhi and Mohajir - demonstrating how their proximity to or distance from state power have influenced their politics.