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Sub-theme: Peace and Peoples' Rights

Panel 1: Human Security in South Asia

• Balochistan Crisis: A Regional Conflict Unfolding around the Suleiman Range

Balochistan Crisis: A Regional Conflict Unfolding around the Suleiman Range
Nizamuddin Nizamani*

A devastating crisis is unfolding around the Suleiman Range in Balochistan bordering two volatile countries: Afghanistan and Iran. Simmering since the very annexation of Balochistan with Pakistan, this is the fifth uprising and military action supported by air force.

Since December 2005, the conflict has resulted in major loss of life and collateral. The Government of Pakistan has confessed to having used air force and the death toll of 188 lives including 42 security personnel, 88 militants and 62 civilians including women and children and 400 injuries. They have arrested 4,000 persons. Out of these, only 200 have been produced before the courts.

On the other hand, nationalists claim that in more than 12 air raids, over 300 people have died, more than 600 arrested, about 1,000 are missing and about 280,000 have been displaced. They report that in the recent phase, 37 women have been killed and more than 80 injured.

Although the Government declared in December 2005 that the insurgency will be quelled in one month, it practically appears to have failed even after over seven months. On the contrary, militant activities appear to be on the rise in frequency and magnitude.

Time and again, the Government has claimed instigation and support from the bordering countries. Balochs being spread across the borders in Seistan in Iran and Helmand in Afghanistan, this conflict may spread across the borders. In addition the speculation is that India, China and the USA in Afghanistan competing for the Central Asian trade routes may get involved in this conflict.

The paper will take into account the various unfolding events in the region and on the basis of field studies will suggest measures to avoid potential disaster for sustainable development in the region.

* Nizamuddin Nizamani is a trainer, writer and researcher. He has worked with the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and the NBP Staff College, Karachi, Pakistan.