Key points
- Balochistan unrest driven by foreign-backed indoctrination, not solely poverty.
- 77 per cent of the territory acceded voluntarily to Pakistan.
- Youth unemployment exceeds 25 per cent in some districts.
- Over 1,200 schools provide education and vocational opportunities.
- CPEC-linked development boosts infrastructure and regional connectivity.
- Public engagement and information campaigns can counter separatist narratives.
ISLAMABAD: Balochistan’s unrest is widely misunderstood as primarily an economic issue. While it is true that the province faces challenges such as low literacy rates and youth unemployment above 25 per cent in some districts, decades of foreign-backed separatist indoctrination portraying Pakistan as an “occupier” has significantly fuelled recruitment into terrorist groups.
It has also created a persistent narrative of alienation among certain communities, keeping the fire burning under the ashes.
Historically, approximately 77 per cent of Balochistan’s territory acceded voluntarily to Pakistan. However, repeated propaganda and anti-state narratives have continually overshadowed this historical reality, shaping perceptions that the province was forcibly integrated. Ignoring this fact in public discourse perpetuates a misleading perception of the province’s integration with Pakistan.
This misperception is further amplified by external actors who seek to exploit local grievances for geopolitical advantage, showing that not all hands in this arena are clean.
Beyond economic measures
While the state has expanded schools, vocational programmes, and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)-linked development initiatives, these economic measures alone cannot resolve a perception-driven conflict.
Stability requires combining development initiatives with accurate public information, proactive public engagement, and transparent governance. Alongside building roads and infrastructure, the government must implement communication strategies that actively highlight progress, success stories, and historical context to local communities.
Economic development alone cannot counter insurgency, because exposure to the “occupation” myth continues to fuel distrust. Information campaigns, civic education, and community dialogue through public representatives are critical to reversing decades of separatist indoctrination and restoring confidence in state institutions.
Such campaigns must include local language media, social media platforms, and community town halls. These forums allow grievances to be openly addressed and clarified, leaving no room for misinterpretation of state initiatives.
Foreign influence
Balochistan’s unrest is primarily driven by foreign-sponsored terrorism and indoctrination, not economic deprivation, despite youth unemployment exceeding 25 per cent in certain districts. Areas exposed to anti-state narratives show up to 60 per cent higher susceptibility to terrorist recruitment than regions with public outreach programmes.
Countering insurgency, therefore, demands a multi-pronged approach where security, social, and psychological dimensions are addressed simultaneously, tackling the problem from all sides.
Education and inclusion
Over 1,200 schools and more than 30,000 youth benefiting from state-sponsored vocational initiatives demonstrate the government’s tangible steps towards inclusion. These efforts highlight Pakistan’s commitment to creating opportunities and addressing regional disparities.
Expanding these initiatives to cover remote districts and integrating entrepreneurship training with digital skills development can provide sustainable employment. This approach reduces susceptibility to extremist narratives and gives youth a real stake in their future.
Security and legitimacy
Security efforts must be reinforced with accurate and timely public information sharing, and the perception of legitimacy of public sector governance is as crucial as territorial control. Additionally, integrating local leaders into the design and implementation of security initiatives can enhance credibility.
It also reduces perceptions of state overreach, demonstrating that the government is not fighting shadows.
Greater transparency, government accountability, and inclusive governance increase trust, reduce insurgent appeal, and empower local youth. Programmes that provide scholarships, entrepreneurship funding, and local participation channels further strengthen social cohesion and resilience against extremist influence.
Complementing these measures with mentorship programmes, youth councils, and civic engagement workshops can empower young Baloch to actively participate in local development projects and policy decisions.
This gives them a voice at the table and a sense of ownership.
Holistic state approach
The Balochistan challenge is not only economic but also cognitive and social. Therefore, only a holistic state-centric approach integrating security, development, governance, and public engagement can break cycles of mistrust and terrorism.
Holistic strategies should also include rehabilitative initiatives for former terrorists, psychological support for affected communities, and skill-based reintegration programmes.
Perception and reality
Correcting misconceptions, reinforcing state legitimacy, and actively involving communities are essential components of this strategy. Practical solutions include strengthening local administration, ensuring the timely delivery of public services, and promoting equitable resource distribution. These measures mitigate feelings of marginalisation.
Encouraging public-private partnerships for development projects can further demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering local communities.
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are also critical to ensure that development, governance, and security programmes are effective, transparent, and accountable. Regular feedback loops with civil society and community representatives can allow policies to be adjusted based on ground realities, ensuring continuous improvement and sustained impact, achieving multiple objectives.
In conclusion, stabilising Balochistan requires addressing both perception and reality. While development and education lay the foundation, true transformation occurs when the state actively dismantles separatist myths and fosters trust, participation, and opportunity for all citizens.
By adopting a coordinated, evidence-based, and participatory approach, Pakistan can create an environment where insurgency loses appeal. Local youth are provided tangible incentives to engage positively with the state, proving that actions speak louder than words.
This integrated strategy paves the way for a peaceful, prosperous, and fully integrated Balochistan. Ultimately, sustained peace and development in Balochistan will not only benefit the province itself but also strengthen Pakistan’s national unity, security, and socio-economic stability.
When the whole is stronger than its parts, Balochistan’s full potential can finally be realised.
