Every very now and then, misleading narratives about Balochistan emerge, propagated by certain organizations and individuals backed by enemies of Pakistan.
One such example is the recent statement submitted by the Centre for Gender Justice and Women Empowerment, a little-known NGO, to the UN Human Rights Council, making unfounded claims about the alleged imposition of religious extremism on the Baloch people. Whilst this narrative is a gross misrepresentation of the facts appears to be a calculated attempt to tarnish Pakistan’s image on the global stage.
To begin with, the assertions made by this NGO reveal a profound lack of understanding of Balochistan’s socio-cultural and religious fabric. The Baloch people, whether in Pakistan or Iran, are predominantly Muslims. Islam is an integral part of their identity, and there is no question of imposing religious extremism on a population that already practices Islam as their way of life.
The NGO’s statement glaringly fails to provide even a single concrete example of religious extremism. Their claims are broad and unsubstantiated, lacking any specific instances or evidence to support the narrative they are attempting to construct. It is clear that the NGO’s narrative is built on conjecture rather than factual evidence, further calling into question their understanding of the situation in Balochistan.
As regards the seminaries, they are not unique to Balochistan but are found throughout Pakistan, including in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. While there is a need for reforms in some of these institutions, they have historically played a crucial role in providing free education, food, and shelter to millions of children from impoverished families. These seminaries have often been the only source of education for children who would otherwise have no access to schooling.
The statement made by the NGO appears to have been dictated by external influences, seemingly crafted in the cozy drawing rooms of those who neither understand nor have any real connection to the region.
The real issue and threat facing Balochistan is external interference, particularly from India. The arrest of Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav in 2016 provided concrete evidence of India’s involvement in stoking unrest and insurgency in Balochistan. Jadhav’s confession, in which he admitted to being sent by India to destabilize the province, exposes the true evil face of India.
Furthermore, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s open support for Baloch separatists during his Independence Day speech in 2016 was a clear indication of India’s intentions to meddle in Pakistan’s internal affairs. This statement was not just an admission of interference but also a dangerous escalation that has had serious consequences for the region.
It is also crucial to highlight that the majority of the Baloch people are patriotic Pakistanis who are well aware of the external forces trying to sow discord in their province. They have rejected the narrative of separatism and this was very much visible in the recently held Independence Day celebrations, which would definitely have disturbed those who for years have been trying to sow the seeds of discord in the province.
The Baloch people understand that the development projects underway in their province, such as CPEC and the development of Gwadar Port, are opportunities for economic empowerment and social progress.
In light of these facts, it is imperative that the international community, including organizations like the United Nations, carefully scrutinize the claims made by NGOs like the Centre for Gender Justice and Women Empowerment. Rather than taking their statements at face value, there should be a thorough investigation into the motivations behind their propaganda. It is not uncommon for such organizations to be funded or influenced by external actors with vested interests in destabilizing Pakistan.
The international community must also recognize the role of India in perpetuating violence and instability in Balochistan. India’s extraterritorial activities, aimed at undermining Pakistan’s sovereignty, are a violation of international law and must be condemned. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the evidence of Indian interference, as doing so would only embolden those who seek to disrupt peace and stability in the region.
Our government has a responsibility to continue its efforts to develop Balochistan. At the same time, the government must remain vigilant against the sordid designs of the enemy and expose them at the world forums including the United Nations.
It is time for the world to see Balochistan not through the lens of propaganda but as a region with immense potential, where the resilience and patriotism of its people and the province’s rich natural resources will continue to drive progress and development in the years to come.
