Balochistan’s Dilemma: Gun or Dialogue?
By Doran Baloch
A recurring debate has surfaced across various TV channels and social media platforms for the past day—can the Balochistan issue be resolved through force? The notion contradicts historical realities and past experiences.
If guns had been the solution, history would have turned out differently. From the 1952 rebellion led by the Khan of Kalat to Nawab Nauroz Khan’s resistance, the One Unit uprisings, armed conflicts in Mari areas, the Battle of Gumbad, and the use of Cobra helicopters, each of these instances proves that military force has never been a lasting solution. The operation against Nawab Akbar Bugti, following the Dr. Shazia case, further complicated the situation rather than resolving it.
Who Benefits from Armed Conflict?
It is worth considering that those who advocate for military solutions are often the biggest beneficiaries of regional unrest. Some of these individuals belong to political circles, while others come from Bugti and Mari tribes. While some Mari groups have distanced themselves from violence, certain factions within the Bugti areas continue to exploit terrorism for their gain. Engaging such individuals in TV debates is pointless, as they will never acknowledge that dialogue can resolve the issue.
Many analysts limit their perspectives to Bugti and Mari tribes, neglecting Makran’s geopolitical realities, ongoing resistance, and its distinct dynamics. Their limited understanding prevents them from offering meaningful insights into the broader Baluchistan conflict.
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The Path to Resolution
The Baluchistan issue is political at its core, centered on self-governance, autonomy, and control over provincial resources. The solution lies in restoring the trust of Baloch youth through democratic and constitutional guarantees. Unlike the 1950s or 1970s, when leaders were deceived with false promises and later executed, today’s generation will not fall for empty assurances.
From the One Unit crisis to Akbar Bugti’s dispute over Sui gas, the demand for decision-making power has remained unchanged. The issue can only be resolved if the Baloch people are given control over their affairs. However, if solutions continue to be dictated by those who benefit from conflict, they will always advocate for military interventions—a strategy that has failed in the past and contradicts ground realities.
