About the Author(s)
Eman Fatima is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Government College University Lahore. She has keen interest in understanding complexities of global politics and dynamics that shape international interactions.
Seventy seven years old nation, but still not a nation!
The operation Azm-e-Istikham in Bannu, KPK, the sectarian violence against Shias in Parachinar, and the protests by the Baluch Yakjheti Committee in Gwadar have again raised questions for the government about balancing security concerns while protecting human rights. Pakistan has grappled with a number of uncertainties and tragedies since its inception. Many lingering issues have become the fate of Pakistan. The strategic location of Pakistan has become a dilemma for its survival. Its security policy has always made the international fronts the focal point of its attention, but Pakistan faces a complex array of internal security challenges that stem from a combination of political, religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors.
Economic condition and politics of Pakistanis have already raised questions on its accountability and now situations in Balochistan, Parachinar, and KPK are deteriorating the image of Pakistan as a protector of human rights. Pakistan does not possess a hard powers but these issues are affecting its soft power, making the survival of Pakistan more challenging. KPK, Balochistan, FATA, and Sindh are conflict prone provinces of Pakistan, causing a feeling of resentment among these people against the Punjabis and Pakistan. These people blame the government for focusing only on Punjab and often linking Pakistan only to Punjabis, as is evident in the term “Punjabistan.”
Since the revival of Talibans in Afghanistan, the terrorist attacks have escalated in Pakistan. In November 2023, Pakistan’s prime minister claimed that, since August 2021, the militant attacks in Pakistan have increased about 60% and suicide bombings have increased about 500% in which more than 2,200 Pakistanis were killed. Pakistan has conducted various operationss such as Operation Raah-e-Raast in Swat Valley in 2009, Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan in 2014-2016, and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad in 2017 onwards, which focused on intelligence operations to eliminate existing remnants of terrorism and extremism.
Now in June 2024, Pakistan commenced Operation Azm-e-Istehkam as a counter-terrorism strategy, but it has faced a backlash from the people of Bannu, KPK, because the previous operations have put aside the rights of people and resulted in enforced disappearances, suspicions against local residents, and an economic crisis. A peaceful protest was organized on 19 July because locals have been victims of terrorist activities, collateral damage, displacement and immense suffering. According to AFP, over 10,000 people gathered for the rally in Bannu, waving white flags and calling for the peace. Protesters told they rallied because “ despite 20 years of military operations, stability has not been achieved , therefore, military actions could never be a substitute for peace.” But this peaceful protest turned into violent riots due to firing by security personnel and intelligence forces, as claimed by the observers. The mobile services remained disrupted for three consecutive days. This situation has raised the question of the democratic slogan of Pakistan.
Now what’s happened in Parachinar are tribal sectarian conflicts between Sunnis and Shi’ites that apparently started over land dispute. The recent slaughters of Shi’ites by anti-Shia groups has sparked outrage among the community. But the clashes are not new. Parachinar is a town and the capital of the Kurram District in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is Shi’tes majority area surrounded by Sunni majority areas. Parachinar descends into hell every few years because there are no official land records here, and claims over land often leads to tribal conflicts and finally into sectarian violence. This area also links to three provinces of Afghanistan that are home to anti-Shi’ites groups such as TTP, Daesh and Lashkar-e-Taiba. These groups are also operating in Pakistan and giving rise to sectarian clashes. Despite various issues, the Pakistani government has not taken any action.
At the same time, the situation in Balochistan is hot-tempered. At least one soldier and three people were killed after participants of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee protest clashed with security personnel in different areas of the province. BYC called for “Baluch Rajee Muchi” in Gwadar. The gathering was organized to demonstrate human rights violations, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, but the highway was blocked for the protesters to reach Gwadar from Quetta. Mahrung Baloch, the Baluch activist and leader of BYC, was inhumanely arrested. On August 2, 2024, the government announced an agreement with Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Hamoodur Rehman and Dr Mahrung.
The situation is resolved now, but these issues are not new and erupt from time to time. The government has failed to find a permanent solution. Home to approximately 15 million of Pakistan’s estimated 240 million people, according to the 2023 census, Balochistan is rich in natural resources which generate substantial revenue for the federal government. The Baloch allege that the Pakistani authority has neglected their community. The anger fueled separatist sentiments, with the province witnessing at least five rebellion movements since the formation of Pakistan in 1947. Gwadar has been a hotbed of violence by separatist parties and armed forces. Gwadar is very important due to CPEC, and the locals are also against this project because they believe that their resources are being exploited with little benefit to Balochs. These unrests need to be called because these are strategically important for America, china and Iran. There are claims of American involvement in escalating tension in this region because this region is in the backyard of Iran and America’s presence is a threat to China. The growing dissent in Balochistan will effect CPEC, which may be a final blow to already crippled economy of Pakistan.
These issues are not new but are at higher momentum. The economic and political situation in Pakistan has increased the frustration among people, and people are raising anti-state slogans. The overall performance of Pakistan has already deteriorated its international image, and now domestic chaos is portraying Pakistan as the oppressing state. The silence and passiveness of government have attracted the attention of foreign human rights activists. Many are demanding the rights of Balochistan and raising voice for violence against shi’tes . The government of Pakistan needs to take action to solve internal security dilemma because if it prolongs these issues will undermine the stance of Pakistan on Palestine and Kashmir and will worsen an already worsened state.
