Balochistan lacks government-dialogue despite ongoing insurgency

A conversation about Balochistan highlighted the lack of serious dialogue between the state and the Baloch people. The discussion took place just before iftar, when the mind was preoccupied with food rather than political matters. Azeema, a friend, asked whether the government had attempted to engage with the Baloch people who are unhappy with the state. The response noted that previous efforts had been made during the PML-N government under Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch, who tried to reach out to Baloch exiles. However, these discussions did not lead to direct negotiations, especially when compared to interactions with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which have included ceasefires and agreements. Despite some attempts to talk to the Baloch, the state has primarily focused on military action against the insurgency. This contrasts sharply with the approach taken towards the TTP, where multiple negotiations had taken place over the years. The Baloch leadership has also been less supportive of dialogue, with many politicians arguing against it. The article suggests a significant difference in government response to different insurgencies in Pakistan. While the TTP has been treated as negotiable, the Baloch situation remains largely ignored. There seems to be a fear of showing weakness toward the Baloch insurgents, especially in light of violent incidents. This pattern of engagement—or lack thereof—raises questions about the overall approach to resolving conflicts in different regions within Pakistan. The writer emphasizes that successful resolutions often require a mix of negotiation and force, a balance that seems absent in Balochistan.