Pakistan a country known for its rich culture and distinct ethnic groups, who through history are known by their traits and identities as well as geography and resources. This major ethnic groups include Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Pashtuns, Brahui people, Hazaras, Hindko and Kashmir’s, who by having different characteristic have historically contributed to its vibrant identity which has been recognized all over the world too as well, with words that Pakistan is a nation of hospitality and rich culture. But despite vast diversity it also presents challenges, especially when issues of justices and equality are brought to forefronts. When we date back to the history various ethnic movements have emerged, with its own grievances and demands. But having hetero demands and grievances they ask for common desire which is of recognition, fair representation and justice from the center.
All this grievances can be tracked back to independence time from where the efforts of keeping unified nation resulted into regional and ethnic conflicts, i.e., on distribution of resources, fair representation and equal rights to all the citizens. This approach of making an integrated community sowed the seeds of discontent among various groups each with their own set of grievances and demands while rising questions on the structure of institutions and their role.
In addition, through history several ethnic movements from different regions of the country have emerged, each with there on values and set of demands. These demand differ by region, like in Baluchistan, the major ethnic group that reside is Baloch’s. who through their movement like Baloch national movement have asked for the autonomy and share distribution over the resources that are found in the province. Not only this but being the largest province of the country in terms of land Baluchistan have merely been given more importance even at the upper houses of the country. i.e. senate and national assembly. These lack of political participation and impose economic exploitation has resulted in decades of conflicts between the federal government and the indigenous population. This movements have oscillated between political activism and armed insurgency, reflecting deep seated frustration with the central government.
As of now the major issue that have pushed this movement of the Baloch people is their concern over enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killing of their people. They are of the stance that the federal government should play a positive role into this matter, because it is the responsibility of state to protect its every citizens, but state policy toward the problem of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings has remained one of inaction, but its stance on the issue switches between denial and justification. Because security situation of Baluchistan has also remained critical due to the terrorist activities against the civilians and state infrastructure on many vocations. However, there is a need of a clear interpretation from the state that what is difference between movements for rights and what is enforced disappearances. Because if this issue is not tackled well then there are probable chances of the people taking measures into their own hands by choosing the way of violence, what suits them as a group. So, the state has to come up with a clear policy for the people of Baluchistan, while considering its strategic position and future associated with CPEC.
In addition, the struggle for justice does not end here, as mentioned above that it varies by region. Several other ethnic movements throughout the history have demand for their own rights. Like from the west northern region of Pakistan {KPK} province a movement by name Pashtun Tahafuz movement emerged in response to military operations in the tribal areas. The PTM demands for the peace in their own areas including the Pashtun tribal belt of the Baluchistan as well. This movement to some extent has been politicized by the mainstream media with the view that it is funded by other external groups against security establishment, but so far, no clear evidence has been provided to support the arguments. This movement clearly is for the restoration of the peace in the tribal areas which has been affected the most post 9/11 across the country. Although the movement have faced numerous restriction from the state, it is banned of now, with several leaders been detained, but there is a need of a sound understanding of the movement for those seeking to find an amicable solution. However, by looking at this movements being of diverse origins, we find common themes. At their core, they demand recognition and fair representation within the national framework. With distribution of resources to be equally shared associated with peace in their indigenous regions. As Pakistan continues to navigate its complex identity, it must recognize the legitimacy of ethnic grievances and strive for a more just and equitable society. As this also represents an opportunity by embracing its diversity and addressing the demands of the people will eventually make Pakistan a harmonious nation, once it was promised.
The Author, Muhammad Anees Khan is a bachelor's student of international relations who writes on economic and security issues in Pakistan.
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