– Large-scale protests have been taking place in Balochistan, Pakistan, demanding greater rights and highlighting human rights violations, resource exploitation, and lack of basic amenities
– Balochistan has a distinct cultural and historical identity, divided between three countries – Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan
– Security forces crackdown on protestors has resulted in fatalities and detentions, leading to increased prices of necessities
– Balochistan has a history of political turmoil and economic neglect, with discontent fuelled by lack of provincial autonomy, poor economic indicators, and government counter-insurgency strategy
– China’s investments in Balochistan through the CPEC have raised concerns about possible militarisation of the Gwadar port and changing demography of the province
– Baloch insurgency is also ongoing, with attacks on security forces and CPEC projects, highlighting the challenges faced by Pakistan in building a nation-state based on religion and addressing provincial aspirations.