Balochistan has been a member of the UNPO since 2008. 

The Baloch people, divided across Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, have a long history predating the 7th century AD. After Balochistan was forcibly incorporated into Pakistan in 1948, the region has faced severe human rights violations, often unreported, and ongoing conflicts as the Baloch continue to struggle for self-determination. In Pakistan and Iran, the Baloch are systematically marginalized, excluded from political processes, and subjected to repression. In Pakistan, they suffer from a lack of fair representation and autonomy, with their region’s resources exploited without benefiting the local population, leading to widespread poverty, malnutrition, and illiteracy.

The Baloch people’s distinct identity and their ongoing struggles for self-determination highlight their status as an unrepresented and marginalized group within Pakistan. Ensuring the Baloch people’s right to self-determination and their participation in decisions affecting their region could help mitigate tensions and create a more just and inclusive society in Pakistan.

The UNPO Secretariat advocates for the rights of Balochistan, working with various civil society organizations and representatives. However, the primary representative body within the UNPO, with voting rights at the General Assembly, is the Balochistan National Party. You can read more about the Balochistan National Party here. 

The Baloch are considered a distinct people due to their unique cultural, linguistic, and historical identity, which has been preserved over centuries despite being divided across modern-day Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Their strong sense of collective identity, shared heritage, and long-standing desire for self-determination further solidify their status as a distinct people.

The culture and identity of Balochistan’s people are deeply rooted in centuries of history, traditions, and resilience. Baloch culture is characterized by its rich oral traditions, vibrant folklore, and distinctive art forms, including intricate embroidery, handwoven carpets, and traditional Balochi music. The Baloch people, known for their nomadic lifestyle and strong tribal affiliations, take great pride in their heritage. Their identity is closely tied to the Balochi language, one of the oldest in the region, as well as their unique customs and social structures.

The Baloch are considered a distinct people due to their unique cultural, linguistic, and historical identity, which has been preserved despite centuries of external pressures. Since the controversial annexation of Balochistan into Pakistan in 1948, the Baloch people have endured gross human rights violations and systemic marginalization. The region faces staggering rates of infant and maternal mortality, poverty, and illiteracy, particularly affecting women and girls, with high dropout rates from schools in rural areas. 

Balochistan has been a site of persistent unrest and insurgency, with Baloch insurgents striving for self-determination and the right to choose their own political, economic, and cultural future. The Pakistani government has responded with military aggression, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, creating a climate of fear and impunity. Despite their status as a distinct people with a strong historical claim to their land, the Baloch remain unrepresented within the broader Pakistani framework, and their right to self-determination is consistently denied.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a focal point of contention, exacerbating tensions between the indigenous Baloch people and the Pakistani government. The implementation of CPEC without adequate consideration for Balochistan’s interests has fueled sentiments of exclusion and marginalization. There are growing concerns over the unequal distribution of infrastructural development funds, with Balochistan receiving disproportionately minimal allocations compared to other regions.

The government’s pursuit of CPEC, coupled with accusations of labeling dissenters as enemies of the state, highlights the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and equitable participation in decision-making processes. Balochistan’s marginalized status within Pakistan underscores the imperative of addressing historical grievances and ensuring the region’s fair share in developmental initiatives.

Respecting the Baloch people’s right to self-determination is essential for allowing them to choose their own destiny, whether in terms of political governance, economic development, or cultural preservation. By ensuring that the Baloch have a say in decisions that affect their lives and future, the Pakistani government could foster a more inclusive and stable environment. The exercise of self-determination by the Baloch people would enable them to shape their own future, addressing their unique needs and aspirations, and contributing to a more just and peaceful society.