Ethno-nationalist Movement in Balochistan (1999-2013)

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to explore the nature and development of the nationalist movement in Balochistan, Pakistan, during the military regime of Pervez Musharraf and its civilian successor, the Pakistan People’s Party. The dissertation argues that the Musharraf regime pursued a buffet of repressive and assimilationist policies to contain Baloch ethno-nationalism, driving the nationalists to demand self-determination. As a consequence, the province witnessed unprecedented violence between Baloch nationalists and the Pakistani state. Repression continued following the collapse of the Musharraf regime during the Pakistan People’s Party government. The reconciliatory policy of the PPP government failed in mitigating the Baloch resistance as the military approach to handling the Baloch crisis continued. The Baloch nationalist resistance hitherto confined to the tribal chieftains successfully lured the common masses and the educated middle class to its fold. Buoyed by this support, the nationalists rebuffed the reconciliatory initiatives of the civilian government and pressed for self-rule. The dissertation argues that the strained relationship between the Pakistani state and Baloch nationalists is rooted in post-colonial dynamics with sporadic bouts of confrontation and long spells of quasi peace. And that the coercive policies of the state in the period 1999-2013, only intensified the Baloch struggle to a point of no return manifesting in the demand for independence.