Opinion | Militarisation of Balochistan and Its Impact on Civilians

Understanding the human, political, and psychological consequences of prolonged militarisation in one of Pakistan’s occupied, troubled regions

Balochistan province has been among the most militarised provinces in Pakistan over the past decades. The region is rich in natural resources but characterised by profound political and economic resentment, which has been characterised by recurrent insurgency and counter-insurgency. The overdependence of the state on military means to deal with political dissent has radically transformed the lives of civilians, establishing a long-term atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and social disruption.

The militarisation of Balochistan started in the early years of Pakistan’s independence when the need for autonomy and resource control began to be voiced. This demand gradually grew into a resistance movement, which in turn forced the government to send its security forces to the region. The presence of the military, paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies in both urban and rural areas was further reinforced by the military operations, particularly since the turn of the millennium.

This long struggle has gradually transformed Balochistan into a securitized zone where the civilian government is often functioning under the cover of military power. Roads, cities, and even schools are usually patrolled, and this shows how the government in the province has become deeply involved with security matters.

Militarisation in Balochistan is not limited only to fighting. This is evident by the way the lives of the civilians in the province are regulated by the checkpoints, patrols, and surveillance. The citizens are normally required to have identity cards, and the movement between cities is regulated. Even though the state has shown that it is justified in its actions because of its fight against terrorism, it has ended up restricting the freedom of movement and access to services.

In some cases, the security forces have occupied civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and buildings. The distinction between civilian and military space has therefore become more blurred.

The army of Pakistan has successfully turned much of Balochistan into a battlefield, where the military force takes over the civilian space. Markets and main roads are patrolled by armoured vehicles and tanks, making ordinary places for people into intimidation zones instead of safety. To the common Baloch citizens, this show of force is a clear message that security concerns take precedence over civil liberties and human rights.

Security lockdowns and curfews have become a routine feature of life in most districts. Whole neighbourhoods are often isolated during operations, and families are trapped in their homes for days without access to food, healthcare, or basic supplies. Education, livelihoods, and social life are disrupted as schools, offices, and businesses are closed down without prior notice. In the areas of community interaction, bazaars, mosques, and playgrounds, there are now checkpoints, barbed wire, and soldiers on patrol.

This culture of perpetual militarisation has resulted in a scarred psyche of the civilian population. Children have been socialised to accept the presence of soldiers, guns, and surveillance, and parents are living in fear of their children being arrested, shot, or disappearing without reason. The fear of raids, crossfire, and arbitrary arrest has led to a culture of silence where individuals stifle their voices and grievances to avoid being noticed.

Human security has been the worst affected by militarisation. The Balochistan civilians are subjected to violence on various fronts, both by the insurgent groups and by state actions. Bombings, raids, and armed confrontations have caused many civilian deaths, and the fear of being caught in crossfire has displaced many families.

Forced displacement has disrupted traditional livelihoods based on agriculture, livestock, and small trade. Whole communities have been displaced, causing loss of livelihood, disruption of social networks, and psychological trauma in the long term. In the case of women and children, the conditions have resulted in increased vulnerability, such as in education, healthcare, and legal protection.

Enforced disappearances have been one of the most debatable issues of militarisation in Balochistan. There have been many documented cases of individuals who have been arrested by the security organs and have never been seen again. This has led to a lack of trust between the citizens and the state, as well as a culture of fear that has prevented political engagement and freedom of expression.

Extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests, and collective punishment are some of the other examples that demonstrate the loss of civil liberties. The media is not permitted to cover the conflict zones, which has led to the perpetuation of these human rights abuses.

Besides the violence, there has been a significant economic and psychological cost to militarisation. The instability in the region has prevented investment and development, despite the fact that Balochistan is rich in gas, minerals, and port access. The local communities tend to feel that they are not part of the gains of these resources, which strengthens the sense of exploitation instead of inclusion.

The psychological effects of being under constant surveillance, the presence of the military, and the fear of arrest or violence have resulted in widespread trauma. The generations have been raised in an environment of uncertainty where the normal social life is influenced by insecurity and not opportunity.

Militarisation of Balochistan is a very complicated and prolonged issue in Pakistan. While the state feels that the use of force is a necessary component in the preservation of the territorial integrity and the struggle against insurgency, it is the civilians who have been most affected. Death, displacement, limited freedom, and human rights abuses have become the new norm for the majority of Baloch citizens.

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