By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
In an age where information travels faster than truth, the case of Baluchistan has increasingly become a theatre not merely of conflict, but of narratives – some grounded in fact, others carefully constructed to serve vested interests. It is, therefore, imperative to examine with sobriety and discernment the claims propagated by separatist elements and their external patrons, and to place before the world a clearer picture of realities as they exist on the ground. There is little doubt that certain separatist factions operating in Baluchistan draw sustenance not from indigenous grievances alone, but from the calculated encouragement of hostile actors beyond Pakistan’s borders.
Misguided elements in India and Afghanistan, long opposed to Pakistan’s stability and cohesion, have extended financial, logistical and propagandistic support to these groups. Their intent is neither concealed nor benign: to foment discord, weaken the federation, and tarnish Pakistan’s image in the councils of the world. Through orchestrated campaigns, often amplified on international platforms, these actors seek to construct a narrative of alienation and oppression, divorced from the complexities and truths of the region. Pakistan, however, has not remained oblivious to these machinations. Through diplomatic engagement and the presentation of evidence, it has succeeded in drawing international attention to the role of externally sponsored terrorism in Baluchistan.
Indeed, several of the organizations involved have been designated as terrorist entities by multiple states, a testament to the credibility of Pakistan’s position and the gravity of the threat posed. The recent remarks made by Mexican human rights lawyer Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez at a conference organized by the Baloch National Movement in Geneva on 27 March 2026 exemplify the dangers of one-sided narratives. While Pakistan holds in high regard the mandate of international human rights mechanisms and remains committed to constructive dialogue, it must be stated, with due respect, that such interventions, when predicated upon selective information and unverified claims, risk distorting reality rather than illuminating it.
Baluchistan is, and has always been, an integral part of Pakistan. This is not merely a constitutional assertion but a fact recognized by the international community in accordance with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in international law. The security measures undertaken by Pakistan in the province are not acts of repression, but lawful responses to a persistent threat of terrorism. They are conducted within the framework of domestic law and in consonance with international obligations, including the inherent right of self-defence.
According to authentic and credible findings, groups such as the Baluchistan Liberation Army and the Baluchistan Liberation Front have been responsible for heinous acts of violence against civilians, security personnel and critical infrastructure. Their actions betray not a struggle for rights, but a campaign of terror that undermines peace and development. The designation of these groups as terrorist organizations by countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom further reinforces the legitimacy of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. International bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, have likewise condemned attacks in Baluchistan and called for cooperation in bringing perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
It is equally important to recognize the role played by certain organizations operating under the guise of advocacy. The Baloch National Movement and its affiliates, including elements associated with some particular committee, function as the political and propagandistic extensions of militant outfits. By glorifying militants as martyrs and manipulating the sensitive issue of missing persons, they seek to blur the distinction between legitimate grievances and terrorist agendas. Numerous instances have come to light where individuals reported as “disappeared” have later resurfaced as active participants in militant activities, exposing the deliberate misuse of humanitarian concerns for political ends.
At the heart of the matter lies a fundamental distinction: between genuine human rights concerns, which Pakistan is willing and prepared to address through dialogue and institutional mechanisms, and orchestrated propaganda designed to delegitimize the state and embolden violent actors. To conflate lawful counter-terrorism measures with human rights violations is not only misleading but also unjust to the thousands of innocent Pakistanis – civilians and security personnel alike – who have fallen victim to terrorism.
Pakistan remains steadfast in its adherence to the rule of law and its obligations under international human rights frameworks. It continues to engage constructively with the United Nations and other international partners, while firmly rejecting narratives that are selective, unverified and politically motivated. The path to peace in Baluchistan lies not in the amplification of divisive rhetoric, but in the collective resolve to confront terrorism, promote development and uphold justice.
Finally, the truth about Baluchistan cannot be reduced to slogans or soundbites. It demands a balanced understanding, an appreciation of context, and a commitment to fairness. The international community must, therefore, exercise caution in distinguishing between advocacy and agenda, between fact and fabrication. Only then can it contribute meaningfully to the cause of peace and stability in a region that has long endured the consequences of both violence and misrepresentation.
(The writer is a parliamentary expert with decades of experience in legislative research and media affairs, leading policy support initiatives for lawmakers on complex national and international issues, and can be reached at editorial@metro-Morning.com)
