Abstract
The security situation in Balochistan has been critical over the past two decades. The separatist movement (insurgency) initiated by Baloch tribal Sardars keeps the Pakistan Armed forces engaged in a prolonged operation. The Army and the para-military forces (FC, Levis) were originally deployed in Balochistan for the maintenance of law and order. The forces presence, however, in the due course of time, began to undermine the interests of local political leaders as well as of other state’s institutions. The pre-dominant role of the army along with intelligence agencies has restricted the role of the civil administration and human rights activists in the province. On the other hand, some external forces have been interfering to exploit the insurgency in Balochistan. The trust deficit between the state of Pakistan and the Baloch tribesmen has mostly resulted in creating tension on the power relations between the center and the province. The tensed relations between the province and the center are prone to conspiracy theories. Particularly the Baloch Nationalists are very much concerned about the alleged misuse of state authority by the paramilitary forces.
Keyword(s)
Counterinsurgency, Balochistan, Long View, Insurgency, Global Perspective, Legal Status