Insurgency in Balochistan

An ongoing insurgency in Pakistan's Balochistan province and Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province is fought between Baloch nationalist separatist groups, Islamist militants, and the governments of Pakistan and Iran. The conflict is rooted in long-standing grievances over political marginalisation, economic underdevelopment, enforced disappearances, and the control of Balochistan's natural resources. The insurgency has involved guerrilla warfare, bombings, assassinations, and attacks on military personnel, infrastructure, and civilians. Sectarian violence, particularly against the Shia Hazara community in Pakistan, has also contributed to instability in the region. Human rights organisations have accused both militant groups and state security forces of abuses during the conflict.

In Pakistan, Baloch nationalist insurgencies have occurred intermittently since 1948, shortly after the accession of the Khanate of Kalat to Pakistan. Further insurgencies took place in 1958–1960, 1963–1969, and 1973–1977, with the current insurgency beginning in 2003. The conflict intensified after the killing of Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Bugti in 2006, leading to increased militant activity against Pakistani forces. Separatist groups have demanded greater political autonomy or independence for Balochistan, while the Pakistani government has accused foreign states, notably India and Afghanistan, of supporting Baloch rebels.

Militant groups involved

Several militant groups have operated during the insurgency, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), and Baloch Republican Army (BRA), alongside Islamist and sectarian organisations such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and the Islamic State – Khorasan Province.