How Long Can Pakistan Hold On to Balochistan? Rebellion Intensifies After India's Strike

Following India’s powerful Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, unrest is erupting in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most restive province. Long a hotbed of separatist sentiment, Balochistan is now witnessing renewed calls for independence, with slogans against the Pakistani government and army echoing across the region. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims it has taken control of several military posts amid the chaos, posing a serious internal crisis for Pakistan as it struggles to handle both India’s strikes and Baloch insurgency.

Pakistan’s Dual Crisis: India’s Strikes and Baloch Rebellion

While Pakistan reels from heavy damage inflicted by Indian airstrikes—including the destruction of terrorist bases—its focus on fighting India is proving costly at home. As most of its military resources are directed toward defending against India, the Baloch rebels have seized the moment.

“Pakistan is facing a double blow—external from India and internal from Balochistan,” analysts say.

The BLA claims to have captured posts once manned by the Pakistani Army, further exposing Islamabad's weakening grip over its most resource-rich province.

Civilian Outrage and Declaration of Independence

Amid this turmoil, common citizens and intellectuals in Balochistan have started openly expressing anger at decades of oppression. Celebrated Baloch writer Mir Yar Baloch has declared Balochistan’s independence and called on India and the UN for recognition and support.

“We want freedom from Pakistan’s discrimination, military excesses, and China’s exploitation,” said Mir Yar.

He also sought permission to open a Baloch embassy in New Delhi, underlining the region’s growing trust in India’s democratic leadership.

China’s Role Under Fire: Strong Opposition to CPEC

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative—is deeply unpopular in Balochistan. Locals say they have been deprived of jobs and resources while land is handed over to Chinese firms.

The BLA has vowed to sabotage the CPEC project, accusing the Pakistani government of looting natural resources and ignoring education, infrastructure, and employment in the province.

Appeal to the United Nations

Mir Yar Baloch also made a direct appeal to the United Nations to deploy peacekeeping forces in Balochistan and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistani army and ISI from the region.

“Pakistan’s support for terrorism will be its downfall,” he warned, asserting that the Baloch struggle will continue until full independence is achieved.

Historical Grievances and Formation of the BLA

Although Balochistan was forcibly integrated into Pakistan in 1948, its people have consistently claimed they were denied a voice. Resentment over exploitation, marginalization, and brutality by the military led to the formation of the BLA in 2000. Since then, Balochistan has witnessed waves of violent resistance, with demands for independence growing louder.

Hope From India

For years, the people of Balochistan have looked to India for moral and diplomatic support. In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted human rights abuses in Balochistan during his Independence Day speech, earning praise from Baloch activists.

Now, in 2025, as the region faces another turning point, Baloch leaders are once again seeking support from India and the international community to help end their suffering and push for independence.

Pakistan's Hold Weakening

Pakistan’s grip on Balochistan is loosening. With its economy crumbling, defences failing, and internal dissent rising, analysts believe Islamabad’s capacity to retain control over the province is more fragile than ever. The growing sentiment is clear: “Freedom from Pakistan is no longer a hope—it’s a movement.”