Questioning Militants’ Contorted Narratives of Youth Empowerment in Balochistan
Militant outfits thrive on contorted narratives of empowerment. They cloak their nefarious agendas under the garb of liberation, manipulating grievances into justifications for violence. The influence exerted by such organizations is undeniable as they disrupt the delicate social structures and breed fear. For membership, they target the most vulnerable members of the societies and lately, their focus has been on luring the youth. Militant Organizations in Balochistan have been following the same path as they attempt to justify their gruesome acts of violence in the name of empowerment.
“Militant organizations, seeking to lure the youth, blame the state and its institutions for the socio-economic challenges in Balochistan in an attempt to malign the state.”
Militant organizations, seeking to lure the youth, blame the state and its institutions for the socio-economic challenges in Balochistan in an attempt to malign the state. As per them, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Chinese are “exploiting” Balochistan’s natural resources. But, how have these militant organizations contributed towards any revitalization? Do assassinations, improvised-explosive-device (IED) attacks, and bomb blasts liberate anyone? The attack on Gwadar Port in March 2024 and the killing of innocent hard-working laborers in May 2024 are just two of the countless brutal attacks by Baloch Militant Organizations (BMOs). Furthermore, in 2023 alone BMOs were responsible for 110 attacks in the province. How do these unjust acts of violence grounded in cowardice lead towards any prosperity? When innocent citizens are targeted, when infrastructure that benefits the public is attacked, how does it lead toward prosperity?
On the other hand, state initiatives especially under CPEC have achieved success where many projects have been completed and are operational. CPEC has successfully completed and operationalized projects in different sectors including energy, transport infrastructure, social sector development, and the development of special economic zones. These initiatives will significantly contribute to the economic upliftment of Baloch people by creating jobs and enhancing local infrastructure, leading to improved living standards and increased opportunities for growth and development.
“CPEC has successfully completed and operationalized projects in different sectors including energy, transport infrastructure, social sector development, and the development of special economic zones.”
BMOs’ contorted narratives of empowerment are one of their fundamental recruitment tactics. Narratives woven in lies and distorted perceptions are used for recruitment where these groups exploit genuine grievances, target societal sentiments, and make false promises of prosperity. These narratives are disseminated through their social media channels, community (corner) meetings, and student organizations. They have shifted their focus to recruiting educated youth and university students. Furthermore, Security Analyst, Muhammad Amir Rana categorizes the educated youth into; a) apolitical and religiously moderate, b) religiously sensitive but with little political consciousness, and c) political and secular individuals. Among the educated youth especially at university campuses, it is the third category that is targeted as potential members for such organizations.
“Narratives woven in lies and distorted perceptions are used for recruitment where these groups exploit genuine grievances, target societal sentiments, and make false promises of prosperity.”
The prosperity of Balochistan will not be defined by the militants’ violence but by the developmental projects undertaken by the state to improve the lives of the people of Balochistan. Militant organizations will continue to operate to achieve their iniquitous agendas. Their promises of a glorious revolution and a struggle for empowerment and liberation mask a brutal reality; they are the architects of destruction.
“The prosperity of Balochistan will not be defined by the militants’ violence but by the developmental projects undertaken by the state to improve the lives of the people of Balochistan.”