A recent wave of violence in Balochistan, Pakistan, has left at least 70 people dead, including a pick-up truck driver from Punjab named Qadeer Aslam. Aslam was killed by armed fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, while on his way to transport goods in the mineral-rich province. His death, along with the deaths of 22 others that night, has highlighted the risks faced by migrants seeking economic opportunities in the region.
Balochistan, home to valuable natural resources but plagued by poverty, has been a hotspot for separatist movements since Pakistan’s independence. The government’s response to these movements has often been criticized for human rights abuses, including disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Despite the dangers, migrants from Punjab and other parts of Pakistan continue to move to Balochistan in search of work. Economic opportunities, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, have drawn workers to the region, leading to clashes with separatist groups who view them as exploiters of Baloch resources.
Imtiaz Baloch, a researcher, noted that large projects in Balochistan are labor-intensive and attract workers seeking income for their families. However, these projects also make prime targets for separatist groups, leading to attacks and further tensions in the region.
Activists like Sammi Deen Baloch fear a heavy-handed response from the government in the wake of the recent violence, which could exacerbate the situation and deepen the deprivation felt by the people of Balochistan. As tensions continue to rise, the province remains a battleground for economic opportunities, resources, and separatist sentiments.
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