Political Culture of Balochistan during Military Regime of General Pervez Musahrraf and Indian Interest in Balochistan

Abstract

The largest but poorest province of Pakistan has always been the most strategically significant area of great global and regional attraction due to its unique geographical location and natural resources. Since the creation of Pakistan, the political culture of Balochistan has been in the hands of Baloch nationalists, backed by its centuries old sardari culture and tribal political system. The overall political culture in Balochistan is based upon a very narrow minded and unsophisticated approach and attitude due to chronic tendency of illiteracy and fundamental traditions of sardari system especially in rural areas. The award of political, economic and cultural rights has always been the only demand of all the Baloch political leaders. But there were no political dialogue in this regard between Central Government and Baloch leaders in the past, instead, they have always been suppressed by the military. The interests of military in Balochistan are always strategic rather than political. General Musharraf totally ignored the political demands and problems of Baloch people; instead he laid the emphasis completely on economic development. Balochistan, which was already facing the socio-economic problems of high rate poverty, illiteracy and unemployment and they had to suffer a lot in the years of Musharraf regime. The military operations against Baloch insurgents, biased policies and poor control resulted in extreme decline of Balochistan and became the main cause of significant turndown in social and political development. The involvement of military in political decisions and economic projects, without the approval of Baloch nationalists, worsen the political development and led to a grand militant Baloch rebellion.