Lasting Peace Can Only Be Achieved in Balochistan by Uprooting the Colonialist System and Establishing the Khilafah Rashidah

News:

On 14 November 2024, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department declared, "We strongly condemn the BLA Majeed Brigade’s November 9th bombing at a railway station." (https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-november-14-2024/)

Comment:

Unrest in Balochistan is not a new phenomenon. It has persisted since Pakistan’s independence from the British Raj. The people of Balochistan harbor deep-seated grievances, left unresolved by both the British colonial rule and rulers that are agents of Western colonialists. The colonialist system was designed to subjugate the Muslims, rather than look after their affairs. It denies them rights and maintains control through military force.

In recent years, Balochistan has witnessed a series of violent incidents, including suicide bombings targeting civilians, security forces, and Chinese nationals. This wave of attacks began in August 2018, with the targeted killing of Chinese engineers, followed by an assault on the Chinese consulate in November 2018, and the Gwadar hotel bombing in May 2019. In April 2022, the Balochistan Liberation Army's Majeed Brigade carried out a suicide bombing at a Chinese institute at the University of Karachi.

Attacks have continued through 2024, with incidents such as the ambush of a convoy in Balochistan on 26 March, and an assault on Chinese engineers near Gwadar Port on August 13, both aimed at undermining the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). On 26 August, 2024, the Balochistan Liberation Army launched its largest attacks in years, killing around 73 people and targeting police stations, railway lines, and vehicles. Most recently, an attack on Quetta railway station claimed the lives of innocent civilians.

These attacks have intensified since the U.S. and India formed an alliance to counter China. Both states support separatist movements in Balochistan. This backing appears aimed at engaging Pakistan’s military within internal conflicts, limiting its focus on the border with India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. In its strategy to counter China’s rise, the U.S. has exploited nationalist movements in Balochistan. Amidst its border disputes with China, India has sought to undermine Chinese interests, aligning with U.S. objectives. Consequently, Pakistan has been drawn into internal conflict, especially in Balochistan, with over 80,000 soldiers deployed to confront separatist groups.

The ruling regime in Pakistan should have dealt with the issue of Balochistan, which is part of its territory, by treating it with the care, justice and kindness according to Shariah, and by making use of the public property in the lands of Balochistan for all the subjects of the state, including the Baloch. But instead, it treated the problem as a security issue, by killing and arresting, not with good care as in Islam. The Prophet (saw) said, «الْإِمَامُ رَاعٍ وَمَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ» “The Imam is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).

Likewise, the armed organizations in Balochistan should not have allowed the enemies of Islam, America and India, to exploit them against the Muslims, nor should they have worked for the separation and division of the state, as this is a major matter in Islam, its perpetrator will be held to a great sin, as Muslims are one Ummah that cannot be divided.

The true unity of the people of Pakistan will not be restored except by implementing the rules of Islam, spreading the idea of true Islamic brotherhood, and applying the idea of equality among all Muslims in benefiting from the returns of public property such as gas, minerals, etc., until injustice, poverty, and marginalization are lifted from the Muslim people of Balochistan and other Islamic people. Islam has rejected and absolutely prohibited nationalistic sentiments, and has established brotherhood among Muslims. Allah (swt) said,

[إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ]

“The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And be mindful of Allah so you may be shown mercy” [Al-Hujurat: 10]. At the same time, this brotherhood of Islam must push them to work with the workers to establish their one state, the Khilafah Rashidah (Rightly-Guided Caliphate) upon the method of the Prophethood, the source of their unity, the source of their pride, and the truth of their brotherhood...and that is the great victory.

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Zakariya Imran – Wilayah Pakistan