Before 1947, Bal Luzhi was part of British India. It includes territories directly managed by the British like the Chief Commissioner Province, and princely states like Carlat, led by the British suzerain. When the British left, Karat declared independence on 15 August 1947 and signed a stagnant agreement with Pakistan.
But in March 1948, the Pakistani army forced Khan of Karat to sign the tool of joining. Many Bal branch leaders said this was done under pressure without the consent of the people. This belief-the Bal Luchistan was illegally annexed – still provides for today’s separatist movement.
A piece of land splits, one person ignores it
Bal Luzhi Province is a huge, dry and rough area, spread throughout Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. The largest share lies in southwestern Pakistan, accounting for 44% of its land, but only about 5% of its population.
Despite the abundant coal, gold, copper, natural gas and minerals, Balluchistan is still a developed region in Pakistan. Roads, hospitals, schools and job opportunities are rare. Locals say they are being exploited-their land is occupied but nothing is returned.
Decades of rebellion
The Baloch people have repeatedly rebelled since they were absorbed into Pakistan in 1948: the major uprising of the 1948, 1948, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and has been a new rebellion since 2003.
Pakistan has been responding with military force. Thousands of Balloons were arrested, tortured or disappeared. The family is still waiting for the missing relatives.
The rise of armed groups
Over time, several radical groups were formed, and the Bal Lu Zhi Provincial People’s Liberation Army (BLA) was the most outstanding. Others include the Bal Road Branch Republican Army (BRA), the Bal Road Branch Liberation Front (BLF) and the Bal Road Branch Republican Guard (BRG). They target: Pakistani military posts, police stations and gas pipelines,
Chinese workers participating in the China Economic Corridor (CPEC)
These groups are unified by the Joint Command, called the Bra-Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar, to better coordinate their attacks.
The hijacked train shakes Pakistan
On March 11, 2025, the BLA hijacked a train of 400 passengers in the hills between Quetta and Sippy. Women and children were released, but activists demanded the release of comrades sentenced to jail.
Pakistan rejected 24 hours of military operations. Formerly, 21 civilians and four soldiers died – but informal reports show that casualties are higher. Soon after, the Baloch group launched a retaliatory attack in the area.
This incident shows that the insurgents are now better equipped and more organized and able to face elite troops.
May 2025: BLA’s massive attack
On May 10, the Indian news agency ANI reported that the BLA carried out 71 attacks at 51 locations in Bal Luzhi Province. Targets include: military bases, intelligence centers, police posts, highways and mineral transport convoys.
According to the BLA, the goal is to test battlefield coordination, control territory and prepare for a larger war.
News to India: “We are ready from the West”
On May 11, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch released direct information to India. He accused Pakistan of using false peace negotiations to deceive the world and made bold proposals:
“If India decides to take on Pakistan and complete its terrorist activities once and for all, then the BLA can rise from the Western Front. We not only want to support India, we will fight against it.”
This is not only speech, but also a political move aimed at India’s view of Bal Luchistan as an ally in counter-terrorism.
Iran participates in the battle
Iran has its own Bal Luzhi population in Sistan and Bal Luzhi provinces. Militant groups like Jaish Al-Adl attacked Iranian forces. In December 2023, 11 Iranian police officers were killed in such incidents.
In January 2024, Iran launched a missile attack on Pakistan’s Balluchistan Province, claiming to target militants. Pakistan hit back the next day. This is one of the rare open military exchanges between the two neighbors, and a testament to how dangerous the Bal Road Branch issue has become.
China’s headache: CPEC in the crosshair
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the core of China’s belt and road initiative. But it runs through the Bal Road branch and there is no consultation with the locals.
Chinese citizens have died in the attack: suicide bombing at Karachi University and bus bombing near the Dasu Dam site.
China is now reportedly considering using private military contractors to protect its projects in Pakistan.
Educational rebels and digital warfare
The new face of the Baloch movement is educated, tech-savvy and media-based intelligence. During the train hijacking, the BLA used social media to showcase its version of its activity worldwide.
The movement is no longer just a tribe. Middle-class Baloch youth are joining, giving the rebellion a modern advantage.
People protest outside of guns
Bal Road Branch struggle is not just bullets. This also involves fundamental rights – clean water, fuel, fishing, education and justice. In 2023, Baloch women led a mass protest following extrajudicial killings and custody deaths.
Locals say projects like Gwadar Port have displaced them and are concerned about population shifts due to outsiders who settled in the area.
The political system breaks down
Pakistan’s politics and military are deeply entangled. Many Pakistanis regard the current government as a puppet regime after the Army crackdown on former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
This makes any serious negotiations with the Baloch leader extremely unlikely. Unless Pakistan has the power and resources, the anger in Bal Luchistan will only intensify.
Fringe areas, the world must watch
The situation in Bal Luzhi Province is no longer just a problem in Pakistan. With China’s CPEC investment, Iran’s missile attacks and direct BLA messages to India, the region is now a strategic flashpoint.
BALOCH People have been suffering quietly for decades. Their voices are getting louder and louder – not only guns, but also demands for dignity, justice and freedom.
The world must listen. If not, the next explosion may shock not only Pakistan but the entire South Asia as well.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science writer and defense, aerospace and geopolitical analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also the director of Add Engineering Compones IndiaPvt. Ltd. Add Engineering Grandering Gmbh, a subsidiary in Germany.
