Linguistic Terrorism and Growing Tensions in Balochistan: Pashtun Nationalist Jirgas Demand Political and Constitutional Reforms

Balochistan:Balochistan, located in the northwestern region of Pakistan, has been grappling with severe ethnic violence in recent years. According to statistics from the Balochistan Home Department, incidents of ethnically motivated killings saw a staggering 300% increase last year compared to previous years.

While the general security situation across the province remains precarious, the recent surge in linguistic-based terrorism has targeted not only the Baloch population but also affected Pashtun-majority districts. The attacks, reportedly carried out by banned Baloch separatist groups, have been aimed at individuals based on their ethnic identity.

In response to the growing unrest, Pashtun nationalist jirgas (tribal assemblies) have been convening across the province to address the increasing violence. The most recent Pashtun Olasi Jirga saw the participation of prominent Pashtun tribal and political leaders. The jirga issued a series of demands, calling for the immediate resignation of the government and the holding of new elections.

The jirga’s statement also stressed the need for security forces to remain under parliamentary oversight, and for local communities to be given greater rights over the natural resources in their areas. Other key demands included the inclusion of mother languages in the educational curriculum and the creation of a province named Pashtunkhwa or Pashtunistan for the Pashtun people. The jirga also rejected the recent elections, land allotment in Pashtun areas, and the closure of border regions.

Further demands in the jirga’s resolution included easing the conditions for Pashtuns to acquire national identity cards through NADRA, ending unnecessary checks on travelers on national highways, and lifting the ban on student unions in educational institutions.

Mahamood Khan Achakzai, head of the Pakistan Constitution Protection Movement, addressed the jirga, stressing that the country is facing a constitutional crisis, with the constitution not being given its due importance. He remarked, “Without the constitution, this country cannot function.” He further called for observing a Black Day on February 8 to mark the completion of one year of what he called an ‘illegal and unconstitutional government,’ and urged all communities to celebrate International Mother Language Day on February 21.

In a conversation with *V-News*, Khushal Khan Kakar, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party, condemned the targeted killings of innocent individuals in the region. He stated, “We will not allow Pashtun land to be used for the murder of innocents. If anyone uses Pashtun land for their personal agenda or if Pashtuns use the land of others for their own purposes, we will oppose both.”

Kakar also pointed out that the jirga held in Pashtun-majority districts would not necessarily solve the underlying issues. He stressed the need for a political alliance between different parties to bring about a solution. “If any decision made in the jirga benefits the public, we will support it, but real solutions will come from political unity,” he added.

Political analysts argue that while the convening of Pashtun nationalist jirgas is a positive step, it is unlikely to result in lasting peace in Balochistan. They suggest that Baloch and Pashtun nationalist groups must collaborate with the government to formulate a policy that addresses the grievances of disaffected Baloch citizens. They also emphasized the need for political and tribal leaders to engage with aggrieved Baloch elders and bring them to the negotiation table, ensuring their legitimate demands are met to foster peace in the province. The use of force, they warned, would only escalate tensions and delay the realization of peace.

As Balochistan continues to face an increasingly complex situation, the demand for inclusive dialogue and constitutional reforms has never been more urgent.