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
Keyword :
Balochistan, Military regime, Political culture & issues, Tribal politics, Baloch nationalism, Armed revolts, Political & economic development