For decades, Pakistan has been the target of internal and external forces that seek to weaken its unity. The bitter lesson of 1971 serves as a stark reminder of how exploitation of internal divisions, fueled by foreign interests, led to the tragic separation of East Pakistan. It is no secret that political mishandling, economic disparities, and a systematic campaign of misinformation were used to drive a wedge between the eastern and western wings of the country. Years later, those who played a role in this conspiracy have themselves admitted to their actions, but such confessions offer little solace. The damage had already been done. As the proverb goes, “There is no use crying over spilt milk”. Instead of lamenting over the past, we must take heed and ensure that history does not repeat itself.
Today, the same malicious agenda is at play once more, this time targeting Balochistan. The largest yet least populated province of Pakistan, Balochistan holds immense strategic and economic importance. Its vast natural resources, deep-sea port at Gwadar, and proximity to key regional players make it a focal point for both development and disruption. Unfortunately, certain forces—both internal and external—have sought to exploit the grievances of the local population, fanning the flames of provincial and ethnic discord to serve their own geopolitical objectives.
One of the most alarming manifestations of this campaign is the growing wave of terrorism, where innocent travelers are brutally targeted after their identity cards reveal their provincial backgrounds. This pattern of violence is not incidental; it is a calculated effort to instill fear, deepen mistrust, and create rifts between different ethnic communities in Pakistan. Such acts mirror the tactics used in the past, where propaganda and selective violence were employed to create a sense of alienation among certain segments of the population.
The architects of this hostility operate on multiple fronts. They manipulate historical grievances, distort facts, and use digital platforms to spread disinformation. The internet has become a battleground where anti-state narratives are carefully crafted and disseminated to radicalize youth and sow doubts about the legitimacy of the Pakistani state. In this information age, where social media holds significant influence, a single fabricated story can ignite unrest. This is precisely why the enemy invests so heavily in propaganda—to weaken Pakistan from within.
Given these challenges, the responsibility falls upon both the state and its people to counter these nefarious designs and strengthen interprovincial harmony. The first step is addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction. While Balochistan has witnessed development in recent years—especially under projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—there remains much to be done. Investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare must be intensified to uplift the standard of living. Economic opportunities must be expanded so that the people of Balochistan feel an active part of Pakistan’s progress rather than mere spectators.
In addition to economic measures, political inclusion is vital. The voices of Balochistan must be heard and given due representation in national policymaking. The appointment of capable Baloch individuals in key administrative, military, and diplomatic positions would reinforce the message that they are not just a part of Pakistan but an essential pillar of its stability. Moreover, interprovincial exchange programs for students, professionals, and cultural groups could help bridge the gaps of misunderstanding and foster a spirit of national cohesion.
Equally important is the role of the media. At present, the country’s adversaries are using disinformation as their most potent weapon. The media must counter this by highlighting the shared struggles and achievements of Pakistanis across all provinces. Stories of unity, resilience, and brotherhood should be brought to the forefront to overshadow divisive narratives. Instead of focusing solely on problems, national media outlets must actively promote a sense of collective identity that transcends regional boundaries.
Security measures also require urgent reinforcement. The targeting of individuals based on their provincial identities is a grave threat to the nation’s unity, and law enforcement agencies must act with full force to dismantle the networks orchestrating these attacks. This, however, must be done with a balanced approach—one that combines firmness against hostile elements with efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate those who have been misled by extremist ideologies.
History has shown that Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in its unity. From the battlefields of 1965 to the fight against terrorism in recent decades, it has been the collective resolve of Pakistanis that has thwarted every challenge. The enemy is well aware that a divided Pakistan is a weakened Pakistan. This is why such relentless efforts are being made to pit provinces and ethnic groups against one another. However, these conspiracies will only succeed if we allow ourselves to be blinded by artificial divisions.
The path forward is clear; we must refuse to fall prey to provincial biases and instead reaffirm our commitment to a united, strong Pakistan. The sacrifices of our people—from the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan to the shores of Gwadar—must serve as a reminder that our destinies are intertwined. There is no Sindhi Pakistan, Balochi Pakistan, Punjabi Pakistan, or Pashtun Pakistan—there is only one Pakistan, and its survival depends on our ability to stand together.
At this critical juncture, complacency is not an option. We must act decisively to neutralize the enemy’s agenda, heal divisions, and forge an unbreakable bond among our people. The time to protect Pakistan’s unity is now, for we cannot afford to learn this lesson at the cost of another irreparable loss.
Mr. Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal is the Director General National Assembly Parliament House Islamabad.
