Why Sindh and Balochistan Seek Separation from Pakistan

Sindh: Separatist movements in Pakistan have gained strength following the Pahalgam attack. Activists in two provinces, Balochistan and Sindh, have openly expressed their desire to secede and form independent nations. Regional nationalist groups and independence advocates have raised their voices more forcefully in recent weeks. Baloch and Sindhi activists accuse the federal government of exploiting their regions economically, marginalizing them politically, and violating their human rights. These accusations have fueled growing demands for independence from the Pakistani state.

Sindh Demands:

Groups such as the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM) in Sindh actively call for a sovereign Sindhudesh, citing resource exploitation without fair compensation and ongoing cultural repression. As Sindh is already facing drought conditions, the main agitation started when the diversion of water to the other provinces began. Activists argue that Pakistan’s national government denies Sindhis adequate representation and decision-making power. They also claim that internal migration is driving demographic changes that dilute Sindhi cultural identity. It is very clear that most of the people in Sindh are farmers and water from the Indus River diversion will affect their livelihood.

Balochistan Demands:
The largest but least developed province in Pakistan, Balochistan, has long been plagued by militancy. The province’s enormous natural riches, particularly in regions like Gwadar and Reko Diq, are being exploited by Islamabad, according to Baloch separatists, without making investments in local communities or infrastructure. Allegations of enforced disappearances and the Pakistani military’s significant presence have further polarized the area.

Separatist Activities:

Growing separatist voices are actively threatening Pakistan’s political and territorial stability. These movements are increasing internal pressure on the federal administration to reform its policies or risk deeper unrest. If Sindh and Balochistan succeed in uniting internal factions or securing international support, they could drastically reshape Pakistan’s demographics by taking away significant land, population, and natural resources.

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Geopolitics Effect:

A successful independence movement in Sindh or Balochistan would trigger significant geopolitical repercussions on a global scale. Regional powers such as China, Iran, India, and others would likely reevaluate their strategic objectives in South Asia. Notably, China has invested billions of dollars in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with Gwadar Port serving as a critical node in its Belt and Road Initiative.

Balochistan’s Independence:

However, if Balochistan were to gain independence, the new geopolitical landscape could jeopardize China’s massive infrastructure and trade interests. In response, China would be forced to reassess its regional ambitions, particularly its maritime access and economic security in the Arabian Sea. Consequently, the political shift could destabilize China’s long-term plans in the region and prompt broader recalibrations among global and regional actors.

In the end, growing independence demands in Balochistan and Sindh highlight long-standing governance failures. If Islamabad continues to ignore local grievances, it risks threatening the integrity of the Pakistani state more severely than at any time since the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

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