Baloch-Islamabad tensions : problems of national integration

Abstract

Pakistan's "other problem," the insurgency of the ethnic Baloch, is threatening to tear the nation apart. It is an old problem with deep wounds both in Islamabad and among the Baloch people. While explanations of this problem vary, they tend to follow two primary theories. One theory, called here the "Islamabad Theory," asserts that the blame for the difficulty between Islamabad and the Baloch lies in the policies and strategies taken by the Pakistani government. A second theory, which this thesis labels the "Baloch Theory," places the blame for the lack of Baloch integration on the culture and capabilities of the Baloch people. Their hierarchical, chief-centered culture, as well as capabilities gained through foreign influences has pushed them away from integration with Islamabad. This thesis evaluates both theories to ascertain which theory more accurately reflects the realities inherent in the Baloch-Islamabad problem. It finds that components of each theory significantly contribute to the problems. In particular, the Sardari system ,as described in the Baloch theory, presents tremendous obstacles for integration. However, after evaluating each theory, this thesis concludes that the Islamabad theory most accurately explains the failure of the Baloch people to integrate into Pakistan.