Karachi: The military strikes between Iran and Pakistan claimed the lives of innocent Baloch civilians on either side. The tension escalated on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, when Iran launched missile attacks in three different countries: Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan.
Iran claimed responsibility for an attack on Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant group in Panjgur, Balochistan. Subsequently, diplomatic relations were strained, prompting Pakistan to lower its diplomatic ties with Iran. Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran, denouncing the incident as an “illegal act” and issuing a warning about potential serious consequences.
After Iran’s attack, Pakistan conducted a retaliatory strike inside Sistan-Balochistan, claiming to have targeted militant organisations: Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF). Iranian media reported that approximately nine people, including two children, four men, and three women were killed in the attack. However, Iran and Pakistan have denied the existence of militant groups in their countries.
Pictures emerged showing that innocent civilians living in mud houses were killed, with the majority of victims being women and children on both sides.
“How can you celebrate the killing of innocent children, who were victims of both countries?” wonders Mahrang Baloch, who leads the Baloch women’s protest in Islamabad, during her presser.
The Balochs live on both sides and indeed, their families are divided between Iran and Pakistan. When Iran and Pakistan strike Baloch areas, the actual victims are innocent civilians killed on the pretext of targeting terrorists.
Following military strikes from both countries at each other, within a short period, Iran and Pakistan offered dialogue to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, Baloch civilians lost their lives to the strikes, and their families suffered.
Also read: Pakistan Carries out Airstrikes in Iran; Nine People Reportedly Killed
Military strikes favour authoritarian rulers in both Iran and Pakistan
Former member of the Senate of Pakistan, Afrasiab Khattak spoke to The Wire that the recent attack is “very unfortunate”. It seems both countries want to divert attention from internal issues by blaming their neighbouring countries. In Iran, during the first week of January this year, blasts occurred near Qasim Sulemani’s grave. Qasim Sulemani, Iran’s Quds Force chief General died in an airstrike, leading to unrest among the Iranian public who felt unsafe in their country.
To portray strength, the Iranian government launched attacks on three countries. On Pakistan’s side, they also sought to divert attention from internal issues, such as the Baloch women’s protest. Indeed, Pakistan is ruled by military generals, much like the authoritarian rulers rule in Iran. “The military strikes favour both Iran and Pakistan,” says Khattak.
Author and activist, Abid Mir says the Pakistan government attacked a refugee camp on the border, resulting in the killing of Baloch civilians. He questioned the claim that militant groups have safe havens inside Iran. If the Pakistani government claimed that the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) were hiding in Iran then why did it need Iran’s attack to act against militant groups? Mir further questions how Iran allowed groups like BLA and BLF, whose manifesto advocates for a “Great Balochistan Independent” encompassing areas from Sasitan-Balochistan, Chahabar, Koh-e-Suleman to DG Khan, areas that also extend into Iran.
Mir expressed doubts that the military attack might enable Pakistan’s establishment to postpone the election.
Iran-Pakistan military strike may increase turbulence between Sunni and Shia
Muhammad Amir Rana, a political economy analyst, states that ongoing tension along the Iran-Pakistan borders has increased the risk of sectarian discord. Both Shia and Sunni communities show signs of violent sectarian tendencies, with certain groups acting as proxies for foreign interests. He doubts that Sunni groups may also receive support from Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP).
Khattak said that in our region, religions are often politicised, with states using them as political tools. The Sunni-Shia relationships are affected by the deteriorating ties between Iran and Pakistan.
Balcohs believe Iran-Pakistan joined hands to kill Balochs
“Iran and Pakistan are on the same page to implicate in severe actions against the Balochs on either side,” said Mahrang.
Iran-Pakistan share a long history of eliminating the Balochs because due to common interests. It cannot be neglected that the recent military strike may be a result of mutual understanding. When asked Khattak about the possibility of such an understanding, Khattack responded that he did not have accurate information, but he added, “This cannot be ruled out.”
He further mentioned that both countries had deliberately struck Baloch people on both sides, with the victims living in humble mud houses that were destroyed by bombs.
Mohim Sarkhosh Baloch, head of foreign affairs for Balochistan Solidarity Party, said that both sides also have economic interests in Balochistan, with its coast and strategic ports like Gwadar and Chahabar playing a crucial role. Both regimes aim to alter the population demography in the Makran Coastal Area through migration, intending to make the Baloch a minority, thereby governing, and exploiting Balochistan without facing significant resistance.
Furthermore, adding that the Baloch women’s protest includes a demand for a UN mission inquiry in Balochistan, the recent military strike may weaken the protest.
