An Independent Balochistan: Imperative For New World Order

By Shahdad Baloch

Balochistan, a region spanning southwestern Pakistan, southeastern Iran, and a small part of Afghanistan, occupies a unique geographical position critical to the Middle East and South Asia. Historically marginalised and economically deprived, Balochistan is home to a deeply rich cultural heritage and significant natural resources. Yet, its strategic value is systematically undermined by the Pakistani and Iranian haughty and derisive evil designs against the Baloch homeland and Geo-political significance, who benefit from the region’s resources while suppressing the Baloch nation.

The Balochistan Liberation Charter, articulated by the Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri, promises a framework for an independent Baloch state that upholds inclusive institutions, democracy, and free-market policies. Such a free Balochistan would not only foster regional prosperity but could also address crucial geopolitical gaps in the current world order. This opinion examines the strategic, political, and economic advantages of an independent Balochistan, with references to regional power dynamics and historical concessions that have hindered regional stability.

1. Geopolitical and Strategic Importance of Balochistan

Balochistan’s unique geography grants it critical strategic importance. It borders the Arabian Sea, lying a mere 43 kilometres from key Arab states, which positions it as a potential hub for trade and transit. This proximity also provides direct access to the Strait of Hormuz, a global chokepoint through which nearly one-third of the world’s oil passes. Control over this area has immense implications for global energy markets, and an independent Balochistan could serve as a stable gateway, benefiting neighbouring Arab nations and global powers alike. With its untapped coastline and future port cities, a sovereign Balochistan could become a central point in a new Middle Eastern economic corridor, similar to the European Union’s economic integration model.

Iran and Pakistan, however, continue to limit this potential by enforcing restrictive policies that undermine both local autonomy and development. The exploitation of the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian proxies highlights the risk posed by Iran’s monopolisation of strategic waters. This restricts international access and destabilises neighbouring regions through asymmetric tactics that disrupt vital shipping lanes. An independent Balochistan could act as a neutral and stabilising force, supporting free trade and secure passage.

2. Political and Economic Failures of Iran and Pakistan

Iran and Pakistan’s repeated failures to establish inclusive institutions have stymied Balochistan’s social and economic growth, depriving the Baloch people of basic human rights and opportunities. Drawing on the principles from Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, we see how nations with inclusive institutions—those that foster citizen participation, equitable wealth distribution, and legal equality—are more prosperous and stable. The Balochistan Liberation Charter reflects these principles, envisioning a democratic Baloch state founded on economic inclusivity, human rights, and regional cooperation. Such a system would contrast sharply with Pakistan’s and Iran’s exclusionary policies, which prioritise elite enrichment and suppress local governance. The charter’s policy framework suggests that Balochistan could transition from an impoverished and oppressed region to a prosperous state that benefits both regional and global economies.

Balochistan’s wealth of natural resources, including natural gas, minerals, and precious metals, is currently monopolised by Pakistan and Iran, benefiting only a small elite. Under an independent government rooted in inclusive policies, these resources could be managed to foster regional economic growth. Furthermore, the region’s location is ideal for establishing trade routes that link Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, enabling an independent Balochistan to catalyze regional trade and development.

3. Impact of Foreign Policy and Economic Exploitation

Iran and Pakistan have long manipulated foreign alliances to maintain power domestically and advance regional influence. By exploiting Western financial and diplomatic support, they have managed to fund proxy organisations that destabilise the Middle East. This exploitation is often facilitated through concessions by the United States, as seen in historical precedents, where concessions have inadvertently emboldened Iran’s ambitions in the region. These concessions include American diplomatic leniency toward Iran’s ambitions and evil actions, which has enabled Tehran to sustain and expand its influence through proxies like Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, and militias in Iraq and Syria.

As Selig S. Harrison, a prominent American expert on South Asia, has noted, an independent Balochistan could counterbalance the influence of Iran and Pakistan by providing a democratic alternative that aligns with Western interests. This alignment would limit Iran’s ability to fund and operate proxies in the Middle East, promoting a more balanced and stable region.

4. Opportunities Through the Balochistan Liberation Charter

The Balochistan Liberation Charter, introduced by the Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri, presents a blueprint for an independent and prosperous Balochistan on democratic principles and inclusive economic policies. These principles align with Western democratic values and could foster a more secure environment in the region. Economically, an independent Balochistan would open doors to international investment in its natural resources, infrastructure, and trade networks, creating new opportunities for foreign partnerships. Strategically, an autonomous Balochistan could collaborate with Western and regional powers to secure the Strait of Hormuz, thereby ensuring the free flow of global oil supplies and reducing the risk of Iranian control over this vital corridor.

Furthermore, the Balochistan Liberation Charter outlines principles that, if realized, could reduce regional tensions, foster economic interdependence, and establish the region as a key player in global markets. By creating a governance system that prioritises human rights, economic equity, and cooperative diplomacy, Balochistan could contribute to a Middle Eastern model of economic and social union, akin to the European Union’s integration of diverse states.

5. A New Path Forward: The Necessity of an Independent Balochistan

The prevailing global order has enabled Pakistan and Iran to manipulate foreign aid and alliances to their advantage, perpetuating regional instability. An independent Balochistan, grounded in the principles of the Balochistan Liberation Charter, would offer a new paradigm—one that prioritises democratic governance, economic inclusivity, and regional security. This shift could address Western interests in stabilising the Middle East while reducing the influence of Iranian proxies and weakening Pakistan’s monopolistic hold over trade routes and resources.

Leading Western think tanks, including those of Selig S. Harrison, have increasingly advocated for Balochistan’s independence, highlighting the strategic and economic advantages such a move could bring to the United States and its allies. By supporting Balochistan’s independence, the West can establish a crucial ally that upholds democratic values and ensures regional stability in an area critical for global energy security.

Conclusion

Nawab Khair Bux Marri veteran leader, once spoke of the idea of freedom as an aspiration that should transcend politics, yet remain grounded in reality. The vision of an independent Balochistan offers this realistic path, aligning aspirations for freedom with pragmatic solutions for regional prosperity. In an era where the global order faces significant challenges, supporting Balochistan’s independence offers a powerful alternative to the entrenched, destabilising influences of Iran and Pakistan. For the United States and its allies, fostering an independent Balochistan is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic opportunity—one that could transform the region and secure global economic interests.