State-backed Sardars and Zehri Incident

By Hammal Baloch

The recent tragic incident in Khuzdar, where Asma Baloch was abducted from her home, has sparked widespread protests in Khuzdar and other parts of Balochistan. Her abduction was deeply disturbing and sent shockwaves throughout Baloch society. Unfortunately, this is not the first such incident; similar cases have occurred in the past.

This is particularly concerning because, in Baloch society, women have traditionally been considered off-limits in all forms of enmity. While the world is changing and Baloch society is inevitably influenced by this shift, the Baloch people can endure many hardships, but they cannot bear to see such atrocities committed against their women. Even as I write this, I tremble at the thought of it.

Despite repeated concerns, we have failed to take effective steps to prevent such incidents in the future. Either we have not acted or the Pakistani state and its death squads (state-backed militias) have deliberately prevented us from doing so.

As an ordinary Baloch, we hold the Nawabs, Sardars, and chieftains responsible for these ongoing injustices. They maintain private jails and every Baloch is aware of their atrocities. Throughout history, they have aligned themselves with oppressors, first with the British and now with Pakistan, because these oppressors provide them with the power and support to suppress the Baloch nation.

For a long time, Baloch society has been divided into two perspectives: one that supports, or pretends to support the Sardars due to their power, and another that believes the Sardars are the primary culprits behind the suffering of the Baloch nation. Baloch society is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and the conflict between the Sardars and the common Baloch has existed for generations. Over time, people have demanded the abolition of the Sardari system, which is now in its final stages.

Yousaf Aziz Magsi, despite being from a Sardar family, opposed the Sardari system, and Sardar Ataullah Mengal even presented a bill in the Balochistan Assembly to abolish it. Balochistan has many Sardars, and the majority of them are aligned with the Pakistani oppressors. They carry out the will of the state and are fully supported by it. On the other hand, some common Balochs, who were once thieves, dacoits or incompetent individuals, have been armed and empowered by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies. These individuals now inflict even greater suffering and atrocities upon the Baloch people than the former Sardars and chieftains.

Therefore, we must reject all those who oppress the Baloch, whether they are Sardars or ordinary individuals. Yes, a few Sardars and chieftains in history have been role models, sacrificing their lives for the Baloch nation and they remain our heroes. However, this does not mean we should refrain from criticising the Sardars.

The Sardari system is in its final phase and today, only “government-backed Sardars” remain in Balochistan. Nevertheless, we must not forget that our primary enemy is Pakistan, and we must continue to resist its oppression.