There is a saying: nothing is permanent. The only thing that is permanent is change. For 77 years, historical nations such as the Baloch, Sindhi, and Pashtun nations, as well as Pakistani-occupied Kashmir, have endured occupation, but things have changed. In the context of Balochistan, what has changed? The Baloch people began their struggle for freedom and resistance against occupation from the very first day Pakistan occupied independent Balochistan.
It has been a long, long journey—77 years of killings, suffering, occupation, and brutalities. But things cannot remain the same. Today, the Baloch struggle has become mature, recognized, and its profile has grown worldwide. The credit for this goes solely to the sacrifices of the Baloch nation, their unwavering belief that this is their land, their motherland, and only they can free it. It is their right. Freedom is a fundamental human right, and it is ingrained at the grassroots level.
What stands out is the recent protests, which are remarkable because Baloch society is generally considered conservative. Yet, thousands of women are leading these protests. This is unique and significant, and should not be underestimated.
Now, what has changed in Pakistan? Pakistan, as Dr. Naseer Dashti explains so well, was created with a purpose: conflict, brutality, and instability in the region. The occupied nations were treated as easy prey. As time has passed, Pakistan has not functioned as a normal country. Political science defines countries and multi-nation states, but Pakistan fits neither category. It denied the existence of ancient nations, along with their cultures, languages, and identities. Pakistan has survived on two things: creating conflict to obtain funds and exploiting the resources of the nations it occupies.
However, things have changed. Pakistan’s geostrategic importance has diminished, and its economic foundations were always weak. The country is collapsing. This is not just our opinion; even Pakistani intellectuals admit the country is no longer viable. They compare it to a terminal cancer patient, whose doctors have given up hope. I can name one such intellectual, widely respected, who said that he cannot see Pakistan surviving for 20 more years. Perhaps it will collapse even sooner.
We always used to say that Pakistan is controlled entirely by its military. Now, this has become increasingly obvious. There are no other institutions in charge—politicians, the judiciary, and the media are all collaborators with the military. Pakistan has one of the highest per capita intelligence networks in the world, infiltrating every aspect of life. The military mafia runs everything, from drug trafficking to other criminal activities. It is not just a military state; it is a military mafia state, and it is collapsing.
The Baloch struggle has shaken the foundations of this military state. But we cannot assume the path ahead will be easy. As Pakistan loses its grip on power, it becomes more brutal. The state does not care. We talk about enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, but Pakistan is indifferent. For centuries, these same people have committed genocide. It is not new to them, and they will continue doing it without remorse.
It is up to us, and no one else, to save our people. And as we strive to protect our people, we must remember that we live in a global system. Nations in struggles for freedom have always needed friends. Fortunately, Pakistan has fallen into a trap because of its greed and flawed structure. Based on our understanding of history, this time Pakistan will not be able to escape. The outcome depends on our wisdom and strategy—how we minimize the damage and save as many people as possible who can witness the day of freedom and liberation.
I have more faith and trust than ever before. Despite the brutality and darkness, we know that this will not last forever. Baloch, Sindhis, Pashtuns, and the people of Pakistani-occupied Kashmir and Baltistan will one day see the light of freedom, dignity, and peace. And we must continue to work for that day. This is a cause we live for, and it is a cause we are ready to die for.
In this struggle, the Sindhi nation stands side by side with the Baloch nation.
