Tahreem Amanullah is an undergraduate student of international relations at BUITEMS, Quetta.

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”

Why does Balochistan, despite being resource-rich, have the highest poverty rate among the provinces of Pakistan? Why is the region confronted with such unrest? What has deprived the region?. These questions often arise in the youth’s mind. To reach an answer, there are various aspects to be examined. However, core analyses of the questions may reveal ethnic discrimination as one of the root causes of all evils in Balochistan.

Balochistan, the largest but least populated province of Pakistan, is undoubtedly a beautiful, multi-colored umbrella inhabited by various ethnicities, including the Baloch, Brahui, Pashtun, Hazara, and many others. This multicultural feature portrays an insightful picture, offering a vibrant fabric of cultures and identities. However, a closer look reveals the reality of lawlessness and disorder due to the ethnic divisions and discrimination that have contributed to the political, economic, and social struggles of Balochistan. Before diving into depth, it would be insightful to have a closer look at the region, highlighting its historical and geographical significance. 

Balochistan, home to diverse cultures, has a unique demographic profile. It consists of 6.85 percent of Pakistan’s population, with a population of approximately 14.9 million as of the 2023 census. As aforementioned, Balochistan is home to multiple ethnicities and cultures. The Baloch, the largest ethnic group, covering the western and southern regions, make up 39.9% of the population. Pashtuns come as the second largest group, consisting of 34.34% of the total population, mainly inhabiting the north, including the capital city, Quetta. The Brahui, on the other hand, primarily residing in the central areas, make up around 17.22% of the population.

Coming to the minorities, including the Hazara community, they have the least share in the region’s population. Moreover, the region’s multi-ethnic feature also portrays a beautiful multilingual culture. The major population speaks Balochi, Brahui, and Pashto. Other languages, which include Sindhi, Saraiki, Punjabi, and Urdu, are also spoken by a smaller........

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