By: Qamar Bashir
Unlike many countries that are making progress by leaps and bounds, Pakistan, unfortunately, finds itself on a regressive path. This is not only disheartening for its citizens but also deeply disappointing for overseas Pakistanis, whose hearts and souls remain tied to their homeland despite living abroad. The recent news emerging from Pakistan is alarming, particularly the horrifying incident where an entire train was looted, its passengers abducted and killed while traveling through Bolan, Balochistan.
This event starkly contradicts the claims of our law enforcement agencies that they have “broken the back of terrorists and criminals.” Instead, separatist and secessionist groups are gaining strength, their narratives taking deeper root both inside Pakistan and abroad, turning our security forces into mere objects of ridicule.
It has long been acknowledged that while the reins of government, parliament, and judiciary are theoretically in civilian hands, real power rests with the establishment. Yet, whenever failures emerge, the blame is swiftly unloaded onto civilian governments. Now, following this recent wave of terrorist attacks, the establishment has conveniently placed the burden of responsibility on the PPP-led government in Balochistan. This was expected, as such tactics have been used since the inception of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, our law enforcement agencies take pride in their dominance over the agricultural sector through corporate farming, monopolizing the housing market, assuming anti-smuggling and anti-drug trafficking duties, manipulating exchange rates, controlling elections, conquering the judiciary, parliament, media, and businesses—all enforced through the power of the gun. Yet, when it comes to their core responsibility—law enforcement, counterterrorism, and national security—they have delegated these duties to civilian puppets, washing their hands of accountability.
Instead of fulfilling their constitutional duty to safeguard Pakistan’s borders and internal security, the state’s powerful institutions are more focused on diverting scarce water resources from civilian farmers in Sindh to the Cholistan desert—an effort primarily aimed at irrigating land for their corporate agricultural projects under military ownership.
This is the defining irony of Pakistan’s trajectory: civilians have been deemed incapable of navigating the civilian affairs and while our security institutions, which failed to protect the nation’s frontiers, continue expanding their grip over non-military domains. Pakistan has lost four wars, permanently ceded occupied Kashmir to India, and now appears to lack the will or capacity to defend even the Pakistani side of Kashmir.
A new narrative has now been injected into the national discourse—one that demands all citizens to bow their heads before the mighty state. Those who refuse to comply are branded as threats, facing the heavy arm of the state until they submit. Yet, the true role of the state is not to instill fear in its citizens but to serve and protect them, ensuring justice, security, and societal well-being.
A welfare state functions as a guardian of public interests, providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and social security while upholding fundamental rights. Laws should be designed to protect citizens, not control them. However, when a state begins to demand absolute loyalty and unquestioned obedience, it ceases to be a servant of the people and transforms into an authoritarian force that suppresses dissent and compromises personal freedoms.
From a religious and philosophical perspective, particularly in Islam, submission belongs solely to Allah, the ultimate source of justice and morality. No earthly authority, including the state, has the right to demand obedience that contradicts divine principles.
Historically, oppressive rulers have sought to position themselves as supreme entities, enforcing allegiance through fear. This contradicts the Islamic principle that leaders are only legitimate if they govern with justice and protect the rights of their people. A recognizes that authority is a trust given by the people and should be exercised with humility, fairness, and a commitment to service rather than domination.
Had this foundational principle been upheld in Pakistan, the Baloch issue would never have escalated into a crisis. The land of Balochistan has historically belonged to the Baloch people for centuries, even during the rule of the Mughals and the British. The natural resources, wealth, and opportunities above and beneath this land rightfully belong to its people. Yet, instead of treating the Baloch with dignity, respect, and as equal citizens, successive governments and military interventions have only deepened their alienation.
The Baloch people do not demand extravagant wealth—they demand basic rights: water, infrastructure, education, economic opportunities, and most importantly, respect and honor. A state that attempts to subjugate its citizens through brute force and propaganda fails to learn from history. The same approach failed in Bangladesh, has failed in occupied Kashmir, and will never succeed in Balochistan.
To correct course, the state must begin by withdrawing excessive military presence in Balochistan and handing over governance to genuine Baloch leaders at the grassroots level. Using brute force to silence dissent will not bring peace; only justice and empowerment can. The security establishment must recognize that its duty is to serve, not to rule, and that its authority comes under the higher sovereignty of Allah, not unchecked worldly power. The transformation of the state must begin by shifting away from coercion toward governance that listens to its people rather than suppressing them.
The people of Balochistan, tired of oppression, are looking for leadership that has the courage, determination, and integrity to stand tall against state brutality. They seek leaders who will not bow before oppressive power structures and who will champion the cause of transforming the state into a true servant of the people.
In an unprecedented turn, Imran Khan has emerged as the only leader in Pakistan’s history who has demonstrated unwavering resolve to bow only before Almighty Allah—not before the forces that seek to impose their will on the nation. His struggle has set an example for all those seeking emancipation from state tyranny.
This is a critical moment for Pakistan. The state must retreat from interfering in civilian affairs, reset the National Assembly based on the true election results (Form-45), drop all politically motivated cases against opposition leaders, and release Imran Khan. He has, against all odds, earned the respect of the Baloch people as a fearless, upright, and loyal leader. If Pakistan is to heal and move forward, it must reintegrate Balochistan into the national fold through justice, inclusion, and genuine leadership rather than through guns and coercion. This is the only path forward—one that allows the country and its citizens to finally take a much-needed sigh of relief.
By: Qamar Bashir
Press Secretary to the President (Rtd)
Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC
Macomb, Detroit, Michigan
