Ever since the inception of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, the eyes of Pakistan have been firmly fixed on Balochistan. The vision of a developed and verdant Balochistan is seen as a cornerstone for Pakistan’s bright future. Prioritizing the alleviation of the deprivations faced by the people of Balochistan, tackling pervasive poverty, and ensuring widespread access to education and basic life conveniences are critical steps toward this vision. Additionally, transforming Gwadar into a modern, thriving port city is essential for the nation’s development. However, the key to achieving these goals lies in establishing lasting peace in the region.

The Pakistan armed forces have been striving tirelessly to establish peace in Balochistan. Yet, persistent foreign intervention remains a significant hurdle, primarily due to the lack of a robust administrative force. The police presence is limited to urban areas, leaving vast rural expanses unguarded. Balochistan covers approximately 350,000 square kilometers, about forty percent of Pakistan’s total area, but it lacks an effective police force. The local force, known as the Levies, is inadequately equipped and poorly performing. The military, despite having numerous check posts and around 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers stationed there, cannot........

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