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The Flawed Narrative of Deprivation

69 9
02.09.2024

Pakistan with a population of approximately 242 million, is a diverse country composed of multiple ethnic groups spread across four main provinces. Among these, Balochistan, with a population of around 12 million, is the smallest but notably multicultural. This region includes a blend of ethnicities, with Pashtoons, Brahvis, and Hazaras forming substantial portions of the demographic, alongside Baloch people and settlers from other parts of the country. While the Baloch community is a significant and influential group, the presence of these diverse ethnic groups underlines the multicultural nature of Balochistan. This diversity is mirrored throughout Pakistan, as Baloch communities have also settled in other provinces, including Punjab and Sindh, and major cities like Karachi and Islamabad. Their migration is often motivated by economic opportunities and a quest for better living conditions, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry across the nation.

Outside Pakistan, a considerable Baloch population resides within Iranian territory, where they form a minority group along the extensive 909-kilometer border. In Iran, the Baloch people face unique challenges due to their minority status and the complex socio-political dynamics of the country. The prospect of independence or even greater autonomy for the Baloch in Iran remains highly improbable due to various geopolitical, social, and economic factors. The narrative of an independent Balochistan has often been used by certain groups to advance specific agendas, yet this remains largely a theoretical and........

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