The Balochistan Issue: History, Politics, and Contemporary Challenges

Overview:

This course undertakes a critical exploration of Balochistan’s historical trajectory and its contested place within the Pakistani state. It investigates colonial governance, the disputed accession of Kalat, recurring insurgencies, and the structural grievances that have marked the province’s political economy. Particular emphasis is placed on resource politics, federal neglect, and the impact of regional and global powers, situating Balochistan as both a domestic fault line and a site of international strategic competition.

It is designed for advanced students of political science, international relations, and South Asian history, as well as policy researchers, journalists, and practitioners in governance, security, and development sectors. The course appeals equally to those engaged in academic inquiry and those directly involved in policy and practice.

By the end of the course,   participants will have developed a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between nationalism, federalism, and resource exploitation in Balochistan. They will be able to critically evaluate external interventions, analyze reconciliation initiatives, and propose informed perspectives on the possibilities of integration, autonomy, or continued conflict.