Balochistan has been on the radar of world powers for a long time, for a mix of good and bad reasons. Investment is pouring in, but so is violence, and the correlation between the two has created a complex situation.

According to an Islamabad-based think tank, February 2025 saw a slight increase in terrorist incidents but a significant rise in civilian casualties. It is for the first time since August 2024 that civilian casualties have surpassed those of security personnel, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said in its report.

The report pointed at a 175% increase in civilian fatalities as compared to January 2025, when 20 civilians were killed. Meanwhile, casualties among security forces declined by 18%, dropping from 57 in January. Most of the attacks (32) took place in Balochistan, resulting in 56 deaths, including 35 of civilians and 10 of security personnel.

Moreover, 44 individuals – including 32 security personnel – were left injured in the attacks carried out mainly by ethnonationalist militant organizations. In response, security forces killed 11 militants. Over in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 23 attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 14 security personnel and 12 civilians, with another 22 security personnel and 22 civilians injured. Security forces retaliated and killed 47 terrorists.

Sindh witnessed three small-scale attacks, one of which martyred a security official. The Sindhu Desh Revolutionary Army and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group claimed responsibility, with the latter conducting its first attack outside KP by killing a policeman in Karachi’s Manghopir area. No terrorist incidents were reported in Punjab, but as many as 16 suspects were arrested. In addition, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Islamabad remained safe during this period.

Balochistan has gained international attention over the past few years due to its complex geopolitical and economic situation. The province stands at a crossroads; caught between insurgencies and economic opportunities. While much focus is on the province’s strategic value, particularly in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the ground realities remain a far more complex narrative.

Despite the province’s rich resources and strategic location, the people there continue to suffer from political instability, economic neglect, and a lack of basic services.

Amidst this plight, the single most pertinent question that lies unanswered is this: will the people be required to bear yet more decades of conflict, or will they harvest the opportunities of peace and growth awaiting them in the future?

Since 2000, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) came into existence as a powerful and dominant force challenging the state. However, instead of the state, the local population became the ultimate sufferers. Some powerful political families and local leaders gained from the conflict, but ordinary people there continue to live in poverty, without education, jobs, or basic services.

Balochistan has the lowest literacy rate in Pakistan, with an education system in dire condition. In this challenging environment, the students of Balochistan now face a critical decision about their future. Will they continue to engage in false freedom movements that have persisted for 75 years, or will they choose to invest in a better life through education?

If the locals genuinely seek freedom, it should be rooted in economic opportunities, education, and freedom of expression, rather than through the violence of gunfire. History shows us that no nation has achieved true freedom through violent means and armed struggles.

It must be understood that only economic development can bring stability to Balochistan. The cycle of violence will ultimately weaken when people have better jobs, education, and healthcare.

Poverty and a lack of opportunity are frequently important drivers of disturbance. By addressing these concerns through targeted investments and development, the incentive for insurgency and conflict may be reduced. A prosperous Balochistan will offer its youth alternatives like education, employment, and entrepreneurship instead of conflict.

On the other hand, foreign investment is now knocking on Balochistan’s door, particularly through CPEC. China is not only bringing industries to the province but also offering scholarships to Chinese youth studying in Gwadar. This initiative has been widely appreciated.

Balochistan is now attracting foreign investors, and with the success of CPEC projects, the lives of locals will change for better. Saudi Arabia has also shown serious interest and announced investing $540 million in the Reko Diq project in two phases — $330 million first, followed by $210 million. Apart from China and Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE and some other Middle Eastern countries are also looking to invest.

Now, the choice is in the hands of the people. Will they continue down the path of conflict, or will they seize this rare opportunity for a better future? Such moments come once in a century. The people must seize this opportunity.

The author is a journalist