Balochistan, despite holding 90% of Pakistan’s copper reserves and significant mineral wealth, faces poverty among its people. The region’s resources, including copper, coal, and barite, largely benefit federal structures and foreign companies rather than local communities. Major projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) prioritize national interests over local consent, leading to economic exploitation and displacement of communities.
The connection between resource exploitation and indigenous rights is evident in Gwadar, where despite massive infrastructure development, locals lack basic services. Baloch activists criticize projects like CPEC for limited local employment, environmental risks, and displacement of communities. Economic exclusion and extraction further exacerbate grievances in the region.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has protested against enforced disappearances and human rights violations, demanding accountability. In response to calls for basic rights, Pakistani authorities have resorted to mass detentions and crackdowns, drawing international criticism. The struggle for rights and fair treatment continues amid ongoing political and human rights challenges in Balochistan.
