Ethno-Nationalist Movements, Horizontal Inequalities and Conflict: A Case of Balochistan

Abstract

With the advent of 21st century, the idea of non-traditional security came to limelight aftebeing remained a subject of a periphery interest. The adoption of the idea inevitably generatedthe dialogue thereby initiating the need to curtail the spiraling nature of intra-state conflicthrough grounded facts and quantifiable variables. Among them Horizontal Inequalities signifya dominant variable, perturbing the scholarly community to uncover its correlation with thediminishing non-traditional security and a threat to state security. Under these circumstances,illicit exploitation of natural resources further supplements Horizontal Inequalities, wreaking havoc on the security paradox. In this hindsight, the case of Balochistan is not peculiar to thementioned understanding; where unparalleled level of socio-economic inequalities exists and unprecedented level of illegal extraction of natural resources are at its rampant pace, wheragitation for securing lootable and non-lootable resources by aggrieved parties are causingvibrance in the security realm. With the speculation is rife of corruption and bribery in thprovince, these unwavering natures of socio-economic inequalities and illicit usage of naturaresources, explicitly liable for spiraling boom in extremism, ethno-nationalism and terrorismin the province. This research study has used the qualitative approach and primarily focusedon semi structured interviews with the experts on the subject to enhance the credibility of the research, data has also collected from the secondary sources such as official documents published by the government of Pakistan and all other relevant documents. This research has connected the dots that how the Balochistan conflict is exacerbated with the presence of Horizontal Inequalities and exploitation of Natural resources, furthermore, thiresearch also discussed why the people of Balochistan perceived CPEC as a source ofexploitation for Balochistan. In addition, this research also highlights the issue of Cross Bordetrade and Issue of Taxation in Balochistan. Lastly, this research analyzed and suggests that it is understood facts that state institutional structures are doing its utmost in their capacity to revitalize and revamp the socio-economic inclusivity; the need of hour is to address this causthrough a political therapy and emotional emancipation of its aggrieved citizens.