Geostrategic Importance of Balochistan: Baloch Insurgency and the Global Politics of Energy Resources

Abstract

Balochistan is at crossroads of conquerors, traders and settlers. It is ideally located along the long coastal belt from the Middle East toward the Indian-sub-Continent and a critical central point for goods to and from this part of the region to Central Asia through Afghanistan. Balochistan, due to its geostrategic position, has special influence on local, national, regional and global politics. This paper contends that insurgency proved a real impediment in its social, political, economic development and has also destabilized the whole region. The current phase of insurgency will meet the same fate as it did in the past due to its disorganized nature. This paper focuses on the geo-strategic importance of Balochistan and how its significance does exploited by the regional and global players. Baloch accounts for less than four percent of the total population of Pakistan; these Baloch insurgents living in the province that comprises roughly 45 percent of the total area of Pakistan. The Baloch insurgents dreaming of Greater Balochistan, as it includes the Baloch living in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. This paper has proved by what methods the motives, both suspected and stated, reflect the Baloch a very harmful and lethal whose behavior is unexpected.