By Manahil Jaffer

The security and stability of Pakistan are vital for its prosperity and national integrity. The activities, ideologies, and narratives of sub-ethnic nationalist movements like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have increasingly alarmed both policymakers and the public for a long time. Their anti-state agendas have become more pronounced in recent times, raising serious concerns about their impact on national unity and security.

The PTM and Its Anti-State Narrative

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) emerged following military operations aimed at rooting out terrorist elements in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) regions. It was founded in May 2014 by eight students in Dera Ismail Khan. Led by figures such as Manzoor Pashteen and Mohsin Dawar, the PTM initially focused on raising concerns about human rights issues. However, the movement turned into a confrontational and anti-state propaganda supported by enemies of Pakistan, portraying the military and security agencies as oppressors of the Pashtun people.

Accusations of Ethnic Discrimination

The PTM's rhetoric often centers on accusations of ethnic discrimination, alleging that the Pashtun community is marginalized and persecuted. This narrative is problematic as it frames a single ethnic group as being unfairly targeted, which can foster a sense of victimhood and resentment. Such a portrayal risks alienating a significant portion of the population and can polarize society along ethnic lines.

Impact on National Unity and Stability

While it is important to address legitimate grievances, the PTM's approach has been criticized for being counterproductive to national unity and stability. The movement's narrative, which frequently casts the state in a negative light, miserably tries to erode public trust in state institutions and undermine the cohesion necessary for national development. This is particularly concerning in a diverse country like Pakistan, where maintaining unity is crucial for social harmony and progress.

The PTM's allegations and confrontational tactics risk encouraging a divisive attitude towards the state, potentially destabilizing the region. The portrayal of the military and security agencies as adversaries not only undermines their efforts to maintain peace and security but also disregards the sacrifices made by these institutions in protecting the nation from terrorism and insurgency.

The State's Commitment to Addressing Grievances

The Pakistani state has been committed to addressing the concerns raised by the PTM, including issues related to human rights and regional development. The government has initiated various programs aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the KP and former FATA regions, recognizing the need for holistic development to ensure the well-being of all citizens. But the agenda of PTM is not the welfare of Pashtun people but destabilizing the country for their narrow and vested interests.

Efforts have also been made to engage with community leaders and stakeholders to resolve issues through dialogue and cooperation. However, it is crucial that such engagements are based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the country's unity and stability.

Baloch Yakjehti Committee and the Balochistan Issue

The situation in Balochistan is a complex and longstanding challenge, with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and similar groups raising concerns about socio-economic disparities and political issues in the region. Balochistan is rich in natural resources, particularly gas and minerals, which have been central to discussions about development and equity. The Pakistani state has acknowledged these resources as critical for national development, ensuring that Balochistan benefits from these assets.

Economic and Political Grievances

The Pakistani government has been working to address the economic challenges in Balochistan, focusing on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare improvements. Significant investments have been made to ensure that the region benefits from its natural wealth and Reko Diq being the major one as Balochistan government will get 35% of the projects revenue. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to integrate Balochistan more fully into the national economy, ensuring that local communities receive their fair share of resource-generated revenues.

Politically, the government has taken steps to ensure that the Baloch people are represented within the national framework. There has been an emphasis on inclusive governance, with efforts to increase local participation in decision-making processes and to address any feelings of political marginalization. These initiatives aim to bring Balochistan closer to the rest of the country, fostering a sense of national unity and shared purpose.

Baloch Yakjehti Committee's Role and Criticisms

While the BYC and other groups have raised important issues, their narrative has often been criticized for being anti-state. This perspective can undermine efforts towards integration and development, as it may foster separatist sentiments rather than cooperation. The state's focus has been on promoting national cohesion and ensuring that all citizens, including those in Balochistan, feel part of the national fabric.

The involvement of figures like Mahrang Baloch, the daughter of a known Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) commander, in leading protests raises concerns. The BLA is a designated terrorist organization, and its history of armed insurgency against the state poses a serious security threat. The participation of individuals with such backgrounds in protests is an attempt to exploit genuine grievances for broader separatist agendas.

Commitment to National Unity and Development

The Pakistani state is committed to addressing the grievances in Balochistan through peaceful means, emphasizing economic development, political inclusion, and social integration. The government recognizes the need to balance regional autonomy with national unity, ensuring that all parts of the country progress together. The development of infrastructure, improvements in social services, and fair resource distribution are central to these efforts.

The Role of External Influences and Security Implications

Both the PTM and Baloch Yakjehti Committee have been receiving support from external actors who have strategic interests in destabilizing Pakistan. The involvement of foreign intelligence agencies in funding and promoting separatist ideologies is a well-documented phenomenon. These external influences exploit genuine grievances to further their geopolitical agendas, aiming to weaken Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The rise of sub-ethnic nationalist movements like the PTM and Baloch Yakjehti Committee poses a significant challenge to Pakistan's national security and unity. While addressing legitimate grievances is crucial, it is equally important to counter the anti-state narratives that these groups propagate. Such rhetoric threatens the very existence of the state by fostering division, mistrust, and instability. The state and society must work together to promote national unity, counter disinformation, and ensure that all citizens feel included and valued within the national framework. Only through such comprehensive efforts can Pakistan safeguard its sovereignty and ensure long-term peace and stability.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of The South Asia Times