IDENTITY POLITICS AND THE QUEST FOR AUTONOMY IN SOUTH ASIA (A CASE STUDY OF BALOCHISTAN)

Abstract

With a focus on how military-backed, electable politics—particularly the emergence of the Baluchistan Awami Party (BAP)—have undermined provincial autonomy and silenced nationalist voices, this book examines the political marginalization of the Baloch ethnic group within the Pakistani federation. Because of the tribal Sardari system and colonial influence, Baluchistan’s political system has historically relied on elite patronage, which has limited the country's ability to have true democratic representation. Federalist policies are still administered unevenly, particularly in municipal administration and resource distribution, notwithstanding constitutional pledges such as the 18th Amendment. Nationalist parties like the BNP-M and NP were displaced by election fraud when the BAP emerged in 2018, signaling a move towards centralized control. This has exacerbated ethnic concerns and further marginalized Baloch voices, while secessionist groups have gained momentum outside of electoral politics. The study uses a qualitative approach that blends critical discourse analysis, policy tracking, and historical analysis. Primary papers like accession treaties and constitutional texts are among the data sources, in addition to secondary literature from scholarly and non-governmental organisations. This study argues that genuine representation is still elusive in the face of centralized power and militarized government, placing Baluchistan’s marginalization within larger theories of elite capture, ethnic outbidding, and postcolonial federalism.

Keywords: Baloch Nationalism, BAP (Baluchistan Awami Party), Electoral Manipulation, Military Establishment, Provincial Autonomy, Ethnic Politics