The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan in Pakistan are not just territories with rich natural resources and strategic importance-they are also the epicenters of longstanding geopolitical tensions and deeply-rooted socio-political issues. Their geographical proximity to conflict-prone neighbors like Afghanistan and Iran, along with historical rivalry with India, has made these regions hotbeds of complex dynamics that continue to challenge Pakistan’s internal stability and regional standing.
The historical context of these challenges dates back to colonial times. The Durand Line, drawn by the British in 1893, artificially divided the Pashtun population between Afghanistan and British India. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, this border became a flashpoint for tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Kabul refusing to recognize it officially. The issue became further complicated as tribal regions in KPK were allowed autonomy under the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), leaving them largely ungoverned for decades. These areas became fertile ground for militant ideologies and were exploited during the Cold War when Pakistan, with support from the US and Saudi Arabia, backed the Afghan mujahideen against the Soviet Union. After the Soviet withdrawal, the vacuum was filled by the Taliban, many of whom had roots in the tribal belt of Pakistan.
In Balochistan, resentment towards the federal government began soon after Pakistan’s independence. The region has experienced five major insurgencies, each rooted in feelings of political exclusion, resource exploitation, and military heavy-handedness. Despite contributing significantly to the national economy through natural gas, minerals, and now its strategic coastline with Gwadar Port, Balochistan remains the least developed province in the country. The state’s reliance on a militarized response to address political and economic grievances further deepened alienation among the Baloch population.
KPK, sharing a porous border with Afghanistan, continues to be affected by the rise and fall of regimes in Kabul. The resurgence of the Taliban has emboldened militant groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), leading to increased cross-border insurgencies. Refugees, drugs, and weapons have flowed across this border, straining the province’s security and economy. Over three million Afghan refugees still reside in Pakistan, most in KPK, placing an enormous burden on infrastructure and public services.
The resurgence of violence suggests that military force alone cannot resolve these deeply entrenched issues.
Balochistan’s border with Iran adds another layer of complexity. Smuggling of fuel, narcotics, and other goods is rampant, facilitated by weak enforcement and economic desperation. While both countries claim to cooperate on border security, mutual suspicions remain high. Iran accuses Pakistan of harboring Sunni militants responsible for attacks on its forces, while Pakistan blames Iran for providing sanctuary to Baloch insurgents. The province is also vulnerable to Indian intelligence interference, as claimed by Pakistan through the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, who allegedly ran a network to support insurgency in Balochistan.
Internally, both provinces suffer from severe socio-economic underdevelopment. In Balochistan, literacy rates are among the lowest in South Asia, with female literacy at a mere 27 percent. Access to clean drinking water, electricity, and healthcare remains woefully inadequate. KPK, while relatively better, still faces significant development challenges, particularly in its former tribal areas. The neglect of these regions has resulted in widespread poverty and joblessness, making youth susceptible to radicalization.
The situation has deteriorated further in 2024, with Pakistan witnessing a 40 percent surge in militant attacks compared to the previous year. According to the Center for Research and Security Studies, at least 685 fatalities were reported among security forces, with over 444 terror incidents in 2024 alone. KPK and Balochistan accounted for more than 70 percent of these attacks, making it the deadliest year for security forces in nearly a decade. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) continue to operate with growing sophistication, often leveraging technology, social media, and regional sanctuaries to advance their campaigns.
A stark reminder of this volatility came in March 2025 with the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was ambushed near Sibi by BLA insurgents. After blowing up the tracks, they seized control of the train, taking hundreds of passengers hostage. The ordeal lasted two days before Pakistani security forces intervened. The rescue operation resulted in the deaths of 33 attackers and the release of over 300 hostages, but not without loss-64 people, including 18 soldiers, lost their lives. The incident sent shockwaves across the country and highlighted the operational capability and audacity of insurgent groups in Balochistan.
The Pakistan Army has played a pivotal role in counter-terrorism operations. Landmark offensives like Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad across the country disrupted militant infrastructure and brought temporary calm. In response to the recent escalation in attacks, the military launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam in 2024, targeting militant hideouts in KPK and Balochistan. The operation involved airstrikes, ground raids, and intelligence-based operations, resulting in the elimination of several key militants. However, the resurgence of violence suggests that military force alone cannot resolve these deeply entrenched issues. Internationally, there are models that offer hope. Colombia’s decades-long civil conflict with FARC was eventually addressed through a UN-backed peace deal that involved reintegration programs, rural development, and truth commissions. Northern Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of sectarian conflict, was successful due to inclusive governance and economic investment. In the Philippines, the granting of autonomy to the Bangsamoro region has reduced separatist violence and given communities a stake in governance.
For Pakistan, the path forward must be multidimensional. Economic development must go hand in hand with political reconciliation. Projects under CPEC should prioritize local employment and infrastructure for residents of Balochistan rather than being seen as extractive ventures. In KPK, particularly in the merged tribal districts, investment in education, vocational training, and health services can turn the tide against radicalization. Political dialogue with moderate elements, tribal elders, and even former insurgents should be explored to integrate marginalized voices into the national narrative. Enhanced border management through fencing, biometric documentation, and cross-border trade protocols with Afghanistan and Iran can reduce illegal movement and improve economic stability. Repatriation of Afghan refugees in coordination with UNHCR must be prioritized to ease the pressure on KPK. The narrative must also be recalibrated globally. Pakistan must present itself as a state striving for regional peace and internal reform, rather than merely reacting to security threats. Media diplomacy, partnerships with think tanks, and international advocacy can help shift perceptions.
Global support is essential in this transformation. Intelligence sharing with international partners, counter-terror financing cooperation through the FATF framework, and financial aid for development projects in conflict zones can greatly enhance Pakistan’s capabilities. Organizations like the United Nations, OIC, NATO, and EU can play a constructive role in both capacity building and diplomatic engagement.
KPK and Balochistan, often seen through the lens of conflict, must be reimagined as regions of opportunity. With their strategic locations, rich resources, and resilient people, they can become engines of regional integration and economic revival. But this requires a shift-from force to foresight, from containment to collaboration. Pakistan stands at a crossroads, and how it chooses to address the challenges in these provinces will shape its trajectory for decades to come.
The role of civil society and media in shaping perceptions and fostering accountability in KPK and Balochistan cannot be overlooked. Local journalists and activists, often working in hostile environments, continue to highlight human rights violations, development gaps, and corruption. However, many face threats, censorship, or worse-disappearance. Ensuring their protection and freedom is crucial to nurturing democratic discourse and local empowerment.
Education reform must also be a cornerstone of long-term strategy. In both provinces, there exists a parallel system of madrassas, many unregistered and outside state oversight. While not all religious seminaries promote extremism, a significant number operate with outdated curricula and limited transparency. Reforming these institutions, integrating modern education, and offering incentives for compliance can disrupt recruitment pipelines for extremist groups.
A deeper understanding of tribal and ethnic dynamics is essential to crafting effective policy. In Balochistan, various tribes have differing loyalties and historical grievances. Broad-brush approaches have often failed because they do not consider this diversity. Engaging tribal leaders as partners in peace and development initiatives can help mitigate resistance and foster trust. Similarly, in KPK’s tribal belt, empowering local governance mechanisms like jirgas can offer a culturally rooted model of conflict resolution.
Women’s empowerment remains a largely untapped avenue for social transformation in both regions. Patriarchal norms and security concerns have kept female participation in education, employment, and politics at minimal levels. Targeted initiatives to train, employ, and protect women can create ripple effects across communities. Empowered women contribute to stable households, counter extremist narratives, and drive grassroots economic development.
Furthermore, diaspora engagement could be leveraged more effectively. Many individuals from KPK and Balochistan live abroad, particularly in the Gulf countries. These communities often remit billions annually, yet remain disconnected from policy and development dialogues back home. Creating structured channels for investment, feedback, and collaboration with the diaspora can bring fresh perspectives, resources, and international advocacy.
Climate vulnerability is another under-discussed but crucial issue. Both provinces are susceptible to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and droughts. In the absence of adequate infrastructure and emergency response systems, such disasters disproportionately affect these already marginalized populations. A national disaster resilience program tailored to regional needs, with international climate financing, can offer long-term security to residents.
Finally, strengthening the rule of law and reforming the judicial system in these provinces must be prioritized. Delays in justice, extrajudicial practices, and lack of legal aid further alienate citizens and drive them toward alternative, often militant, systems of justice. Mobile courts, legal awareness campaigns, and increased budgetary support for judiciary infrastructure could significantly restore faith in the state’s ability to deliver fair outcomes.
The writer is a financial expert and can be reached at jawadsaleem.1982@ gmail.com. He tweets @JawadSaleem1982