In a recent media blitz orchestrated by Pakistan’s state-sponsored channels and army cyber groups, the focus has shifted to the killings of what are described as “Punjabi Mazdoor” (Punjabi labourers) in Balochistan.

According to the Pakistani government’s narrative, these workers, who are said to migrate in search of employment opportunities, have fallen victim to attacks carried out by Baloch pro-independence fighters. However, the claims have sparked a heated debate and raised concerns over the true nature of these killings and their broader implications for the conflict in Balochistan.

The Pakistani media campaign labels the Baloch separatists as responsible for the deaths of Punjabi workers, painting a picture of indiscriminate violence and hostility toward non-Baloch residents. This portrayal aims to vilify the Baloch freedom movement, yet it glosses over the complex social and political dynamics at play in the region.

For decades, Punjabi settlers have lived peacefully in Balochistan, often engaged in trade and business. These settlers have established commercial operations, transporting goods between Punjab, Balochistan and neighbouring countries like Iran and Afghanistan. Despite this long-standing presence, the recent uptick in violence against workers has drawn attention to the issue.

The Baloch fighters who have claimed responsibility for the attacks argue that these killings are not directed at innocent labourers but at individuals posing as civilians while secretly working for the Pakistani military.

According to the Baloch narrative, these “labourers” are not mere workers but military personnel in disguise, playing a role in the military’s extensive human rights violations in the region. These violations include enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch activists, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens, many of whom are men, women, and even children. Among the various branches of the Pakistani military, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) is singled out as the most notorious. It is accused by Baloch nationalists of being responsible for the abduction and extrajudicial killing of Baloch civilians in staged encounters. These actions, the Baloch allege, are part of a broader strategy of repressing Baloch voices calling for freedom.

The Baloch pro-independence groups contend that individuals working under the guise of ordinary workers or labourers are often complicit in or directly involved with the military’s crackdown on the Baloch population. Therefore, they argue, such individuals are legitimate targets in their ongoing resistance.

Balochistan’s economic landscape presents another layer of complexity to this issue. Balochistan, despite its vast natural resources, remains one of the most underdeveloped regions. Poverty rates are high, and even educated Baloch youth face severe unemployment. While the rest of Pakistan, especially Punjab, boasts better educational institutions and job opportunities, Balochistan remains an economic desert. In this context, the influx of Punjabi workers seeking employment in Balochistan raises significant concerns among the local population. Baloch youth are increasingly frustrated by the influx of outsiders who, they argue, take up the limited job opportunities that should be reserved for local residents. Many Baloch argue that this influx is a deliberate policy by the Pakistani government to undermine the Baloch people, pushing them further into poverty while enriching outsiders.

Balochistan’s economic underdevelopment, exacerbated by years of state neglect, has left many young Baloch with few viable employment options. Consequently, some are drawn into illegal activities such as border trade, fuel smuggling and even drug cartels. The state’s systemic neglect of the Baloch population, along with its heavy-handed military presence, has contributed to the worsening socio-economic situation. The growing sense of alienation among the Baloch is compounded by the fact that many of them feel pushed out of the job market in favour of outsiders, including not only Punjabi labourers but also others from outside the region who are seen to benefit from Balochistan’s resources while the local population struggles.

Adding another layer to this already volatile situation is the parallel struggle of the Baloch people in Iranian-occupied Balochistan. Similar concerns exist across the border, where Baloch activists and civilians express frustrations over the influx of outsiders seeking employment. In some cases, Baloch from Iranian-occupied Balochistan, much like their counterparts in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan, feel marginalised as economic opportunities go to outsiders, who sometimes covertly work on behalf of foreign intelligence agencies. These individuals are seen as aiding in the exploitation of the Baloch people, further deepening the grievances and divisions in the region.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani state media continues its biased reporting, focusing only on the killing of Punjabi labourers while systematically ignoring the widespread human rights abuses carried out by Pakistani forces, including the CTD. The killing and disappearance of Baloch activists, intellectuals, and civilians remains a daily reality for many in the region. Yet, this issue is barely touched upon in the mainstream media, which prefers to focus on vilifying the Baloch freedom movement. This one-sided narrative only serves to fuel further division and hostility between the Baloch and Punjabi communities, while deflecting attention from the core issues driving the conflict.

The recent wave of violence against Punjabi workers, if indeed linked to Baloch fighters, highlights the desperation felt by the Baloch population. The Baloch fighters argue that they are fighting against the larger military occupation and the exploitation of their land and resources. While the killing of any innocent person is wrong and should be condemned, the broader context of the struggle for Balochistan’s independence cannot be ignored.

In this light, the Baloch grievances—whether related to the presence of external workers, the systemic exploitation of resources, or the military’s human rights violations—are genuine and deserve to be addressed. The Pakistani state must recognise the root causes of these issues and show seriousness in resolving them. As for the people of Punjab, they must understand the gravity of the situation. The Punjabi community must not only avoid sending workers to a conflict zone but also actively protest against the atrocities committed by the Pakistan army in Balochistan. Solidarity with the Baloch struggle could pave the way for greater peace and justice in the region.

The time has come for a national reckoning with Balochistan’s plight. Until then, the cycle of violence and resentment is likely to continue.