Balochistan's political landscape is characterized by influential politicians, known as 'electables', frequently switching allegiances to align with the ruling federal parties, contributing to the province's political stagnation and underdevelopment. Despite its resources and strategic location, Balochistan lags in development due to decisions made in Islamabad and perceived rampant corruption among its leaders. The recent shift of 29 politicians to PML-N, including former chief ministers and ministers, reflects a historical pattern rather than a transformative change. The article suggests that mainstream parties, particularly PML-N, should reassess their alliances with these electables, whose track records indicate a prioritization of personal power over provincial welfare, as the future of Balochistan depends on it.

In Pakistan, the Christian minority faces increasing intolerance and violence, exemplified by a recent mob attack on churches in Faisalabad. The incident coincided with former Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's condemnation of Quran desecration in Sweden, highlighting the disparity in responses to religious offenses. Pakistan's history of Islamization, starting from its founding by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has led to a society deeply divided along religious lines. The enforcement of blasphemy laws has intensified under leaders like Zia-Ul-Haq, and even secular politicians like Imran Khan have utilized Islam for political gain. The result is a nation where religious and ethnic minorities, as well as different Muslim sects, face persecution and violence, with little hope for legal protection against mob attacks.

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) engaged in violent protests against the Pakistan Army following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The PTI accuses the military of political interference and orchestrating Khan's arrest, which the military denies. Despite the crackdown on PTI, public support for Khan's anti-army narrative remains strong. The current government and Pakistan's liberal class are criticized for their selective support of human rights and democracy, which has strengthened the military's role in politics. The article suggests that Khan's resistance has weakened the military's hegemony, presenting an opportunity for pro-democracy forces to push for civilian supremacy.

Balochistan has been facing severe floods, affecting 9 million people and 32 districts, exacerbated by the provincial government's unpreparedness despite prior warnings. The region, ruled by feudal lords such as the Jams, Magsi, and Jamalis, has a history of floods and is plagued by extreme poverty, unemployment, and poor infrastructure. Studies highlight the multidimensional poverty in the area, with Lasbela having 70% poor households. The recent floods caused property loss and displacement, but the disaster is attributed to bad governance, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure rather than just natural causes. Development funds in Balochistan are often lost to corruption, with little visible improvement in infrastructure. The situation calls for a focus on long-term solutions to manage extreme rainfall and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Thousands of fuel carriers are trapped along the Iran-Pakistan border due to the closure of crossings amid Pakistan's construction of a border fence. This has led to a humanitarian crisis in Balochistan, Pakistan's most impoverished province, where people rely on fuel smuggling for their livelihood. The situation has resulted in deaths from thirst and heat exposure, with little to no government assistance. The crisis highlights the region's underdevelopment and the need for a trilateral commission to address the impact of border policies.

Since Pakistan's founding in 1947, successive governments have suppressed minorities, paralyzed democracy, and stifled free speech. The country's founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, could not foresee the nightmare for minorities that Pakistan would become. The recent extrajudicial killing of Thair Naseem, an American citizen and Ahmadi, in a Peshawar courtroom highlights the dangers of blasphemy accusations and the failure of the legal system to protect non-Muslims. Religious minorities, particularly Ahmadis and Christians, suffer under blasphemy laws. The case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed after eight years in prison, exemplifies the issue. Lower court judges in Pakistan are reluctant to handle blasphemy cases due to threats. The murder of Naseem exposes the lack of legal security in Pakistan and the need for reform. The U.S. condemned the killing and called for reforms, but more pressure from Western governments and human rights organizations is necessary to end such killings and address Pakistan's controversial blasphemy legislation.

Major separatist factions and ethno-nationalist politicians in Balochistan have denied secret talks with Chinese officials, despite claims of meetings to secure China's $60 billion investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Conflicting reports have emerged, with some sources suggesting that Baluch political figures did meet with Chinese officials. Baluch leaders Gazain Marri and Sardar Akhtar Mengal are named in connection with these alleged talks, but both have either denied involvement or expressed ignorance. Baluch nationalist parties oppose CPEC, fearing it will lead to demographic changes in Gwadar and other regions of Balochistan. The region has experienced violence and human rights violations, with separatist militants attacking CPEC projects. Despite denials, the return of exiled figures like Gazain Marri and Juma Marri to Pakistan suggests possible reconciliation efforts.

Shaan Taseer, a Pakistani rights activist, fears for his life after the Sunni Tehreek issued a fatwa and the Lahore police initiated an investigation for blasphemy over a video he posted criticizing Pakistan's blasphemy laws. His father, Salmaan Taseer, was assassinated in 2011 by his guard for opposing the same laws. The video, which called for the release of Asia Bibi and Nabeel Masih, both accused of blasphemy, led to accusations of blasphemy and apostasy against Shaan Taseer. Despite not being named in the FIR, Taseer is concerned about the potential for vigilante violence, citing social media calls for his assassination.

A police training college in Quetta, Balochistan, was attacked by three suicide bombers, resulting in 61 deaths and numerous injuries. The assailants, armed with AK-47s and grenades, stormed the dormitories and fired indiscriminately. The attack, which lasted several hours, ended with two bombers detonating their vests and the third being shot. The Balochistan police, a repeated target of militants, had recently lowered their guard after the Muharram festival. Two militant groups, including Islamic State, claimed responsibility, while officials suggested the attackers were directed from Afghanistan. The province's chief minister acknowledged security lapses at the training center. The incident prompted a visit from high-level officials and three days of mourning.

Pakistan has offered to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Iran amidst escalating tensions, while avoiding specific commitments to its ally Riyadh. Despite close historical ties with Saudi Arabia and geographical proximity to Iran, Pakistan is cautious about taking sides, especially considering the potential domestic backlash from its Sunni-majority population. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and military chief General Raheel Sharif have expressed support for Muslim unity and readiness to defend Saudi territorial integrity. The government prioritizes national interests and has kept discussions with Saudi officials secret, with opposition leaders warning against partisanship.