Islam emphasizes protecting and respecting women’s roles in society based on religious teachings about women in society. Pakistan supports these Islamic principles in both policy and legislative frameworks as an Islamic state. Furthermore, the traditional norms in KP and Balochistan areas respect women even more but the current situation brings to light a concerning disagreement between Baloch women and security forces. The emerging crisis requires detailed investigations along with effective measures to decrease the increasing lack of trust between parties.
Through social media distorted information builds a negative image about the state which stands accused of mistreating women
The female residents in Balochistan use march protests to demand the release of their family members who have vanished into state prisons. These families truly suffer as their members have disappeared without resolution which separates them permanently. These demonstrations have provided space for some people to spark unrest while the main issues remain the focus. Provocateurs take advantage of the exposed mental weakness among these women to push events toward greater conflict that generates confrontations between the women and state authorities. Security personnel who maintain public order come under attack when these events are depicted by various sources. Through social media distorted information builds a negative image about the state which stands accused of mistreating women while further increasing social distrust among different groups.
This unrest creates consequences that affect numerous entities in addition to its initial participants. Road barriers cause major disruption by stopping students and teachers from getting to their residences and educational facilities thus creating heavy traffic delays and interrupting mobile phone access. Fear spreads among residents to such an extent that it ends all movement and productivity while damaging Balochistan’s national and international standing. These disruptions primarily impact public society despite the fact that destabilization efforts succeed in creating discord and diminishing state confidence in the population.
The low number of female journalists in Balochistan (only7) reduces their ability to affect narratives and resolve grievances
A conflict resolution approach needs to identify the core factors which sustain this continuing struggle. Pakistan exhibits a large gender gap because women are scarce in all positions that lead to determining national policy as well as resolving conflicts nationally. Women occupy just 7.10% of positions in the Ministry of Interior and 37.31% in the Ministry of Defense during the federal government administration. The police force of Balochistan maintains only 1,000 women employees while the Levies force numbers remain insignificant. Woman participation in decisions remains less than 5% which demonstrates a clear gender inequality issue. The low number of female journalists in Balochistan (only7) reduces their ability to affect narratives and resolve grievances. Since women participate minimally across all sectors including armed forces and political parties and the media.
A male enforcement model of law enforcement hinders security personnel who lack essential training about dealing with women protestors
Female participation in protests and insurgent activities requires immediate adoption of gender-aware methods to handle conflicts. Historically, Balochistan’s protests and insurgency movements were predominantly male-driven. The rising number of female protestors has made the current scenario much more complex. A male enforcement model of law enforcement hinders security personnel who lack essential training about dealing with women protestors while needing an enriched understanding of sensitive needs. No oversight from the state regarding female protesters allows tensions to escalate while simultaneously tarnishing the state’s reputation and providing conditions for propaganda attacks targeting state trust.
The engagement of female police officers with female protesters is beneficial
Such problems require an inclusive approach for achieving balance in current settings. Women must actively participate throughout law enforcement agencies and as in political leadership and media institutions to achieve effective conflict resolution. The involvement of women at key stakeholder positions becomes vital because they should take leading roles in conflict mediation and strategic planning processes. The engagement of female police officers with female protesters is beneficial because they maintain calmer relationships while lessening both the risks of confrontations and minimizing state disinformation. These measures would build trust while showing the State’s dedication to humane and respectful solutions for grievances.
Such a strategy would help the state achieve favorable public recognition for its role as a Rights protector instead of Rights offender
Such strategy implementation produces revolutionary changes. The state could generate trust with grieving Baloch women and establish meaningful dialogue which would minimize the impact of provocation efforts. The state could reduce misinformation through direct involvement of women during these processes. Such a strategy would help the state achieve favorable public recognition for its role as a Rights protector instead of Rights offender. This management approach does not address all aspects of insurgency and missing person crises but provides humane and professional methods for crisis handling that minimizes defamation and supports stability.
The implementation of this strategy provides additional advantages to the entire community after conflict resolution is complete. Relying on women for strategic positions would not only provide them professional power but also give them economic standing and protect their human rights. Women who participate in law enforcement roles alongside their political leadership functions in media would create a more equitable society that addresses gender inequalities. Such transformations will spread new social standards throughout tribal areas to support female involvement in public sector activities. Through this approach Pakistan will create a stronger and more inclusive society that enables women to move from being victims to becoming driving forces of constructive societal evolution.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
