Terrorism and Political Economy in Balochistan: Assessing the Structural Disruptions to Regional Development

Abstract

Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan in terms of landmass, holds immense geopolitical and economic significance due to its strategic location bordering Iran and Afghanistan and its access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar Port. Despite its resource-rich landscape, the province remains underdeveloped, largely due to persistent terrorism, insurgency, and security instability. This research article examines how terrorism has structurally disrupted the political economy of Balochistan by weakening governance, discouraging investment, obstructing infrastructure development, and deepening socio-economic inequality. It highlights major events, key political and military leadership responses, and critical locations affected by conflict, including Quetta, Gwadar, Turbat, Mastung, and Dera Bugti. The article argues that terrorism has not only slowed regional development but has also reshaped the governance and economic priorities of t