On December 10, 2024, Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN) arranged an in-house capacity-building session titled, “Balochistan – Security and Stability Challenges – Historic Perspective”. The keynote speaker of the session was Brig Agha Ahmad Gul (R). Professor Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Vice Chancellor, BUITEMS, and Professor Jan Muhammad, BUITEMS also attended the workshop. The talk aimed to introduce Balochistan and, the challenges confronting it against the backdrop of geo-historic perspective which ought to be managed both by Balochistan and Pakistan to ensure security and stability.

The talk primarily focused on seven broader themes that play a pivotal role in shaping Balochistan’s socio-political and economic dynamics. It began by explaining the rigours of geography in Balochistan, taking a comprehensive view of its semi-desert and mountainous lands, and defining the dynamics of Northern and Southern Balochistan. It was then followed by an evaluation of Balochistan’s historical background and subsequent British arrival. The talk also dealt with the intricate dynamics of unspecified contours of ‘independent Balochistan’. Most importantly, the speaker shed light on the geostrategic location of Balochistan and evaluated its impacts on the region. Poor governance in the area remained central to the talk. Finally, Brig Agha Ahmad Gul ended the talk with thought-provoking and sustainable solutions to the issues of Balochistan. The session was concluded with an interactive discussion.