Where is Balochistan and why is it the target of Iran and Pakistan strikes?
GuardianJAN 2024
Islamabad Demands Justice after 8 Pakistanis Killed in Iran
Above: Pakistani soldiers stand guard at the closed Pakistan-Iran border in Taftan on Feb. 25, 2020. Image copyright: Banaras Khan/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The killings highlight Iran's failure to protect foreign workers within its borders, despite repeated incidents targeting Pakistani nationals. The attack demands immediate action from Tehran to crack down on terrorist groups operating from Iranian territory, as these groups continue to threaten regional stability and bilateral relations.
Opposition narrative
The attack stems from deep-rooted grievances over the exploitation of Balochistan's resources and the systematic marginalization of its people. The region remains underdeveloped despite its mineral wealth, while outsiders continue to benefit from its resources, leading to legitimate resistance against economic colonization.