The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a Washington D.C.-based think tank founded by former Israeli intelligence officer Yigal Carmon, has initiated the “Balochistan Studies Project.” This development is a significant shift in warfare, indicating that conflicts are no longer confined to physical borders but are being fought through digital means as well.
This represents what is now referred to as fifth-generation warfare, where the adversary is not just positioned at the frontier but infiltrates our perception through screens, attempting to manipulate public opinion.
One might ask what connection Israel has with Balochistan and why there is a need for a dedicated study project focusing on this region.
The answer is very simple: the Balochistan Studies Project is part of a larger campaign coordinated by forces opposed to Pakistan, with apparent Indian involvement and now augmented by the influence of an Israeli think tank—both of which have histories of destabilizing actions aimed at Pakistan.
India has been widely recognized for its support of terrorist proxies within Balochistan, with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) having documented ties to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and other separatist movements.
This project can be seen as a continuation of that hybrid warfare strategy, now cloaked under the guise of academic research. The involvement of Israel intensifies the scrutiny of this endeavor, particularly as Pakistan’s Parliament has designated it a terrorist entity due to its ongoing war crimes and genocidal policies in Palestine.
This collaboration between India and Israel in promoting separatist sentiments in Balochistan highlights a convergence of motives between two nations known for their oppressive state practices and efforts to destabilize the region.
External entities are attempting to leverage academic forums as a façade to legitimize disinformation, incite ethnic strife, and undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty under the pretext of “research” and “human rights.”
The Balochistan Studies Project specifically amplifies the voices of fringe groups advocating for insurgency and terrorism, while disregarding the democratic processes, developmental initiatives, and grassroots efforts that are making headway in Balochistan.
This initiative is emblematic of a broader disinformation campaign designed to target Pakistan’s internal unity, particularly at a time when national integration and strategic projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are making significant progress. The ongoing narratives generated by this project threaten to erode the social fabric of Pakistan at a precarious moment in its history.
Pakistan is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and exposing the insidious alliance of Indian and Israeli interests that seek to undermine its stability. The people of Balochistan have consistently voiced their resistance to foreign meddling, reaffirming their allegiance to the federation of Pakistan amidst these divisive and externally driven campaigns.
The Balochistan Studies Project by MEMRI epitomizes the intersection of geopolitical interests and the means through which they are being pursued in today’s world.
The project not only serves the agendas of its creators but also poses a threat to the social cohesion and harmony within Pakistan.