he Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has been a significant political player throughout the country. However, its recent trajectory in Balochistan paints a different picture. The nationwide crackdown on the party’s workers following the May 9 incident has significantly impacted its political activities aspirations, especially in Balochistan.

May 9 was a turning point for the PTI, already struggling for a foothold in Balochistan. Key PTI leaders, including former governor Syed Zahoor Agha, former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri, and former provincial president Dr Muneer Baloch, have since gone underground. Their disappearance has left a void in the party’s leadership, making it challenging for the PTI to maintain its activities in the region.

The crackdown didn’t just affect the top-tier leaders. Many from the second-rung leaders, who were instrumental in running the party’s day-to-day operations, have quit the PTI. Their departure has virtually crippled the party’s functioning. Without a robust leadership structure, the party has become inactive, with no clear direction or strategy for the future.

In politics, it is said, alliances and affiliations can change overnight. Some leaders of the PTI, disillusioned by the party’s current state, are contemplating joining the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party. Such a move could further weaken the PTI’s position in Balochistan, as it would not only mean a loss of experienced leaders but also a potential shift of their followers’ support to the IPP.

In the current circumstances, the PTI’s prospects in Balochistan look grim. The party, which once aimed to make significant inroads in the region, now seems to be on the back foot. With the next elections approaching, the PTI’s chances of making a comeback appear slim. The party’s inactivity, coupled with the absence of its key leaders, has created a vacuum that will favour the rival political parties.

Some PTI leaders, disillusioned by the party’s current state, are contemplating joining the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party. Such a move could further weaken the PTI’s position in Balochistan, as it would not only mean a loss of experienced leaders but also a potential shift of their followers to the IPP.

Balochistan’s socio-political landscape is unlike other provinces. It needs political leaders and parties that understand the intricacies of regional politics and are willing to work for its welfare in the long run. The PTI, which once promised change and development, now seems to be out of the political game in Balochistan. The developments following the May 9 incidents have significantly dented the party’s presence and aspirations. Unless there’s a significant shift in its fortunes at the Centre, the party‘s future in Balochistan looks dismal.

Rich in natural resources and culture, Balochistan deserves effective political representation. The PTI never managed to gain a strong foothold in the Baloch areas of Balochistan. It has been limited to Quetta and some districts in the Pashtun belt. The political landscape of Balochistan is rapidly changing. Te remain relevant, the political parties need to adapt to these changes. The PTI’s current situation is a reminder of the volatile nature of politics and the need for parties to remain proactive in addressing those challenges.

Balochistan’s political history has many tales of resilience. In recent decades, the demands for citizens’ rights have found new resonance. In this context, the decline of the PTI’s clout is not just a loss for the party but also a reflection of the changing dynamics of the region. Balochistan’s youth, more politically aware and active than ever before, are seeking new alternatives for effective representation of their aspirations. They are no longer willing to settle for empty promises and are actively seeking leaders who can bring about tangible change.

The coming months will be crucial in determining the political landscape of the province. It remains to be seen which parties can rise to the occasion and truly represent the aspirations of the people.

The writer is based in Islamabad and is a contributing writer for Nikkei Asia. His X handle: @iAdnanAamir