Extremism in Balochistan has brought daily life to a standstill, with travelers stranded in the province because it is too dangerous to travel. The middle ground has given way as the representatives “selected” by Islamabad in the 2024 election are pitted against Baloch militants, hell bent on ethnic cleansing. Targeting Punjabis has become their choice method of resisting the chokehold of the federal government. Balochistan National Party (M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s long march, which began on March 28, represents a cry by nationalist forces to bring back middle ground. The nationalists foremost want the release of Baloch Yekjehti Tehrik’s chief Mahrang Baloch, and the right to be free and empowered in their own territory.