The Case of Balochistan

Balochistan is the ideally located province of Pakistan. South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East regions of the world are connected with Balochistan borders. Balochistan is very rich in natural resources. Its geostrategic location and hidden minerals, oil and gas have attracted the world powers who take keen interest in this region. The US interest was demonstrated when American Congress passed a resolution in favour of Baloch separatist nationalists.

The conflict of Balochistan emerged as flashpoint due to unfair distribution of national wealth and economic exploitation of people. Bad governance, oppressive economic system, religious extremism and aspirations based on nationalism are other factors of Balochistan’s problem. The democratic system of Pakistan is flawed. The people have no role in this system. The rich of Pakistan have hijacked the whole nation. The majority of the people do not get basic needs. The unemployed, frustrated and disgusted Baloch youth feels that Balochistan cannot prosper unless it is liberated.

The central governments of Pakistan have always patronised the tribal leaders of Balochistan instead of investing on people. This unfortunate province remains the poorest even after 65 years of independence. The literacy rate in Balochistan is 29.8 per cent, only 10 per cent women are literate. The rate of unemployment is horrible. Punjab has 111 vocational centres for women while Balochistan has only one. Balochistan remained under federal government control, 60% of provincial appointments are filled by central government. The provincial government of Balochistan cannot appoint its own chief secretary.  In 200 federal corporations Balochistan has no representation. The 700 employees of President and Prime Minister Houses are non-Baloch. All directors of PIA board are non-Baloch. All ambassadors of Pakistan belong to Punjab, Sindh and KPK. These are ground realities. People of Balochistan feel that their province has been treated as a colony. Their natural resources are being looted and plundered.

The present democratic government took certain initiatives to efface the feelings of frustration and deprivation of Baloch people. In the 18th constitutional amendment, passed by the parliament in 2010, greater provincial autonomy and first right of the provinces over their natural resources were guaranteed. The federal government announced Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package. Under this packages almost 10,000 Baloch youths were absorbed in the armed forces of Pakistan. The media team of government is inefficient, incapable and unable to motivate the Baloch youth in view of these strong and positive moves.

The provincial government of Balochistan continuously failed to maintain law and order. Abduction and target killing incidents are rampant. According to the security report of Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, Islamabad, 386 people were killed and 1070 were injured in 792 attacks in 2009. The number of missing people increased up to 1200 as reported in the media. The Supreme Court is hearing the case of missing persons. As observed by the chief justice of Pakistan, FC and secret agencies are involved but the agencies contradict these charges. The representatives of elected political parties in the Balochistan Assembly have joined the coalition government and there is no opposition in provincial assembly to safeguard the interests of the people. Several players are involved in Balochistan conflicts. The international players are indirectly supporting the separatists for their long-term vested interests. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is fighting the war of independence without realising that if they succeed to liberate Balochistan from Pakistan, they will not be able to secure their independence from international powers. The Baloch Students Organisation (BSO) is supporting BLA. The armed forces of Pakistan are trying to keep Pakistan united, but history teaches us country cannot be kept united by use of force. The justice and equal opportunities for all only can safeguard the unity of the country.

The natural players of the province are nationalist parties which include National Party, Baloch National Party (Mengal), Baloch National Party (Awami), Jamhoori Watan Party (Aali), Jamhoori Watan Party (Talal). These nationalist parties demand greater autonomy and provincial control over natural resources under the Constitution of Pakistan. Unfortunately, the nationalist parties boycotted 2008 elections and remained isolated. PPP, PML(N), PML(Q) and JUI(F) are federal political parties. The players of Balochistan are divided and unable to evolve consensus solution.

The federal government must open meaningful talks with real leaders of Balochistan instead of fake leaders produced by the agencies. Confidence building means are required to defuse the situation. Development and dialogue is the best option. Army should be withdrawn. NFC Award and Haqooq-e-Balochistan should be urgently implemented. All missing persons be released. Employment opportunities should be created to satisfy unemployed youth. Huge investment in small and medium scale industries can provide employment opportunities. Human resource development centres be established at Union Council level. The federal and provincial governments should provide sufficient funds for education and healthcare sectors. All the players of Balochistan must understand that Pakistan and Balochistan have no future at all if they are separated. The solution based on justice and fair play is the only option for Balochistan problem.