ISLAMABAD: With the judiciary touted as the last bastion of hope for those seeking justice and appropriation for their due rights, major political parties united under the banner of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to call for a dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve the Balochistan issue without any further delay.
The SCBA national conference on “Balochistan Issues and its solutions”, adopted a 15 point declaration as a possible pathway to resolve the crisis.
Political parties united on Balochistan
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif questioned, “Who is responsible for picking them [missing persons] up? There’s no respect for Pakistan’s Constitution and law [in Balochistan]. Till when will the people tolerate?” he said, suggesting that the military was the root of all evil in the province.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief said that given what they had been put through, it was the right of the people of Balochistan to rebel against the government.
“We should not have any complaints with the rebels, but rather with those who turn them into rebels… The way Akbar Bugti’s dead body was desecrated, why wouldn’t his heirs rebel? The murderers of Akbar Bugti were presented with the Guard of Honour,” Sharif said.
Recalling the time when he was jailed, Sharif said a fake case was initiated against him and the treatment given to him was similar to that given to the people of Balochistan. “I felt like I was a spy of some enemy state… I’m surprised I didn’t turn into a rebel.”
Noting the discrimination faced by Balochistan during former president Pervez Musharraf’s era, Sharif said that even today no one has the courage to hold him responsible, suggesting the former dictator be made to face charges for his role in the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti.
“We ourselves are responsible… But we should accept our mistakes and rectify them... On behalf of my party, I would like to assure you that we are with you.”
Meanwhile, speaking at the convention, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan termed the Balochistan issue one of life and death for the motherland. He added that they did not have time to waste just for political tactics. Noting that there were lots of differences between the Army and the police, Khan presented his own 10-year development plan, along with an amnesty plan for those Baloch who were declared to be terrorists.
Chief of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and a member of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Raza Rabbani reiterated Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s suggestion on forming a “Grand National Alliance” which would conduct dialogue over rule of law and autonomy (DRA).
Rabbani also emphasised the alliance between judiciary and parliament for the accomplishment of peace in the province. The parliamentarian though confessed that the Balochistan issue may not be solved even after 18th Amendment, but maintained one could not deny the positive implications of the amendment.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MNA Haider Abbas Rizvi said that Balochistan has become a very sensitive issue in the country. If not taken seriously, external forces could gain benefits for their vested interests. He said that Balochistan issue should be resolved on the slogan of 'now or never'.
In his opening remarks, the President Supreme Court Bar Association Yasin Azad said that the main cause for unrest in Balochistan is missing persons, and that it could only be addressed through the efforts of parliament and political forces.
President of National Party Dr Abdul Malik said that we have to give identity and rights to the people of Balochistan. He said that Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan and a solution can be found by conducting dialogue with all stakeholders.
Leader of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) Veenash Bugti said they are ready to become a bridge between the government and the estranged Baloch.
Deputy Chairman of Pakhtunkhawa Milli Awami Party Abdur Rahim Mandokhel chose to blame the numerous dictatorial regimes for the problems of the estranged province. He stressed that it was now the duty of the political leadership to address these problems.
President of Hazara National Jirga Abdul Qayyum Chengezi said the solutions of the problems lay in fair and impartial elections.
Vice Chairman Pakistan Bar Council Akhtar Hussain said that the people of Balochistan have shown flexibility with Pakistan and urged for negotiations with all stakeholders.
Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), the largest coalition partner of the ruling PPP in the assembly, warned of the Balochistan problem slowly spreading to other parts of the country. PML-Q Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Syed said that the country needs to tackle this problem with a serious sense of responsibility.
He lamented that no one has taken responsibility for the fast deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan and that the province has been left in the hands of outlaws and terrorists.
President Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazal group (PML-F) in Balochistan, Maulana Mohammad Khan Sherani said that the problem needs a united national solution in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
15 point declaration
The declaration said the situation in Balochistan is complex, so too were the solutions. However they must be resolved through multiple pathways including re-negotiation of the question of provincial autonomy with respect to the economic resources of the province. It emphasised that the crisis was one which could only be resolved through political dialogue‚ negotiations and through building confidence between the people of Balochistan and the Federal Government.
The declaration maintained that a politics of garrison should be replaced by the civilian authorities who genuinely represent the will of the people. It said it is crucial to ensure that all those responsible for authoring and killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti should be arrested and brought to justice.
It said an effective mechanism should be adopted to ensure that all natural resources in Balochistan are under the control of locals. It said that all those citizens settled in Balochistan, irrespective of their language, caste or belief, be equally respected and their social and economic rights protected.
The conference commended the Supreme Court for taking up the case of missing persons in Balochistan, but urged that those accused of heinous crimes of target killings and disappearances should be brought to justice.
The declaration said that an inter-parliamentary committee should prepare a White paper on the human rights violations carried out in Balochistan from the time of Musharraf’s regime to the present day. The report should be presented and discussed in the parliament.
The declaration can be found here.
COMMENTS (33)
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Jwp's leader is Avinash Bugti not Veenash Bugti.
Today the govt and other politicians r trying to find d solution of balochistan issue. . Where were they? When millitary started d game of violation in balochistan,now when water has come up over head,they've come into action and trying to find solution wid political talks. . .on other hand millitary doing same thing wid sindhis,picking up and killing d people who r talking abt their due rights. . But imran has nt uttered a single word of compassion for sindhis. . .
The ppl from Hazara community has been killed on sectarian basis in Baluchistan alongwith political victimization of Baluch's but none from the Shia community was called to present their point of view, which refelects either the fear to SCBA of anti shia elements or lack of vision. Only Mashahid Hussain spoke about the geographical importance of Baluchistan in present world scenario but no point about that has been mentioned in the declaration. This was a good move but still lacks.....
After restoration of democracy in 2008 and the dominant position of PPP and PMLN in National assembly, what they have done for Baluchistan? a conference & mere talks that too before next general election. Thats speak alot about simple and empty rhetoric by PMLN which is basically more for next election then anything else. My question would remain same what they have done in National assembly during last 4+ years? PMLN you have lost your chance ,empty talks and slogans would not do anything better for u now. Your time is up.
what an irresolute - resolution!
Politicians needs to join hands to take back policy making powers from the Generals. Thanks SCBA for the opportunity.
2 times NS came into power and didn't even care about Baluchistan.
Kashmir is gone, East Pakistan is history, sabe Baluchistan while and if you can. Prognosis : very dim.
The greed of the Sharifs is unlimited. How many more billions of dollars they want to skim from the national banks to fill their appetite after coming to power again?
@Ch Allah Daad: "PML(N) is the only fresh wind in horizon with clear ideas."
The 60 year old fresh wind? Give us a break. It is more like stagnant gas from the underground sewerage pipe.
Mr. Charles Sobhraj! Please bring back the money you laundered out of the country in 40 suitcases, and return hundreds of billions of dollars you have skimmed out of national banks. Only after that you will have some credibility. Without that Pakistanis are sick of your double faces.
Nawaz Sharif can turn to devil to get into power so that he can once speedup the process for the third billion $ . This man is just a crude bussinessman who weighs every thing in money.
you best in Nora Kushti...
Mian Sab Jan daeo or Awam di wari ann deo...
Not a wise comment from Nawaz. He must be careful in his assertions on such sensitive issues.
As a supporter of PTI, I wish imran khan saheb also come out against establishment & in favor of baloch & missing persons. At least, he should openly declare an alliance with DPC.
PML(N) is the only fresh wind in horizon with clear ideas. It calls spade a spade and the only strong bond between all provinces. Balochistan must be given full rights, freedom and autonomy. I would prefer free and independent Balochistan rather than present day Balochistan which has become no go area for ordinary Pakistanis.
In my opinion, If Nawaz Sharif comes in power in next general election, that will be like a game-change!
This time, it seems Nawaz Sharif don't have establishment support, & If Nawaz Sharif comes in power without establishment power then Nawaz Sharif will likely be the powerful Prime Minister in the history of Pakistan. He will entertain full power.
Unlike Imran, at least he didnt blame another political party for the crisis
Well, In ground reality Nawaz Sharif, seems the only option in Pakistan to take this country out of trouble. He has experience, He has experienced team & he enjoy very good relationship Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey & other important countries.
PML-N govt in Punjab showing it's exceptional performance, where we have witnessed amazing real work by PML-N govt.
In Picture man standing right on back is watching Drone over head.
I heard his speech. They are the only party that can call a spade a spade and can take establishment on.
Nawaz in point scoring. What happened in your tenure to Balochistan? I don't recall any project of significance.
Are you respecting constitution yourself Mr NAWAZ? Whole of your family is in politics.22-memebers of your family in politics. In this scenerio your family is representing pakistan / baluchistan & you call this a DEMOCRACY. This is the right of the people of pakistan to rebel against you & other RULING ELITES.
Does Mr. Nawaz Sharif have anything to say that doesn't include blaming and bashing President Musharraf. And for that matter, does he have solutions to the problems other than soft corner those who voice against the State of Pakistan.
i totally agree with u main sahab. Your stance on Baluchistan is 100% right.
I am happy that PMLN is really taking good stance in every issue and is really playing the role of responsible opposition. Also those people who are telling PMLN to resign are actually talking in the language of PPP as they.want PMLN to lose power in assemblies.
is this the best Nawaz Sharif can do for Balochistan? TALK ?Can't even go do a jalsa in Quetta - why would Balochis even consider him a leader. Sorry Mr.Sharif people are no fool anymore. They have known you well in last decade - ever since you've LIED about your deal with whom you blame for Bugti's Murder - Musharraf!!
On a serious note, Nawaz sharif should fight for being the next Mayor of Lahore - cause thats the only place he considers it as his "country."
Mr. Nawaz Sharif, you are very good at TALKING but very very BAD / POOR when it comes to taking action. Your time is up. Now ball is in Imran Khan's court. He has a golden opportunity to convince common people to support his PTI in the next General Elections. PAKISTAN PAAINDABAD