The writer was a member of the Senate from 2003 to 2008 and of the National Assembly from 1997 to 1999. He tweets @Senator_Baloch
The much-talked about All Parties Conference (APC) concluded without a clear framework to end Pakistan’s two major conflicts — the Taliban crisis and the politico-nationalist conflict in Balochistan. Talks with the Taliban received overwhelming attention in sharp contrast to the multifaceted conflict in Balochistan.
This disregard shown towards Balochistan is understandable. The deep state considers politically mature, moderate and rights-seeking Baloch nationalists as strategic threats to their decades-old, colonial-style rule; however, the same establishment seemingly considers the Taliban a long-term strategic partner in the regional geopolitical context despite these militants being utterly lethal. By deleting Balochistan from the APC deliberations, Islamabad has attempted to downgrade the importance of the subject and rebrand it as a mere local, provincial matter rather than a national crisis.
Nevertheless, Balochistan’s burning scenario preoccupies Pakistan’s policymakers in all international forums. Nawaz Sharif’s recent mention of Balochistan when meeting with Manmohan Singh is a clear indication that the scale and impact of the Balochistan crisis cannot be ignored.
The APC’s tactic to give ‘permission’ to the Balochistan chief minister, concerning talks with Baloch nationalists, further signifies Islamabad’s unwillingness to understand and resolve this crisis. The conflict in Balochistan has nothing to do with the provincial government. The Baloch nationalists’ demands and struggle are directed towards the central government and the non-Baloch security apparatus. It’s a conflict between two ideas — one that believes in over-centralisation, Talibanisation and the depoliticisation of Balochistan and the other that believes in political freedom, fair development, modernisation, equity and equality. The crisis in the province is neither Baloch versus Baloch nor Baloch versus Pashtun; it’s a conflict between the Baloch and the centre. Human rights issues, i.e., disappearances, torture, political assassinations and economic exploitation — are all related to Islamabad and not linked with the provincial administration. Demands surrounding the political revolt — ranging from self-determination to greater autonomy and restructuring of the security structure, are all directed towards the centre. Downgrading the intensity of the crisis may suit some elements within the security and political establishment but it’s a bitter reality that this is a conflict of great magnitude. Its genesis dates back to 1948 — caused by a flawed political structure and the centre’s policies — and it has subsequently resulted in repeated political revolts from the Baloch parties.
A proper understanding of the root causes of the conflict is critical. Islamabad’s simplistic approach, of branding the Balochistan crisis as being foreign-sponsored or as a societal crisis of tribalism and local competition, has done a lot of damage. Pakistan is a multi-ethnic society with an outdated colonial structure. Ethnic emotions, rooted in historical memories of grievances, together with unabated rights violations, discrimination, underdevelopment, insecurity are at the core of the conflict between the powerful centre and the powerless Baloch.
In order to devise effective peace-building strategies, it is necessary to recognise the multiple factors that are causing animosity and strife. The Pakistani elite have little time to ponder over the grief the families of the missing Baloch youth, daily abductions, killings and the worsening economic situation. Such acts are supplementing the crisis and pushing the Baloch towards morphing into a more radical and unmanageable society. A peaceful resolution of this conflict lies in politically-tested conflict resolution mechanisms. A comprehensive framework along with a peace agreement on the lines of peace accords in Aceh, Ireland and the Kurdish region in Iraq are some of the options that provide a context for peaceful coexistence within the territorial framework.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (10)
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@sterry:
"I don’t think a minority of anti state elements should be able to force the agenda on the majority who want stability and development in the province"
The Indians have been saying that, that is exactly what is happening in Kashmir. Just 8% of the population, the Valley Islamists, with links to the ISI have been causing all the terrorism and instability there. The Indians have a much more valid point based on facts and history.
Shouldn't Pakistan offer the same "right to self-determination" that it has been demanding for the Kashmiris?
Once we have sorted out over problems on our Western Border it will be easy to contain this motley group of Rebel Balochie's who want to get power and riches the easy way. With the exit of ISAF there funding will fade away and also their safe Haven's unless Iran is playing a double game.
A comprehensive framework along with a peace agreement on the lines of peace accords in Aceh, Ireland and the Kurdish region in Iraq are some of the options that provide a context for peaceful coexistence within the territorial framework. Sana Sahib, would this frame work would include our Baloch brethren from Iran as well? As I don't think we would be able to enjoy this for long unless they join in the fun. Time to change the boundaries.
@sterry:
Well Sir, if Indian involvement in Baluchistan is as serious an issue as you seem to think, I can suggest a simple remedy. We should declare it as our core concern, and place before the UN and the international community all the evidence at out disposal. We should even declare that we are keeping the Kashmir issue on the back burner so as to get this matter sorted out once and for all. What we should not do is to deny the Baloch people their genuine rights by taking cover behind this issue. The other thing that we should not do is to keep shouting about India's involvement without showing any clear evidence, because we are undermining our own credibility by doing so.
@sterry: You don't even know the difference between Pashtuns and Balochs. The problem, unfortunately, doesn't exist in Pashtun areas.
Sana Baloch has once again formed his discursive field in a deep and logical way. Islamabad and especially the powerful security establishment still has time to decide if it wants Pakistan to remain as a state in its current geographical form or wants to gamble again for some interests constructed in vacuum.
the glue of any nation-state is economic and when this economic powder dries up, the country starts to crumble. that pakistan is in an economic mess is clear from the prediction of 2.5-3 percentage growth forcasted for coming years. such a growth is completely offset by the population growth. therefore, only way out of the baloch and other problems is to accelerate the economic growth. else even a weak state like afganistan will be considered the source of this self-inflicted source of trouble.
@Munir Sheikh: It's not just the Federal government that says much of the criminal activity in Baluchistan is foreign funded; Did you not hear the comments of US Defense secretary Chuck Hegel who said that India uses Afghanistan as a base for cross border torubles in Pakistan? I believe that Pakistan should address the legitimate rights of all citizens but the state cannot aford to deal with anti state criminals like the people who are attacking soldiers helping homeless earthquake victims. Most Baluch I know are pro Pakistani andmy own Pashtun relatives in Quetta are solidly pro Pakistani so I don't think a minority of anti state elements should be able to force the agenda on the majority who want stability and development in the province to succeed without the tyranny of Sardars and anti state criminals.
No doubt balochistan had always been neglected like everyother province. believe you me the farmers in punjab and sindh are crying bcz of poverty and price hike of fertilizers they get nothing in the end of a year. nearly every house in punjab has sent a boy or two of the family somewhere in foreign as a labour to make the both ends meet they did not and never make anti pakistan noises taking the right path they always blame the government and take things to street.but balochs insistence on anti pakistan demands is the main hurdle in thier path to peace..
Very interesting - "A comprehensive framework along with a peace agreement on the lines of peace accords in Aceh, Ireland and the Kurdish region in Iraq are some of the options that provide a context for peaceful coexistence within the territorial framework".
I think we (Islamabad) cant fool Balochis any more - they know how to write and what to demand - they are weak physically but strong ideologically and intellectually.
Its time to resolve Balochistan issue - further delay will cause more harm than good.