Ignoring Balochistan

Letter April 07, 2014
It is in the best interest of the country that Baloch separatists are lured into the mainstream politics.

JAFFARABAD: It is sad to note that the law and order situation in Balochistan is worsening with the passage of time. The attack on a radar station in Pasni tells us that the present government is unable to establish its writ in a desolate region like Balochistan. Although Nawaz Sharif showed the political will to mediate the crisis by selecting a candidate from the middle class as chief minister, this measure is doing little to address the security crisis in the area.

Unfortunately, issues like the discovery of bullet-riddled bodies, missing persons and lack of infrastructure allow the people to feel alienated.

It is in the best interest of the country that Baloch separatists are lured into the mainstream politics. Unfortunately, it appears that Nawaz Sharif is focused more on having a “truce” with other kinds of militants. More importantly, this approach of the prime minister gives out a loud and clear message that some regions are given more priority than others.

But the prime minister must realise that to calm down the angry Baloch, it is imperative to talk with them, so that 1971 is not repeated.

Bilawal Ibrahim

Published in The Express Tribune, April 7th, 2014.

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