The wounds left by Nawab Bugti’s murder by the Musharraf regime have obviously not healed so far.
LAHORE: Shahzain Bugti's arrest and the alleged discovery of a huge quantity of prohibited weapons discovered in the vehicles accompanying him has been widely publicised. On the other hand, the activist of a political party in Karachi, by the interior minister’s own admission, had in his possession a large quantity of prohibited weapons but was not arrested. This man, according to the Sindh home minister, was also involved in kidnapping for ransom and other crimes.
These dual standards have raised some serious doubts about the allegations levelled against Shahzain Bugti. The situation in Balochistan is too sensitive and explosive to be left solely to the uniformed services. Past experience would suggest that military solutions to political problems have, in fact, worsened matters and in this case, too, this approach will do little but damage the federation.
The wounds left by Nawab Bugti’s murder by the Musharraf regime have obviously not healed so far. And for that to happen will take not only a lot of time but also measures that make the people of Balochistan feel as if the centre understands their grievances and is seriously willing to address them.
The people of the province are also angry — as they should be — over the manner in which hundreds of Baloch have gone missing. Furthermore, the shameful manner in which the Musharraf regime handled the issue of Dr Shazia Khalid's rape has not been forgotten either. The solution lies in resolving the genuine grievances that have angered the people of Balochistan, instead of using brute force.
If any credibility is to be restored, an immediate judicial investigation should be ordered into Shahzain Bugti’s arrest headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan or his nominee. The situation is very explosive and there is no room for further mistakes.
Malik Tariq Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2010.
