Denied autonomy: ‘Problems of Sindh and Balochistan are similar’

Former Balochistan CM wants proper implementation of 18th Amendment

HYDERABAD: Sindh and Balochistan share common problems such as autonomy, control over resources, recognition of national identities and deluge of migrants, said former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch.

“A sense of deprivation still prevails among the native populations of both the provinces,” he remarked. “Instead of implementing the 18th Amendment according to its spirit the federal government is encroaching on whatever autonomy the two provinces enjoyed,” he deplored.

He addressed the Sindh High Court Bar Association and spoke at a press conference in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Recalling that he recommended devolution of the ports to Sindh and Balochistan provinces during preparation of the draft for the 18th Amendment, Baloch said that he still demands provincial control of the ports. He also pressed for implementation of Article 172 of the Constitution with regard to giving control over oil and gas resources to the provinces.

The former CM underscored the need to support the Baloch people to become successful entrepreneurs in order to benefit from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. “Balochistan and its people should be given due share from CPEC.” Baloch credited his government for bringing an array of reforms in the governance and for its pivotal role in establishing peace in the province. He said that his government increased the budgetary allocation for education from 4% to 24%. The police was depoliticised and corruption in Balochistan Public Service Commission was minimised, he added.

Towards peace

The former CM found the detrimental involvement of India and Afghanistan in his province as big obstacles to maintaining peace and stability. “The federal government has been trying to persuade the dismayed Baloch leadership,” he said. “But, during my time, those Baloch leaders had refused to talk to anyone whom they considered to be responsible for their problems.”

Baloch also regarded extremist elements and illegal migrants as other perils to law and order.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2016.