Khosa repeats offer to Baloch nationalists

Punjab governor admits that the province has been discriminated against in the past.

QUETTA:

Punjab Governor Sardar Abdul Latif Khosa has reiterated the PPP-led government’s offer to negotiate a peaceful settlement of the insurgency in Balochistan with militant Baloch nationalists.

“Those Baloch leaders who have reservations should come forward and respond to the offer of the government. I assure them that their issues will be listened to and resolved amicably through talks and negotiations,” said Khosa while addressing a news conference at Governor House Balochistan in Quetta on Thursday, flanked by Balochistan Assembly’s PPP Parliamentary Leader Sadiq Umrani.

Khosa said those who had talked about use of brute force in Balochistan were being immature and emotional rather than rational. He added that the current government does not believe in using force to settle issues.

“The Baloch are not outsiders in Pakistan and their rights cannot be denied. I have come from Punjab with the message of love for the people of Balochistan,” said Khosa, governor of the largest province, which is frequently the target of Baloch nationalists’ ire.

Baloch leaders often accuse Punjab of hoarding resources based on the numerical strength of its population, while not taking into consideration Balochistan’s greater needs.

Some leaders go as far as to calling ethnic Punjabis colonisers of Balochistan.

Punjabi residents of Balochistan are frequently targeted by militant Baloch nationalists.

“I agree with the fact that Balochistan was discriminated against and suffered in the past but it would be unfair if anyone holds the incumbent government responsible for this discrimination. The government believes that the country will be strengthened by giving maximum power and share to its federating units,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2011.