Balochistan - psychosis of despair?

Iwas interacting with master's level interns in an Islamabad think tank, and shockingly realised that they knew everything and anything under the sun - thanks to social media (SM), from celebrity gossip to tabloid news, except their subject matter. When the discussion ultimately drifted towards solution to Pakistan's myriad 'political problems', my advice was for them to focus on studies, get quality education without getting obsessed with grades/marks, as unfortunately our education system emphasises; and become successful leaders for tomorrow. Under the ubiquitous presence of SM, its easy and constant access to all and sundry, and its manipulation by geostrategic, economic and political vested interest, 'subversion' of minds is a fair conclusion.

Perfectly sane, senior level, educated and mature people see nothing good in their environs, fall into fits of despair, and stick to hardened positions, making intelligent and neutral conversation next to impossible. To salvage friendship and civility, either you agree in toto or risk interesting and friction-laced branding. The ensuing debate on any issue of importance, therefore, becomes a litany of complaints against government of the day; serves as a platform to vilify the Military, especially the Army for all actual, real, fictional and perceived acts of omission and commission; expecting this or that messiah with starry-eyed expectations to fix all that needs to be fixed, however unreal, impractical and/or emotion based, the expectation.

Some retired senior bureaucrats - civil and military - ironically are hypercritical of the policies of those now holding the reigns, who were actually trained and mentored by them. And instead of acceding that they are unaware of the factual situation, being out of the loop, they consider it their birthright to complain, criticise and lament, without offering cogent and workable solutions. The conversational strategy is to listen, let them vent out, and then ask for workable options, which ironically are no different from those already being followed. The emphasis remains on over-diagnosing an already well diagnosed problem. Sometimes you are shared with an analysis by this or that gora who says nothing new and out of the box, and is only impressive for his colour, credentials and English.

It is under this environment that I write about Balochistan, after prodding by my readership. And I address this piece to the three stakeholders in the 'Baloch saga of despair', if I may…the Sardars, the Militants and the Establishment.

First, dear and venerable Baloch Sardars-cum-politicians. Sirs! You hold the key to the problems of Balochistan that you willfully do not solve, because the billions that you get from the Federal Government in political blackmailing and bribes will then not be available. And a lifestyle that is dependent on the largesse of 'Punjabi' Establishment rather than your hard work, quality education, social development in your areas, democratic credentials, or an egalitarian citizenry, would otherwise be hard to come by. Sirs! This political blackmailing has gone too far and if some of you think secession from Pakistan now, holding on to Gwadar (and yet to be discovered minerals) and building a new Singapore would be the rosy future you are looking at…you are sadly and badly mistaken.

One, there is no Lee Kuan Yew amongst you. And two, you live in an ethnically polarised and diverse universe, where the moment the thorn of 'Punjabi Establishment' is removed, you will vulturise your land and your people for the expected riches from the sea corridor and minerals. Internecine fights (excepting the Pashtun Belt) would break out just like in the neighbouring Afghanistan, when the Soviet forces left. And in the ensuing political landscape, Iran, India, China or even Afghanistan would dominate you…replacing 'Punjabi' domination. Get some reading on the power politics. Sharks in the sea feed on smaller fish. Arid, sparsely populated, conservative and tribal Balochistan in the stranglehold of recalcitrant Sardars-cum-politicians is no Singapore.

Second… Militants! One can understand the romanticism of your struggle at the behest of this or that power broker, political dispensation or external backers against the 'perceived deprivation and injustices' of the 'Punjabi' Establishment. The energy of youth needs a direction, and combined with a cause, becomes magic. But do a quick math. Get some research to compare the educational facilities, health infrastructure, communication means (rail, road and air), trade and commerce opportunities (including smuggling) available in Baloch lands before 1947 and now…and draw your own conclusions. How the quota system helped mainstream you under the prying eyes of your exploitative Sardars who have an interest in keeping you in tribal and cultural chains.

You may kill with full cruelty, the (Punjabi) passengers passing through your lands, the barbers and bakery workers in your cities, the labourers making a meagre living in your desolate deserts, or the soldiers working on developing projects, and threaten Xi Jinping in your youthful exuberance, but is that Baloch tradition, or the culture you uphold, or the civility you espouse, or the understanding of international relations?

Third, Dear Establishment (Government Plus)! You cannot close your eyes from the Baloch saga, treat symptoms only, whatever the causation, the genesis and however misplaced these might occur to you. Deal with the problem squarely, not through the intelligence agencies, but through political dialogue, listening to just complaints; developing alternative leadership; and injecting quality education…unimpeded. Pashtun Belt is your trump card. Hold it and stop incursions there (one sees a pattern). Quetta is marginally Pashtun, know it; localise the problem and after exhausting all options at reconciliation, go whole-hog in a robust counterinsurgency mode, employing all elements of national power without hesitation and lack of nerve. These are desperate times, and they need targeted, focused and localised measures.

But then ensure things are taken to their logical conclusions, without leaving them halfway as in NMDs of erstwhile FATA. The state's healing touch is paramount. Scrap resources by cutting the Rs5 billion cycle track in Islamabad, for example, to resource Police, FC and Army. There are billions that can be diverted from wasteful, politically motivated 'cheap' gimmicks' especially from Punjab. Army…will need to assert and not just keep an eye.

And for all stakeholders, all this will have to be done remaining within the Constitution of Pakistan, under allegiance to the national flag and the oath of national anthem.

Mr President! Here lies an opportunity for you as a Baloch to redeem yourself like never before. Salvaging Balochistan…what a legacy to be proud of! Grab it!