The prime minister has promised “zero tolerance” for injustice against the people of Balochistan, and also offered to go door-to-door to address the complaints of those who were frustrated by “a sense of deprivation” in the strife-ridden province.
In a speech laced with reconciliatory reminders at the induction ceremony of 5,000 recruits from Balochistan into the Pakistan Army in Quetta on Tuesday, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani looked to highlight the steps taken by the government in a fresh bid to quell discontent in the province.
(Read: Aghaz-e-Haqooq package: Reassurances aside, much left to be done in Balochistan)
Balochistan has seen an increasing restiveness despite the announcing of a wide-ranging package, the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, two years ago.
20,000 jobs and more
Keen to emphasise the efforts of the government, the premier said that 20,000 jobs would be provided for the unemployed of the province. Speaking of the 5,000 military recruits, Gilani said he was sure that “these youth would bring honour and dignity to the armed forces and Pakistan”.
In addition, the premier touched upon how the government would create employment through various projects including building colleges, water supply schemes and an Internet Technology university, as well as funds for flood relief, displaced people and scholarships.
(Read: Downhill in Balochistan)
He also reiterated a six per cent employment quota in some federal government departments and the introduction of 3,000 jobs in the tribal police for Balochistan residents.
Gilani said measures were afoot to provide natural gas in areas of Sui, Pir Koh and Looti. He said the federal government would also provide 30 per cent of its shares from its 50 per cent of the Saindak Project to the Balochistan government. He said the entire project would be handed over to the government of Balochistan after its completion.
Army drawdown
The prime minister said that military numbers operating in Balochistan have been reduced and the practice of setting up cantonments in the province had already been stopped. Ten check posts of the Pakistan Coast Guard in the province have been abolished, he added.
The people of Balochistan “are a symbol of the nation’s honour,” he added. While Gilani acknowledged the neglect faced by Balochistan, he also said that a “foreign hand” was behind the unrest in the province.
Missing persons
Making it a point to address the ongoing controversy about people going missing in Balochistan, Gilani said that the judicial commission set up to probe the matter would “improve” the mechanism of finding the missing persons.
Gilani asked insurgents operating in the province to “shun violence and work for the progress of Pakistan.” The prosperity of the province was also linked to peace, the premier emphasised.
NFC award
The PM also highlighted the benefits of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for the province. Gwadar was chosen for the finalisation of the award, he said. The award, he added, “guarantees the rights of Balochistan in accordance with the 1973 Constitution, in which the provinces were given their monetary and administrative rights”.
(Read: The terribly sad state of Balochistan)
Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other senior military and civilian officials were also present on the occasion.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2011.
COMMENTS (10)
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PPP Government spared no effort to provide maximum relief to the people of Pakistan and compensate of the tyrannies by worst dictator Musharraf. Infact Musharraf was responsible for every wrong doing to Balochistan. Prime Minister Gilani has clearly said that Government will tolerate no injustice with Balochis. Earlier President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the government has taken concrete steps to bring an end to sense of deprivation among the people of Balochistan and this would lead to positive results. It is not mere a lip service. Government has already announced Aghaz-e-Balochistan package, which is not only a package to facilitate Balochis and compensate their deprivations but it is also a part of Govt strategy to make Pakistan strong. Every one is aware of the fact that the dictatorial regime under General Pervez Musharraf failed to address the Balcohistan issue. Even he added fuel to fire and tried to disintegrate Pakistan. He exacerbated the problem by exercising force to muzzle the voice of Balochis. On the other hand Zardari has not only apologizedfro the past wrong done to the province but also established a parliamentary committee to recommend reforms package for Balochistan. The recent statement PM Gilani and earlier announcement of packages by President Zardari, several infra structure projects and on card peace talks with insurgents represents several things, that the democratic Govt is alive to the criticality of the problems Pakistan facing today and second one Govt is resolving it through parliamentary forum which is clear sign of democracy in the country and departure of autocracy from Pakistan.
@ayesha: No doubt, the Govt of Pakistan must muster all its resources to remove the sense of deprivation within the Baloach masses. However as for as the Indian involvement in Baluchistan unrest is concerned that is also true beyond any doubt. Whenever we have an anti Pakistan Govt in Kabul, Indian influence in Afghanistan becomes the corner stone of Afghan foreign policy and we start having trouble in Baluchistan and Tribal Areas of KPK. You would recall that from 1979 to 2001, there was no uprising in Baluchistan and the Independent Pakhtunistan movement also died its natural death because during that period Afghanistan was either under the control of Mujahideen or the Taliban who had no leaning towards India. After the US invasion of Afghanistan, and establishment of a Northern Alliance dominated anti Pakistan Govt., India has been able to make inroads into Afghanistan. Since then, once again we are witnessing a state of low key insurgency in Baluchistan and a spate of terrorism in FATA. Today Pakistani Taliban are operating against Pakistan from their safe heavens in Afghanistan. You will be surprised to Know that Brahamdagh Bugti, the fugitive grand son of Akbar Bugti has lived in Afghanistan for years, under the special arrangements of Indian intelligence agency (RAW). When Pakistan produced an undeniable proof to the Americans they quickly shifted him to Switzerland where he is living with a different name under CIA's arrangement and holds Indian Passport. Now he is running a network of Baloach dissidents from Switzerland. My humble submission to you is that do not get carried away by the Indian or US propaganda and start blaming Pakistan or ISI for the so called double gaming. Name any country which in not double gaming to achieve its national security and economic objectives. US and India are the biggest culprits of double gaming in Afghanistan and Pakistan being a small country and that too at the receiving end has to adopt measures, at times double measures to counter their double gaming.
I think if we are divided internaly, any body can take advantage. Instead of blaming others, it is time to keep our own house in order. Say no to relegious extremism, control our population, and select honest and capable people to represent us and lead us.
So what if this is just a political ploy for the vote-bank, It is a positive gesture still! We Pakistanis have made a point of criticising the government regardless of what they do. I know this promise will probably not realise to its full extent but still I commend the PM on at least recognising that this is an issue and take one small step that I pray will lead to better things.
"Fresh overtures: Zero tolerance for injustices in Balochistan, says PM" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Under the above heading of this article is a picture of the PM and COAS....what relevance does the latter have to the story?
Sorry I am a slow thinker...will some learned reader pls explain?
@Ayesha; very well said but unfortunately nobody has come up with a cure yet for Disease called Denial that we are suffering from. Regarding Baluchistan it is too little and too late.
@ayesha cant you see tons of videos of Ajmal Kassab confession on youtube. The guy cannot be Pakistani who say "Bhagwan" pardon me. I must say that India by all means trying to disturb Pakistan through Afghanistan. Pakistan need to teach lesson to both India and Afghanistan for their wrong doings. Afghanis were treated well by Pakistanis for decades but they always turn their back and proved to be highly irresponsible when it comes to Pak Afghan relationship.
Unless the army and ISI are reined in Pakistan particularly in Baluchistan nothing of substance can happen. This is the basic demand of the local people and a starting point. Political reconciliation can take place only after that.
As 2013 is coming close and election time is nears, is PPP finally 'learning' to become a good,relief providing government? Or is this just another trick to woo the voters before the elections? Most corrupt government ever. Financially as well as morally.
It is easy to blame India (the foreign hand in question) for Balochistan problems without providing any proof to anyone.
On the other hand ajmal Kasab was caught red handed and says he was trained by LeT. David Headley (Alias Daood Gilani) and Tawhhur Rana - both Pak born and foreign settled people were tried by FBI for their plot against India and they also said LeT was involved. Voice samples of the 26/11 terrorists has been handed over to Pakistan. YEt Pakistan says it has no proof and the LeT chief boldly goes around making provocative anti-India speeches and raising funds openly.
Talk about double standards.
Anyway, even in 1970-71, the legitimate greivances of Behngalis were ignored by calling them Indian agents. In the end Pakistan was divided. I hope that this time instead of blaming India, the PM spends his energy actually addressing the grievances instead of simply doing lip service.