American concerns: US Congressional hearing on Balochistan today
The US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs is set to convene a congressional hearing on Wednesday (February 8), for an exclusive discussion for the first-time ever on Balochistan.
The event which will be closely monitored by Islamabad will be chaired by Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, who recently co-authored an article with Congressman Louie Gohmert expressing support for an independent Balochistan.
Interestingly, the testimony of Georgetown assistant professor C Christine Fair, who is a member of the three-member panel of witnesses, was uploaded on the internet on Tuesday. In her testimony, Fair has highlighted the government of Pakistan’s ‘extractive policies’ over the decades to keep an ‘ironclad control over the state’.
The professor has gone on to emphasise the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan and the government’s decision to ‘pursue military action, involving the forced disappearances of youths with no criminal records and the elimination of Baloch tribal leaders’. In her testimony, Fair will also seek to poke holes in the Pakistani state’s argument that military and paramilitary action is justified because Baloch tribal leaders are irreconcilable to the state with research that found that any conciliatory move by government led to a decline in militant attacks.
Fair, who will present a number of recommendations, will not ‘entertain’ any proposal for an independent Balochistan, saying that ‘given the ethnic diversity of the province, its complicated history, and the existing geographic constraints, an independent Balochistan is untenable’.
However, the professor has mentioned the implementation of certain government programmes such as the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan to help the province within the constitutional framework of Pakistan, adding that ‘the US with its partners can use select instruments of its national powers to encourage Pakistan to do the right thing’.
The two other members of the panel include defence analyst Ralph Peters and Pakistan Director of the Human Rights Watch Ali Dayan Hasan.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2012.
COMMENTS (63)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1730379446-0/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-31-at-17-56-13-(1)1730379446-0-270x192.webp "overseas pakistani entity offers over rs125b for pia acquisition")
1724926799-0/Untitled-design-(7)1724926799-0-270x192.webp "hafiz naeem other ji leaders fined rs10 000 for electoral misconduct")
It is quite obvious that Balochistan has been invaded by foreign terrorist to cause chaos and these are not Pakistanis. The biggest suspect being India with the same old goal to destabalize Pakistan. History speaks for itself. There is a big foreign hand at play! So the inhuman drama goes on . . .
@Mazar Khan baloch: If we keep our emotions aside for a while then we shall be able to think rationally. Baloch people talk of their rights, no doubt they should be given whatever is possible and rights of every citizen of Pakistan should be looked after. We must realize that our minds have been polluted by the enemy propaganda. Whenever we have Indian influence in Afghanistan we start having problem in Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtoon khawa. The only period during which we did not have any trouble in these provinces was the period when Afghans were fighting against the Soviet Union because the Indians had left Afghanistan. The problem with the Muslims all over the world is that instead of resolving our internal problems among ourselves, we start dancing to the tunes of our enemies and provide them the opportunity to exploit our differences. First of all the Indian and American agents started killing the non Baloch people in Baluchistan to create rift between the locals and non locals. When this did not work then they started killing teachers and doctors to destroy the peace of the province. When that too did not satisfy them then these Indian Agents have started killing the Baloach nationalists and started blaming the security agencies of Pakistan. We should not fall into this trap laid by the our enemies. We must remember that under no circumstances our own security agencies will ever kill its own people. It is all the propaganda of our enemies because the enemy wants to create haterad between the people and the security agencies to implement their own nefarious designs.
@jamal iqbal: The killing of punjabi peoples in Balochistan is the reaction of what is going on in Balochistan the Baloch peoples are being kidnaped by the agencies. and their mutilated dead bodies are being thrown in front of their houses. It is just the reaction of those peoples who are being not given thier rights. this is a reaction of the peoples whom leaders are beings killed in Military operations. I am not in favor of this, but this is true.
India is behind all this! One of many Indian secret war plans against Pakistan. India is just hiding behind USA and using it as its front. The Pakistani nation is aware of that due to its long treacherous history with India. USA is a great country and was built on high moral ground, but India's low moral ground could rub of on it unfortunately. However, it is never too late to get a grip on the moral high ground by the US by rejecting India's aggresive plans against Pakistan.
@Vin: Pakistanis will remain in Pakistan for all times to come. However, Pakistanis will make sure that the foreign sponsored terrorist operating in Baluchistan should be brought to justice and the nefarious designs of enemies of Pakistan are frustrated. Baloach people are as good Pakistanis as any one else in this country. Their problems and grievances are every Pakistani's problems and grievances. So whatever it may take the Pakistani nation will take care of its Baloach brothers and no one should have any doubt about our sincerity and national resolve.
why positive comments not coming
ad baloch get freedom from negativity.
@M. Ahmed: Why my dear you and people like you are afraid of Baloch Independence. It's our birth right to be independent and no one can DARE to keep as away for long from our freedom. I know you guys can't run this limping Pakistan without Baloch resources. So accept the truth and accept our way to freedom.
I think this is just the beginning towards success. We Baloch have suffered too much by the hands of these brutal Pakis... But now thanks to the world that atleast at some place our issue is being paid some attention. This will rise the Baloch issue among parliaments of the world except Pakistan's Dirty Parliament. And InshaAllah very soon my Baloch brothers and Sisters will see the sun in an independent atmosphere. Balochistan was NEVER a part of Pakistan and can never remain with Pakistan. InshaAllah Independent Balochistan will rise on the world map soon.
Alas, the so called Govt has tried their all means to bring balochs back in the mainstream by all the brutalities and atrocities which were never done by any of the evil hearted rulers. AS far as the US congressional hearing is concerned, I personally feel it's a first step ever taken by any international forum for the baloch people.
Moreover the absence of balochs to represent themselves and their current situations in balochistan and the presence of the Pro Pakistani, US based scholars like Dr Christine Fair would effect the outcomes of the hearing to a great extent and would rather bias the hearing to pakistan's favor.
@Syed Arbab Ahmed:Democracy does not mean allowing a separation. Every Kashmiri has right to live his life freely, exercise his/her political,religious,economic and social rights. To certain extent, Kashmiris have more rights than the other Indians as per article 371.Jammu and Kashmir will one day be a complete state after merger of POK and then only the dream of every Kashmiri will be fulfilled. Till that day, they will have to wait patiently, while walking in the path of development along with their fellow citizens of India. Thank you Mr Syed for replying. Wishing for you a happy and prosperous life.
@Grace: I hope that your assessment of India, Afghanistan and USA is correct. If true, I full heartedly support their efforts. Pakistan has been playing dirty for too long now. Its time that they receive the same in kind.
Balochistan was, is and will always be part of Pakistan. There is NO Pakistan without Balochistan. We need to do what is needed in Balochistan and US needs to just ........ mind its own business (its has forgotten how to do it in a long time)
@Syed Arbab Ahmed: We are secular nation . Therefore kashmiri muslims have no right to fight in the name of islam. Initially they fought through terrorism. But when they failed, now they are crying for human rights. Armed force act was enforced in 90s but not in 1948..why???? It was their own fault. .
They can go back to their beloved pakistan. we don't care.
As far as baloochistan is concerned, i don't think India is officially supporting them. Bcoz if they do, then situation could have been much better for balooch :))
@B N Mohapatra:If u r the biggest democracy in the world then give right of self determination to the Kashmiris
Bangladesh all over again. Murdering the baloch political class and intellectuals like it was tried in east Pakistan won't work. The world is watching. Better learn from history or it will be repeated and Pakistan will end up loosing half of its land like in Bangladesh.
@Purede51: Kashmir as well as POK are inseparable part of India.Pakistan is on the verge of disintegration and some parts will again remerge with India in another two decades. This is the future geopolitical map of South east Asia. Beware of it, my dear India baiter.
@Syed Arbab Ahmed:You are right upto the extent that a country cann't be divided if it does justice to its people and Pakistan has failed to do that. About your proposition of enemies theory, you are your own enemy. You started war with India and Balochistan by invading Kashmir and Balochistan. Please go back to history with an open mind and learn; but I doubt about the freedom of your mind.
We can see how India and their puppets in Afghanistan have been causing trouble in Pakistan's border regions and are using the US to further their plans. It won't work since the majority of Baluch are still pro Pakistani apart from the few Sardars who are on the payroll of anti state agencies and foreign governments.
US congressional hearing is a glamour of hope for Balochs because of long lasting strive for the independence struggling to be achieved.. We (Balochs) were not, are not and will not be a part of Pakistan so it is not fair to pronounce us (Balochs) as pakistani , pakistanis our so-called brothers even can’t pronounce our name correctly so how can the call us as a part of them. Only cause of pakistanis to call us their brothers is the mineral resources of Balochistan. Mutilated dead Balochs dead bodies thrown by pakistani security officials are the main cause of making the conditions worse.. So it is better that the world major powers take strict measure to give us (Balochs) our liberty back as it was in 1948 and before British occupation.
its great it is the responsibility of America and UN to take over in Balochistan for Independence of Balochistan and Baloch well come America and NATO forces
Many countries desperately want Balochistan for its very strategic location & hidden wealth. The only country that has Balochistan but doesn't want it or care about it is Pakistan. Islamabad is too busy saving political seats rather than saving Balochistan. Pakistan is clearly heading towards loosing this most important province.
It's your Achilles heal - you don't control much of Pakistan and all the American's have to do is to make it policy that it will no longer recognize Balochistan or the tribal territories as part of Pakistan -- most of the World will follow their lead and even your best friend China may find it more convenient to by pass you and get rich dealing directly with Balochistan. All your ranting and chest pounding won't amt to much - you would be looking at Bangladesh 2.
baloch will welcome US .
@Xoya: soon to follow that also
Its the matter of concern when we have a slight glance on Balochistan than some unexpectable and non toleratable cruility of Pakistan will obviously touch our eyes. Sine 28 march 1947 when we were occupied in the power of refiles Baloch youth and activists begin the war against state and isolation of Balochistan than how could we b part of Pakistan?? Every mother and sister is waiting to recieve a new tortured dead body by the hand of forces of Pakistan. . We had been raising our voice against the targeted killings and our mysterious disappearance. The Govenamen had been fail to stop such situtations because she herself is indulged. Its my humbly request to human rights and forgien authorties we also wana be indepedent and have an independent life. As today's congress of US create a new hope for Baloch. We were never part of socalled state. .
Concerned for Gawadar Port or Human rights?
In additon to it, there are signs that London-led project to separate Baluchistan from Pakistan has been given an impetus. The objectives are many. To name a few: It would weaken a belligerent Pakistan, create a buffer between Pakistan and Afghanistan; secure a strong foothold along the southeastern borders of Iran; and undo China’s long-term plan to link up the Karakoram Highway in the north to the Arabian Sea, by a land bridge running through Baluchistan,” says Ramtanu Maitra in his article “Balochistan: Is US backing London’s plan to dismember Pakistan?" Yes what ever has been reported seems begining of it. Sad part of it is that matter has not seriously been taken by top notches of Pakistan? If Baluchies remained dissatisfied the job for US will become easy. Better those matter should give an urgent wake up call to the stake holders of Pakistan.
without concerning about this we should concern about our own actions. why all political leaders are being ignored when they are demanding an withdraw of fc from balochistan? strong police force (consisting baloch about 85%), fact finding commissions with power to question and trial even army officers and an free and fair election can only save the balochistan .
So now our ally wants to cut out our territories??? I wonder there were no HEARINGS on more important issue of KASHMIR??? PAKISTAN will deal with its internal issues itself just stay away from our country you demons got evil plans to rip us apart (Ally From Hell)!!! I urge PAK-ARMY+ISI to protect our land otherwise these TRAITORS will cut out of PAKISTAN via US-INDIAN covert aide...
Please see this in the context of Pak Iran Gas Pipeline. This is something to put pressure on Pakistan.
The dream of greater Punjab already divided Pakistan in 1971. I think giving equal rights and thinking of United States of Pakistan is the only way to save existing boundaries of the nation. Give equal rights to all and stop nonsense of so called BIG BROTHER concept. We had enough of BIG Brother problems. You can see all Army and Police controlled by corrupt regime which destroyed the whole nation.
@Vin: They did not come from anywhere - they were Buddhists or Hindus living here. They were forcibly converted by the threat of the sword.
thank you America....Atlast heard in world's strongest capital, lets see if UN follows....
Fine then make Kashmir an Independent state too , Punjab also & sindh too .
Thank you America for bringing this issue in limelight and now UN must pass a resolution on human rights violations in Balochistan, atlast heard and it seems Balochs are not alone in world.
Yep ! Plebiscite is the only option in Balochistan. It is up to the people in that state to decide if they want to become independent.
What i understand, is that the same people left by the English are at the helm of the affairs, everywhere in Pakistan ,in one way are the other, and the resources ,whatsoever, are well served to them.No one is concerned with the lot of the common man,Even to creat a chanse for a honourable living here, will take generations for the common man.I think, the countery needs to be broken up as a whole, only to reshape, socially, economically and politically and not Geographically..
there smells a rate in that move because US did never held such meetings on indian attrocities in kashmir nor it ever uttered even a single word against israil that has been commiting crimes against humanity for years.US itself is involved in human rights violation in afghanistan,Iraq,pakistan,palestine and the list goes on.if US had a little respect for human rights,it would have disbanded CIA and punished personnels who have commited massacre of civilians around the world especially in afghanistan,pakistan and Iraq.this meeting is a planned conspiracy against pakistan.our govt needs to kick all US citizens out of pakistan or they will create more chaos in country.govt should understand that americans are naturally warmongering persons the more you let them infiltrate in country,the more they will fan the violence.
@Sidrah Haque who writes "Hopefully,this hearing won’t be a one sided affair & the participants would take a look at the ethnic cleansing of punjabi and urdu speaking people in balochistan also."
That's because Punjabis and Urdu speakers of Balochistan are foriegn occupiers.
@Aamir who asks a question abt Kashmir.
Yes. Why this double standard. USA should also discuss regarding the illegal occupation of Kashmir by Muslims. After all, this is a Hindu land and the occupiers should go to Pakistan.
Yeah, Independence of Balochistan that was given on 11 Aug, 1947 by Britishers need to be restored on priority basis.
So now USA will black mail us on the issue of Baluchistan for their supply lines and further support in Afghanistan
I guess Pakistani's will eventually have to settle back in Saudi Arabia where they all came from ..he he he
Now you know who is behind all these killings and bombs in Balochistan!!!!
@sidrah haque: Ethnic cleansing in Baluchistan is an important component of the Indo-US plan to stir trouble in Baluchistan. The US senate hearing, in my opinion, primarily will be aimed at assessing the level of success achieved so far and the requirement of additional funds to give further impetus to the separatist movement in Baluchistan. It is no longer a secret that Brahamdagh Bugti is holding Indian passport and is living a luxurious life in Switzerland, fully funded by American CIA.
There was no doubt ever that US is an Enemy of Pakistan. Since the creation of independent Pakistan US is involved in every kind of activities do destabilize it, sometimes by supporting the rival states and sometimes by creating anti-state faction within Pakistan. US is continuing the Drone attacks to destabilize the north of Pakistan and Baluchistan. It is creating an anti-state movements in these areas. It is all part of a greater game plan, it is the time the Pakistani Nation should rise and understand that American are their enemies.
I wonder if they ever discussed Kashmir issue like this? history is repeating itself.. East Pakistan had similar issues and ethnic killings by Mukti Bahni. Govt. says they have proof of external interference, why don't they present it in Parliament.. considering that's an ineffective forum, based on recent non-effective drone resolutions.. What about a suo motu action in this case?
Another glaring proof of American design and imperialism in Asia.
American are notorious in accusing adversaries and creating hypes of the highest order.
Remember the human rights mantra against China. Remember Dubya's statement on the axis of evil (North Korea, Iraq and Iran) Remember appearance of a Kuwaiti woman (actually daughter of the then Kuwaiti ambassador in the US) before the UN General Assembly to highlight Iraqi atrocities in Kuwait.
Now Congressional hearing on Balochistan.
US has always poked its nose in the affairs of other states. This American dream will be shattered by the Pakistani nation.
USSR could not reach to Baluchitan warm water through courtisy of one of the major payers ISI and Pakistani esteblishment. Now be ready for a bigger (more than expected ) threat very well educated, organized, the best panned (propbably they plan for more than one hundred years), properly managed and executed. We wish we could cope with it by having realised by analysing its magnitute and modus operantis. A Peshawary
@sidrah haque: @jamal iqbal: If what you are saying it true then you are saying it is East Pakistan situation all over again. If the locals do not want anybody else that means they want freedom from Pakistan. Let there be a plebiscite in Baluchistan and let the local population decide their future. Let us not repeat the story of East Pakistan all over again. We cannot keep them in Pakistan by force we have tried that and failed miserably. The situation is not going to get better by itself. If we would not solve our problems then others would. Regards, Mirza
So now the Americans, who themselves brutely killed Red Indians (including tribal leaders, women & children) to bring so-called revolution in US, will save our people? We are with our Baloch Brothers and we will solve this issue on our own. We appeal the Federal Government, The Supreme Court of Pakistan and Pakistan Army to look in to this delicate matter and let us not make ourselves vulnerable to external & internal threats at the same time.
I agree with Dr. Fair's assessment in so far that solutions to Pakistan's Baloch problem must be found within the bounds of Pakistan's constitutional dispensation. Whereas Pakistan's territorial integrity should be non-negotiable for the Pakistani state, giving all Baloch citizens equal and unfettered rights and protections must also be a fundamental priority. If Pakistan fails to do this because the security agencies believe that every recalcitrant Baloch is a traitor or a foreign agent, then we will be doomed to repeat past mistakes of the 1971 variety. In today's global milieu of humanitarian interventions and the primacy of human rights, such a course of action can but bring further instability and international trouble for Pakistan.
The introduction of this topic is to counter balance the demands from the Pakistani Establishment. Too many unwanted demands and all the cards will start falling into place. Just see the example of Iran, slow and steady tightening of screws. Pakistan does not have Oil to see it through and any further attempt at blackmail will prove debilitating.
We, Hazaras request to the Congressmen particularly Pakistan Humein Rights Watch Ali Dayan Hassan to also raise the systemetic genociide of Hazaras in Balochistan especially in Quetta. they should also try to reveal the hands involved in the genocide of Hazaras and Baloch nationalists. We hope that the committee would think about all issues of Balochistan.
Another conspiracy hatched by the US government to make Baluchistan as an independent state.
Government of Pakistan must make sure that US should not succeed in the conspiracy against Pakistan.
The pressure is buildup on Pakistan to open NATO supply routes.
Oh really?? Then why miss Kashmir?? Agenda is open.
US is proving to be a true enemy of Pakistan, if they are conducting hearing to exert their efforts for an independent Balochistan then there should be no doubt that US is sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan........let there be no doubt that Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan and inshah ALLAH will remain part of Pakistan forever.
Hopefully,this hearing won't be a one sided affair & the participants would take a look at the ethnic cleansing of punjabi and urdu speaking people in balochistan also.It's not a one sided battle that's going on in balochistan,thousands of punjabis and urdu speakers have been specifically targetted and shot dead.there have been cases where people were taken off buses after their identity cards showed they were from punjab & these ppl were then lined up and shot dead.The settlers have been living and contributing to baloch society for many decades but hundreds of thousands of them have been forced to flee from balochistan,they have had to sell their homes,shops for peanuts in order to save their lives.
Nobody speaks up about the hundreds of punjabi civilians killed in balochistan only for their ethnicity.the cases of the missing persons get widespread media attention but none of the talkshows talk about the deliberate campaign against teachers,doctors,businessmen who are regularly killed in balochistan because they were originally from punjab.this discrimination and bias against punjabi civilians deaths should end.The death of a punjabi should be condemned just as much as the deaths of the other ethnicities.