QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi has suggested that all stakeholders, including the army and intelligence agencies, should be consulted to resolve the Balochistan imbroglio.
He expressed these views while talking to reporters after an awards distribution ceremony at the Governor House on Friday in connection with Pakistan Day. “The dialogue will not be fruitful until both the government and angry Baloch leadership show flexibility,” he said. “How can the government hold talks with those demanding separation from Pakistan? Balochistan is an inseparable part of Pakistan and talks will be held with those who accept this truth.”
Asked if he will play any role in arranging a possible dialogue, he replied that it is the responsibility of the provincial government since it’s neither part of his mandate nor does he have the power to hold negotiations with the estranged Baloch leaders.
“I cannot (even) recruit a clerk in any department, so you should direct questions about law and order and talks (with angry Baloch leaders) to the chief minister and his cabinet members,” he said, referring to the 18th Amendment which stipulates that no governor has the power to make any crucial decision regarding the affairs of the provincial government.
The governor said development in the province is impossible until educated people come forward and join politics. “In the presence of illiterate politicians, the dream of a prosperous and developed Pakistan is out of context,” he remarked.
Magsi urged educated youth to join politics, saying he is a 60-year-old and about to retire from politics. “The honorifics of Nawab and Sardar were given by Britons who have gone now,” he added.
Policy of reconciliation
Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani ruled out the impression that his government had increased its efforts to hold dialogue with estranged Baloch leaders only after a resolution was tabled in the US Congress calling for the province’s right to self-determination.
“We are pursuing reconciliation since the time we came into power. I will hold talks with estranged Baloch leaders wherever they want,” he remarked, after inaugurating ‘Balochistan Festival’ at the Ayub Stadium.
All stakeholders must be part of talks since these were the only way out of the impasse, he added.
He also condemned killings of labourers, doctors and skilled workers in Balochistan, urging tribal elders and political leaders to play their role in putting an end to these.
Reflecting upon Pakistan Day, Raisani said that there is a need for formulation of a new social contract, based on the 23rd March resolution which shall help in resolving the grievances of provinces.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2012.
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What is the Army waiting for? Their job is to save the nation and why the hesitation? Baloch people need the Arm's protection now!
He is right! It is past over due. Where is the Army? It has been delayed for too long and the void is being filled by foreign funders of terrorism. It is serious business and the Army needs to take responsibility and stop the infestation and invasion of terrorism in Balochistan by Indian agents and their partners in crime. Time for Army to take over Balochistan and protect the Baloch people from these foreign terror invaders.