Suddenly, there seems to be some wind of change blowing in the otherwise morbid and strife-ridden province of Balochistan. The sense of awareness that the crisis there can no longer be ignored is a welcome change on the part of the establishment. The 15-point declaration following a conference convened by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and also remarks by the Supreme Court on events in Balochistan seems to have jolted politicians into a new sense of awakening. Perhaps, it is the regular references to the events of 1971 and those that preceded the break-up of the country that scared them into action and ended the state of inertia. Whatever the reasons though, the realisation has come as a positive development.
At a meeting chaired by the prime minister and attended by top military and civil officials — including General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Aslam Raisani and other key players in the affairs of the province — it was decided that the Frontier Corps (FC) would be placed directly under the control of the chief minister of Balochistan, allowing the provincial government to best use it to maintain law and order. The FC, so far falling under military control, has been repeatedly held responsible for the ‘picking up’ of people in the province. We will need to see if the measures taken now can rein it in. In addition, following the SCBA Conference declaration which strongly emphasised a need for a political and not a military solution in Balochistan, a six-member committee comprising three representatives each from the centre and the province is to be set up to initiate a process of dialogue with Baloch dissidents. Funds for Balochistan, the rights package announced for the province and other issues including jobs for Baloch youth were also discussed.
This is an important step forward. But we will still need to see what follows next and how many of the measures discussed will be implemented; most crucially, it remains to be seen if the mistrust in the province can be broken down. If this is to happen, patience and caution will be required. The anger and the perceptions of injustice in Balochistan have festered for a long time. Such sentiments will take time and trust to heal.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 31st, 2012.
COMMENTS (7)
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I have following comment to improve the Balochistan situation; - Nationalist Political Parties are not part of the present provincial government since they did not take part in elections.They needs to be taken on board.They have roots in the masses. - Only table talks with all stakeholders be resorted than force. - Afghanistan be told to check presence of training camps as told about 30. - Army to perform border security for few years to help FC. - Border Mananagement measures be increased at Pak Afghan Border. Thanks.
Muhammad Khalid
This is a Election year so you will see changes every day. The Constituencies will be changed, there will be jerymandering and adjustment of seats betwen PPP and other small political parties. So why worry PPP will remain in power for the next five years. They have scrapped the sinews and now they will chew the bone of skeleton. Hapless people of Pakistan are termed Eunch outside the country Desis label them as Chakkhas.
I really appreciate the consistency of the etribune editor on Balochistan - just shows the sincerity involved. I suggest you look into these very reasonable demands made by Akhter Mengal as confidence building measures before dialogue can be started http://www.balochmedia.org/en/the-speech-of-akhtar-mengal-president-of-balochtistan-national-party-swedish-parliamen.html - Please advocate for this.
Secondly unless President himself is not involved the chances of Baloch outside Pakistan to come to the table will be difficult- he should involve someone like his Sister Ms Talpur- cause others have been tried and tested time and again, they are not keen or sincere that the issue should be resolved, particularly before the elections and you would know why.
Instead of involving politicians.....common Balochi must be focused as we all how leaders and politicians are elected...
Surprise, surprise, they have not jointly blamed the invisible foreign hand , euphemism for RAW/CIA/MOSSAD and closed the topic. It is a welcome change now
I think it will be a good idea to involve other parties involved in the conflict.Only solution will be a table talk with Balochi political leadership.These people represent Baloch people
Everybody knows who have been the murderers and arsonists in Balochistan. Even the CJ of SC has called them these names in an open court. Once they are reined in things would improve. No politician or civilian can do anything about it. The killing and disappearance of Bloch youth has been going on for decades, it only gained momentum recently and came in the limelight. It is not a panacea but only a first step in the right direction.