New book explores the issue of Balochistan
The book is seventh by journalist Mujahid Barelvi.
ISLAMABAD:
Speakers at a book launch stressed on the need to give representation to the people of Balochistan.
“We cannot simply expect to fix Balochistan’s problems with bullets without bring the main people [such as Shahid Bugti] to the table,” said Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash. He was speaking on Friday at the launch of a book at the National Press Club.
The book, “Balochistan- Masla Kya?” (Balochistan—what’s the problem?), is the seventh book by Veteran journalist Mujahid Barelvi.
Barelvi, who was the first journalist to have entered Kabul in 1979 following the Soviet invasion, has authored a number of articles for newspapers and magazines. His most recent book is an in-depth analysis about the dynamics of the Balochistan issue. The book also features interviews of various prominent personalities from the region including Akber Bugti.
A number of journalists and political personalities attended the event. National Party Vice President Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo was the chief guest at the event.
In his address, Barelvi narrated his struggle to highlight the issues being faced by Balochistan in his book. “This book is the result of research and experience of many years. I have tried to portray all sides of the picture?”
General (retd) Abdul Qayyum highlighted Balochistan’s rich resources. “The fundamental angle for Balochistan is its strategic placement. Dubbed the golden bridge by the west, this land offers gold, uranium, gas, coal and countless other natural resources,” he said. He noted that the British realised the strategic importance of Balochistan as they strived to carve rail roads in the area.
The only solution, according to Qayyum and other guest speakers, is to engage the real representatives of the area and allow the people to be recognised, instead of the sardars.
Senator Humayun Mandokhel criticised the indifference of the government towards Balochistan.
“Although Balochistan’s land is 44% of the land mass of the country, the population makes up for only 5% of the country, hence less vote bank and thus the lack of interest by political parties. It’s high time the people of that province were dealt with as humans and not votes.”
Bizenjo concluded the session with a historical anecdote, “Had the National Awami Party and Pakistan’s Peoples Party not been encouraged to oppose each other, Zialu Haq would have probably not come into power.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2012.
Speakers at a book launch stressed on the need to give representation to the people of Balochistan.
“We cannot simply expect to fix Balochistan’s problems with bullets without bring the main people [such as Shahid Bugti] to the table,” said Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash. He was speaking on Friday at the launch of a book at the National Press Club.
The book, “Balochistan- Masla Kya?” (Balochistan—what’s the problem?), is the seventh book by Veteran journalist Mujahid Barelvi.
Barelvi, who was the first journalist to have entered Kabul in 1979 following the Soviet invasion, has authored a number of articles for newspapers and magazines. His most recent book is an in-depth analysis about the dynamics of the Balochistan issue. The book also features interviews of various prominent personalities from the region including Akber Bugti.
A number of journalists and political personalities attended the event. National Party Vice President Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo was the chief guest at the event.
In his address, Barelvi narrated his struggle to highlight the issues being faced by Balochistan in his book. “This book is the result of research and experience of many years. I have tried to portray all sides of the picture?”
General (retd) Abdul Qayyum highlighted Balochistan’s rich resources. “The fundamental angle for Balochistan is its strategic placement. Dubbed the golden bridge by the west, this land offers gold, uranium, gas, coal and countless other natural resources,” he said. He noted that the British realised the strategic importance of Balochistan as they strived to carve rail roads in the area.
The only solution, according to Qayyum and other guest speakers, is to engage the real representatives of the area and allow the people to be recognised, instead of the sardars.
Senator Humayun Mandokhel criticised the indifference of the government towards Balochistan.
“Although Balochistan’s land is 44% of the land mass of the country, the population makes up for only 5% of the country, hence less vote bank and thus the lack of interest by political parties. It’s high time the people of that province were dealt with as humans and not votes.”
Bizenjo concluded the session with a historical anecdote, “Had the National Awami Party and Pakistan’s Peoples Party not been encouraged to oppose each other, Zialu Haq would have probably not come into power.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2012.