Balochistan is not a problem but a challenge to those who are at the
helm of affairs and curse on those who were managing the affairs of
the country detrimental to the interest of the nation.
The history of the province include number of army operations and
armed resistance yielding little result.
The debased constitution, total indifference of federal government,
lack of democracy, absence of rule of law and frequent use of force
by the federation have culminated in mini insurgency spreading alarm
and despondency against the federation.
The growing unrest is due to lack of timely decision by those who
are at the top of political and administrative set up to stop the
target killings undermining the writ of the government.
The Judge, Vice Chancellor of Balochistan University, Principal of
Commerce College and many other notables who have their origin in
others provinces were mercilessly killed leaving their families to
mourn without any relief and any action against killers. All heinous
crimes and target killing took place during day light and the police
remained silent spectators though it has been provided all necessary
gadgets to apprehend the culprits.
All the killers went scot free. During the year 2009, over three
hundred such incidents of target killing took place. Majority of the
people and political leaders abhor such action.
Some observers feel that if the situation was allowed to continue,
the leadership and the tribal chieftains will be helpless to deal
with it. The Baloch leadership headed by late Mir Ghaus Baksh
Bizenjo a legendary figure of the province could not unite the
people to emancipate them from the clutches of the tribal leaders.
The dictatorial regime had been doing business with chieftains in
the province, ignoring forces of democracy.
The assassination of Nawab Akbar Bugti a legendry figure of
Balochistan who served the nation as Minister of State, Advisor,
Governor and Chief Minister, free from prejudices against any
nationality has further aggravated the situation as the people of
province have lost their confidence in the federation. They believe
that apart from struggling for the rights of Balochistan, Nawab
Bugti continued to maintain balance between the federation and the
province. His dispute and agitation was only against PPL over the
payment of leases of his lands and not against the federation but
some smart bureaucrats both in army and civil maneuvered to convince
General Musharraf that the Nawab had taken arms against the
government. His assassination has destroyed the confidence of the
people against the federation as they point out that a person like
Nawab Bugti has not been spared by the federation what else they
would expect from it.
The boycott of PONM and the nationalist parties in last election did
cast shadow on the Balochistan political scene leaving the field to
immature hands.
The external interference is active to create chaotic condition in
the province. The federal government is aware of it but hesitates to
publicly mention the countries involved in sabotage activities in
the province.
Some positive and drastic steps are needed to curb the external
interference to prove the writ of the government in order to save
life of the people.
The situation is of course grim and that is because of our own
doings. It is a challenge and needs amicable solution of problems.
Once, Sardar Attaullah Khan Mengal the first chief minister said, if
unfortunately Pakistan collapsed he would name Balochistan as
Pakistan.
Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi Governor Balochistan said majority of people
are for Pakistan and not for separation but they demand democratic
rights of the province.
Nawab Aslam Raisani Chief Minister Balochistan pointed out recently
that 1940 resolution should be implemented in letter and sprit which
would remove all irritants affecting emerging Pakistan as a strong
country among the comity of nations. The politicians are against the
rhetoric of setting up committees. President Asif Ali Zardari during
his visit to Quetta told in a press conference that he was Baloch
and intimately knew the problems of the province. The people of
Balochistan are patriotic and love Pakistan. They demand supremacy
of constitution, democratic rights, provincial autonomy, respect to
their culture. The committees are not solution but will of the
government is more important.
Political observers maintain that sympathetic approach would be
advisable to amicably resolve the problems and any harsh measures
would be counter productive. The dialogue in cordial atmosphere,
rule of law, writ of the government and credibility would pave the
way to bail out the province from present chaotic conditions.
