UPON mentioning Balochistan, Abdul Mohsin Shaheen used a term, “Baloch Rajimuchi.” I was intrigued and asked what Baloch Rajimuchi is. Then, it was as if a treasure trove of information opened up. The fact is that these days, Jamaat-e-Islami has set up a sit-in in Rawalpindi. The renewal of agreements with IPPs during the PTI era has caused such hardship that the nation is now suffering to the point where paying the electricity bill has become a burden. Jamaat-e-Islami is on the streets because of this public issue. The comforting fact is that as soon as Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman’s convoy departed from Lahore, the government engaged with him and he did not hesitate to reciprocate. Within a day or two, negotiations started between the parties. The next day, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry arrived at the sit-in, where the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami warmly welcomed them. Serious and democratic political behaviour is like this. This incident calls for discussion. However, the story narrated by Abdul Mohsin Shaheen holds more significance in my view because it concerns Balochistan. This means it is a matter of the country’s future.
For several days, the people of the Baloch Solidarity Council have been holding sit-ins and protests in various areas of Gwadar and Makran. It is also possible that by the time these lines are published, this series of protests will still be ongoing. What is this Baloch Rajimachi? Consider it as a Baloch Jirga, or a people’s assembly. Just as a Jirga is called in our Pashtun areas to deliberate on an issue, similarly, a Rajimuchi is convened among Baloch tribes for deliberation and extraordinary decisions on significant issues. The Rajimuchi held in late July 2024 is exceptional and historic in many ways. It is not only important concerning the local population’s rights over the resources of Balochistan but also significant because this grand assembly in the tribal and semi-tribal environment of Balochistan is hosted by a young woman, Dr. Mah Rang Baloch. This incident carries not only exceptional political implications but also heralds a great social revolution in Balochistan. A society traditionally bound by centuries-old customs has willingly accepted the leadership of a young woman. Did this change occur overnight in Balochistan, or is there a struggle behind it?
Mr. Shaheen first ventured into politics, and then turned to business, these days, he reads books or tries to understand the causes and effects of political and social changes in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan. His research indicates that the youth of Balochistan is more aware and active than any other part of the country. The reason is the rapid increase in the thirst for education among Baloch youth in the past few decades. Comparing the youth studying in the highest-ranking universities abroad and returning after completing their education, Balochistan surpasses other regions of the country in terms of population. This change is nothing less than a major social revolution. The Baloch Solidarity Council is a manifestation of this change that the whole of Pakistan is watching with interest. This emerging movement in Balochistan has the potential to transform the entire province’s political landscape. There are many active forces in Balochistan. Political parties have their place, but armed militants are also a reality who have taken up arms and are believed to seek separatism. In this scenario, the Baloch Solidarity Council is a new and distinguished addition.
The Baloch Solidarity Council has succeeded in attracting the highly conscious Baloch populace, including a significant number of women. These people are not only clear in their political objectives but are always ready to struggle persistently for them. Their second distinguishing feature is their firm belief in peaceful and democratic struggle without any weapons in the tribal background like Balochistan. The Council’s virtues do not end with these three points, but considering the bloodshed caused by separatism in the province recently, which has not only disrupted peace but also harmed the province and the country’s economy, such a popular movement appears as a ray of hope.
What do Dr. Mah Rang Baloch and her Baloch Solidarity Council want? Some time ago, she arrived in Islamabad with the case of missing persons. Now, their demand is that we should be taken into confidence regarding the international agreements being made about Balochistan resources. If anyone wants, as often happens here, they can call it a conspiracy against Gwadar Port and CPEC, but a cool-headed analysis shows a different situation. Mah Rang says, “Give us our rights over our resources.” The words “give us our rights” also remind us of Maulana Hidayatur Rehman of Gwadar. What is wrong with their demands? These people are educated and conscious, they do not take up arms, and they reject separatist armed groups. It was not long ago when Baloch insurgents, i.e., centrifugal armed separatists, always carried out terrorism in peaceful areas like Gwadar and Makran, causing concern for our Chinese friends and jeopardizing investment. The Baloch Solidarity Council has been blocking these armed activities. Alongside this, it has also weakened the greedy Sardars’ grip on power and wealth. What more can we ask for? They should receive their rights without having to undertake the arduous task of Baloch Rajimuchi. These people should not lose hope. In the past, the disillusionment of urban Sindh has already shown us a harsh reality. Now, we should embrace these youths. These educated, progressive and determined people are the hope not only for a prosperous Balochistan but also for Pakistan.
—This writer is former advisor to the president of Pakistan, author & mass media theorist.
(farooq.adilbhuta@gmail,com)
