PRIME Minister Imran Khan has reiterated the national resolve to support the defence forces in eliminating the remnants of terrorists trying to sabotage the development of Balochistan.
During his visit to Naushki on Tuesday, he cautioned that the enemy was bent upon disintegrating the country and terrorists were being provided funds from abroad.
However, he added, all their nefarious designs would be foiled through a comprehensive development programme which is being implemented in close collaboration with the provincial government and the defence forces of Pakistan.
What the Prime Minister said is not rhetoric but based on ground realities as highlighted by recent acts of terrorism in parts of Baluchistan and the level and scale of attacks mounted by terrorists that amounted to posing a challenge to the world’s finest army.
Pakistan remains a victim of foreign conspiracies from the day of its inception and the worst occurred when its eastern part was separated in a military aggression.
It is known to all that our internal weaknesses were exploited by our enemy and it seems efforts are being made to trigger serious trouble in Balochistan as well through some disgruntled elements and an intensified war of propaganda.
There is no doubt that our defence forces have the demonstrated capability to defend the cause of security and defence of the motherland despite various odds and constraints.
However, as pointed out by the Prime Minister, the designs of the enemy can only be foiled if the entire nation stands firmly behind the defenders of the country and space for mischief-mongers is squeezed.
We have been pointing out in these columns that the successive governments announced comprehensive development packages for Balochistan which were implemented with varying degrees of success due to various factors but it is time to ponder as to why these have not been able to scuttle the negative and baseless propaganda unleashed by anti-Pakistan forces in their bid to fan sentiments of deprivation and discrimination among people of Balochistan.
Our biggest failure is our inability to move ahead on the path of national reconciliation despite repeated announcements and claims in this regard.
The incumbent government too expressed its determination to resolve the issue politically and in this regard it appointed Shahzain Bugti as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on reconciliation and harmony in Balochistan.
His appointment in July last year came two days after Prime Minister Imran Khan hinted at the possibility of initiating talks with disgruntled elements in the province but the move turned out to be nothing than an attempt to offer perks to a prominent figure from the province.
On the one hand, we are going an extra-mile in offering talks to the TTP but, on the other hand, we are unable to engage dissidents from Balochistan in talks.
The Army can surely deal with terrorists and saboteurs as it did in the case of terrorist outfits on Pak-Afghan border but mere use of force is unlikely to yield the positive results and that too on a sustainable basis if not backed by political and economic moves.
There are also reports that after denial of space by the Taliban Government in Afghanistan, militants from Balochistan are enjoying safe havens in neighbouring Iran.
Why are we not taking up the issue in right earnest with the Iranian Government?
If Iran-based terrorists are inflicting huge human and economic loss on Afghanistan, our silence in this regard is nothing but a criminal act.
Similarly, the 29th report of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team reveals that the outlawed TTP still has between 3,000 to 5,000 fighters in Afghanistan and, therefore, the issue should be taken up with Kabul in view of an increase in terrorist activities in Pakistan.
At the same time, there is a need for special focus on infrastructure projects in Balochistan as this would enhance mobility and the prospects for greater awareness among people of the province.
In fact, the enemy has increased its sabotage activities in the province in the backdrop of initiation of some strategically important projects launched under the CPEC that has the potential to transform the lot of the people.
There is also an impression that Balochistan is getting a substantial share under NFC but there is no trickledown effect which should be ensured in close cooperation with the elected representatives of different regions.
