The distrust of Balochs in the Federation is not a good omen for national security. Instead of addressing the problems of Balochistan together with all the stakeholders, the unilateral approach of establishing the state writ has made the problems more complicated. The increasing frustration among the people of Balochistan, especially the youth, is leading to hatred among them, which is deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan. It is essential to strengthen social relations based on mutual trust with the people and influential classes there.
It is crucial to prioritize that the region’s resources are primarily allocated to Baloch people, in order to address the sense of deprivation in Balochistan. All over the country, especially the people of Balochistan, should have firm belief that the observance of the constitution, the rule of law in the country is the responsibility of the state institutions as well as the people.
It is indispensable to ensure the establishment of a non-discriminatory system based on transparency for the implementation of law and justice. The arrest of Kulbushan Yadav is clear evidence that external forces have been sponsoring terrorism by interfering in Balochistan for a long time. It is necessary for the state, state institutions and people to be on the same page for this interference and terrorism.
In the center of an important economic development project Pakistan China Economic Corridor which is a game changer, Gwadar and the entire province has suffered from decades of central government neglect. Despite its natural resources, it remains the most underdeveloped and impoverished region in the country.
Chronic underfunding has left residents without essential services such as clean water and proper drainage. Additionally, the province’s vulnerability to climate disasters, as highlighted by the World Weather Attribution report on the 2022 floods, exacerbates its challenges. Contrary to which other three provinces of the country are benefiting from long motorways and other public projects, Orange train, Metro bus etc. This shortcoming should be realized and eliminated without any delay. This initiative of the government will be a means of restoring the confidence of the people of Balochistan in the federation.
In recent times, the tragedy of Musa Khel is very shocking. Such incidents are extremely dangerous for the state and national security and also cause new dangers for nationalist parties and Baloch youth. The presence of militant organizations like BLA, BLF, BRA, etc increases the security risks for the nationalist parties and civil society organizations advocating for peaceful and democratic changes. Events of 26th August 2024 should be handled with great caution, wisdom and prudence. It has been well-articulated that confidence of the people of Balochistan cannot be restored by mere superficial measures.
Under the Baloch, Pashtun tribal system, a step-by-step solution to the problems should be found through the Jirga system. On 21 March 2021, a Baloch-Pashtun Unity Jirga, led by Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani and attended by prominent Baloch and Pashtoon leaders, was held at Sarawan House in Quetta. It was organized in response to a Balochistan High Court ruling that allocated unsettled lands in Balochistan to the tribes of their respective locations.
The jirga aimed to persuade the Balochistan Government to refrain from appealing the decision. Haji Lashkari affirmed that the jirga’s decisions would receive the full support of the Chief of Sarawan and all associated Sardars and chiefs. The jirga effectively unified tribal leaders and swayed political decisions in favor of local interests. This approach can restore peace in Balochistan by using tribal authorities to mediate disputes, however, its success depends on cooperation.
The gradual deterioration of the situation in Balochistan and growing disillusionment among youth gave rise to many problems. The anti-national elements have expended resources to inculcate the feelings of rebellion among the youth as well as the repressive state policy have fostered a sense of resistance among them, prompting them to take their own path to protect their right to freedom and dignity. On the other hand, the state is following the policy of suppressing the people without distinguishing between right and wrong, which has created a state of anger, anxiety and despair among the people of Balochistan. National security must remain intact, and the state should take a firm stance. However, only after it is clear that those accused are indeed guilty, especially considering there are victims being targeted.
Patriotism runs deep in the people of Balochistan, who uphold honorable traditions with pride. Historically, women in Balochistan have remained separate from politics and remained the custodians of their cultural traditions. However, after the tragic killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, women also appeared on the protest scene, then in Gwadar, women played a historical role in the Haq Do movement and now women are protesting on roads and intersections for the recovery of missing persons. Time has come to reconsider this unfair and unconstitutional practice.
The seriousness of the situation demands the real problems faced by the people should be properly understood and resolved at this time. In order to get out of the ongoing political and economic crises in the country including Balochistan, the powerful and empowered forces, the national political and democratic leadership should come together and set a unified national state agenda and policy. The youth of Balochistan are conscious and democratic, but they have no faith in the establishment-led government formation in Balochistan, which is ineffective and compromises the interests of the people and protects the interests of the powerful and empowered forces.
A comprehensive plan is needed for the social educational development program in Balochistan to restore the confidence of the youth there and concrete and sustainable measures to implement. It is crucial for the intellectuals and political leaders of Balochistan to engage with the determined and capable youth. This approach could bridge the gap between the state’s positive intentions and the perceptions of the Baloch people.
Writer: Zaigham Ali Khan
Graduate of Media and Communication studies, IIUI and a freelance Journalist.
zaighamalik0@gmail.com
@zaigham_007 (twitter/X)
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