soothing baluchistan

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Soothing Balochistan

Air Commodore (R) Khalid Iqbal

Participation of overwhelming majority of the people of Balochistan in the electoralprocess indicates that the province is back to the flock of Pakistani nation-hood. Now

it’s a matter of consolidating these political gains and converting them into a viable

plan of action; indeed a task easier said than done. Political gains achieved through

the elections are of monumental significance; these are fragile, yet not reversible.

Electoral enthusiasm in Balochistan had sent dooms day message to the marginalised

outfits which rely on militancy to keep a perpetual fear of insecurity intact in the largest

province of Pakistan. Their pay masters also got worried. To show their presence,

these entities were quick to react. Mind boggling incidents of terrorism in Quetta on

June15, which took a heavy toll of precious lives and a historic structure of intrinsic

value came as a shock to the entire nation. It disturbs the mind of a common man as

these incidents have occurred immediately after the new governments assumed their

responsibilities in the province and the centre. Nevertheless, analysts realise that the

new system requires time to sink in. Both federal and Balochistan Governments have

been extending olive branch to disgruntled elements in the province urging them to

engage in dialogue and discussion. However, mere overtures are not adequate

enough; these do not cater for the entire expanse of the issues confronting

Balochistan. Such gestures could work only if the matter is purely internal in nature,

devoid of external linkages and strings. Unfortunately, over the years, Balochistan



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issue has graduated beyond ‘internal domain’; as of now it is a playing field for multi-

directional and multi-purpose proxy wars. Foreign involvement is quite extensive and

deep rooted. Though end point operatives are locals, mere goodwill gestures are not

likely create desired effects till their financial and logistics related trails are severed.

Marginalised elements are operating under various grandiose brand names of

liberation armies. During the 2013 electoral process, they have been rejected by the

overwhelming majority, yet these entities are organized enough to create a sense of

public insecurity in small pockets of the province. Hitting targets in urban centres and

destroying monuments of intrinsic values keeps them in the limelight and projects their

capability and capacity disproportionately. They are likely to continue challenging the

writ of the state until efforts by the new governments to isolate them politically and

then subdue them through law enforcing agencies begin to take effect.

It is, however, encouraging that the present leadership is taking the issue very

seriously. Declarations by the Interior Minister to not to hold talks with those who are

bent upon carrying out terrorism and the intent of responding to them in the same coin

has radiated the appropriate message. From the military leadership side, COAS

General Ashfaq Kayani has assured the nation that the armed forces were fully

prepared to defend the country against any aggression.

In the context of international scenario, Pakistan and China’s determination to develop

Gwadar port to the standards of a world class port complex and link it to China and

beyond through a network of rail and road has invoked sharp reaction from our

strategic competitors and the easiest way for them to impede the implementation of

this project is to hire local operatives on paltry funding and employ them to perpetuate

a sense of insecurity. In an interesting way, there is convergence of interest amongst

our traditional fiends and foes. Pakistan needs to take appropriate steps to alleviate

the concerns of Iran and the UAE in this regard. It would be appropriate to manage

Gwadar, Chah Bahar and Dubai ports as a ‘port complex’, conjointly by Pakistan, Iran

and the UAE.



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This would put all parties in a win-win situation and put an end to shady external

interference from otherwise friendly countries. Nevertheless, interference from India

and the US led western interest, pegged around containment of China, is likely to

continue. This dimension requires joint handling by China and Pakistan through deft

diplomacy, which should radiate a message for these countries to adopt hands off

policy towards Balochistan. Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is another reason which is

invoking disruptive interference from other countries. New government has allocated

Rs 150 billion for the project in 2013-14 budget; which has put across the message

that the project would be completed within stipulated time. To offset the IP pipeline

related pressures, it is necessary to expand the project to add to the number

of beneficiaries. India would any way join the project; it would be worthwhile to invite

China and Bangladesh as well. This preposition suits the Chinese and Bangladeshi

interest because both are energy deficit countries, desperately looking around for

the sources of energy. The foremost necessity is to take the Baluch people into

confidence in the context of these projects and make them stake holder through an

arrangement of royalties. Also people friendly infrastructure development projects

should be undertaken under the brand of these two projects to show the benefits of the

projects to the common people of Balochistan.

Another sticky matter is the issue of missing persons. The Commission of Inquiry on

Enforced Disappearances (CIED) headed by Justice (R) Javed Iqbal has done a

commendable job by demolishing the politically motivated mythical narratives about

missing persons in Balochistan. It is encouraging that out of 1172 cases; around 415

have been disposed off, while remaining 757 cases are still pending with the CIED.

There is a need to continue the work till all pending cases are finalized. Commission

has recommended filing of criminal cases against around 117 serving officials of

various law enforcement entities and agencies, allegedly involved in missing persons’

cases. To boost the confidence of all segments of the provincial population, who

presently feel insecure, prompt action should be taken against the personnel of law

enforcement agencies towards whom commission has pointed finger of culpability.

This way, the people of Balochistan would feel encouraged to extend a helping



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hand to the security agencies in realizing the cherished objective of restoration of

peace and security.

Public expects that the newly empowered governments would adopt a multi- pronged

comprehensive strategy to restore the rule of law rather than patchy quick fixes and

childish rhetoric. A strategy must be developed in the best interest of the nation.

Wholehearted participation by the people of Balochistan in the electoral process

indicates that they are looking forward to make a new beginning towards progress and

prosperity. They expect the new governments to act swiftly and effectively.

Writer is Consultant, Policy & Strategic Response, IPRI.

Email:[email protected]

The article was published in, Pakistan Observer, June 26, 2013.

soothing baluchistan

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