Balochistan is the biggest and strategically most important province of Pakistan. It is inhibited by over 67 Baloch tribes and is administratively divided into 30 districts. God endowed its rugged and uninhabited land with unprecedented wealth of mineral resources.
Out of fifty minerals, which are being exploited in Pakistan, forty are from Balochistan. It’s strategic location and immense natural resources are at the root of Balochistan disturbance. Selig S. Harrison in his book, “In the Shadow of Afghanistan: Baloch Nationalism and Soviet Temptations,” published in 1981 had written that, “If it were not for the strategic location of Balochistan and the rich potential of oil, uranium, and other resources,” he observed, “it would be difficult to imagine anyone fighting over this bleak, desolate, and forbidding land.” His hint has taken on Himalayan proportions. Robert G. Wirsing in his paper captioned, “Baloch Nationalism and the Geopolitics of Energy Resources: The Changing Context of Separatism in Pakistan” has observed that, “today’s insurgency differs in certain important respects from that of its 1970s predecessor. Most fundamental of these differences are those stemming from energy resource developments in what some are calling the “Asian Middle East” (embracing parts of South, Central, and Southwest Asia).”
The rapidly changing energy context can supply both the means and the incentives for bringing the insurgency to a swift, negotiated, and amicable end. It is only up to the present leadership to harness the situation to the best advantage of the country. The situation is complicated by the fact that the shadows of strife-torn Afghanistan loom large on Balochistan. Global actors using overt and covert means are also trying to carve out a situation that best suits their interests. That makes the job of Islamabad that much difficult. Though the government is reacting to the situation rather slowly, yet is moving in the right direction. Present government has boosted financial resource of the province through 7th NFC Award and the launching of Balochistan Package, comprising political, economic and administrative policy initiatives.
The right of the province over its resources has been acknowledged. Provincial share in Saindak Project has been increased. The government has decided to pay all the arrears of gas development surcharge from 1954 to 1991 amounting to Rs120 billion over a period of 12 years. That meets the demand of Baloch leaders and is a step in the right direction. To win over Baloch people, the government must ensure that its promises are implemented and the common man benefits through rapid development.
Pakistan Army is equally committed towards development in the province. General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani inaugurated Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences (QIMS) the second ever-medical college in the province after 1972 when Bolan Medical College was established.
To educate Baloch youth the army is running about 44 schools and 6 colleges having 23,322 students. Under the Chamalang programme 4418 students are getting education in different institutes of the country, which includes Lawrence College Murree, PAF public school Lower Topa, divisional public schools and army public schools. The army opted not to construct garrison at Sui, to meet the demand of the people. The whole complex has been converted into education city. The army has also initiated Gwadar Institutes of Technical Education, a premier institute designed to impart quality technical education to Baloch youth. The army is also feverously working to increase the number of Balochs in its ranks and files so as to have their rightful representation in the National Armed Forces.
The people of Balochistan are patriotic and supportive of federation of Pakistan. It is reinforced by the fact that despite all out efforts by hostile intelligence agencies in the province only three out of over 67 tribes that’s Bugti, Marri, and Mengals are involved in insurgent activities. Out of thirty only two or at best three districts are experiencing disturbance that accounts for about 16% of the province. On the other end, organisations like Human Rights Watch are all out to malign law enforcement agencies. Such actions give credence to international conspiracy theory being hatched in Balochistan. Under the circumstances the government of Pakistan has taken a right decision by disallowing USA to establish its consulate at Quetta.
If the government acts wisely soon the true face of insurgents in Balochistan will stand exposed. The way forward would be addressing the grievances of the people of the province. Visible and extensive efforts should be made to check target killings of Baloch leaders, settlers, and educationists.
The issue of missing persons must be handled with empathy and sincerity. Instead of sidelining, Baloch nationalist parties, these should be brought into political mainstream ensuring their participation in the provincial affairs. Such actions will create an environment of participation and reconciliation. To satisfy masses, developmental works must start in the province without further delay so that the benefits of job creation and business activities trickle down to them. Developmental activities and political initiatives in the right direction can arrest the situation in the province and foil malevolent intentions of the perpetrators of terrorist activities in the provin
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