Balochistan’s real strength lies in its huge potential in its natural and human resources. Gwadar, even with its present shortcomings, is going to replace Dubai because it is at the natural trade and power crossroads. What is going on there which has turned on all the spotlights? Merely basing the insurgency on the grounds of Punjabi Chauvinism is a non-starter as this is not true – the exploitations are of other natures – there are surely the development differentials and the generic backwardness which is the real cause of some unrest.
On the other hand, it is cruel statistics which is to be blamed: in the complete province only Quetta and Khuzdar are two cities with a population crossing the figure of one lakh, rest 14 cities have areas bigger than Karachi with population of thousands only. This is a plus for anyone who wants to do societal engineering, without which the problem of Balochistan cannot be solved.
Harping the melodious tunes of development initiatives without the change in the mores of a Baloch tribesman will bear no fruit. Mr Munter is told by the chief minister of the province that taking the same development paradox as an excuse USA cannot be granted the permission to open a consulate in Balochistan. He is also told that nothing like Quetta Shura exists in the province. Both of these things are a difficult pill for Americans to swallow, the coming days are likely to bring more wrath of a friend and ally in the war on terror.
The ‘anchoro-cracy’ is complicating the issue by confusing people at their matinee hours. India is trying to infuse the ideological colours in these activities. In 2010, RAW sponsored a seminar to draw parallels between Kashmir and Balochistan. Pakistani policymakers should take this is in its complete perspective and work out viable options leading to a workable solution.
ABID LATIF SINDHU
Karachi
