Is the situation in Balochistan out of our complete control? Are we to believe that things will fall apart as the centre loses all conviction to rule, govern and hold? According to latest analysis, it is not only the ability but the will to hold on and reverse the deteriorating situation to regain trust and to take people out of their miserable traumatic state that is largely found missing.
Apparently, the absence of the representatives of the provincial government is being felt with great intensity in the backdrop of the current state of insurgency in the province. This disconnect is giving rise and aiding the tradition of lawlessness in the area where freedom is provided to all criminals and terrorists. Where governance does not enjoy the status of a sacred duty, what else can be expected?
A military crackdown against insurgents is no solution, either long or short, it can only aid and buttress the political response that is required at this stage. Military operations have their own drawbacks as they create a rift between the people and the armed forces, and diminishes trust by forming schisms while negatively impacting the psyche.
The army has been removed to a great extent and needs to be completely deleted from the situation, but who will replace it? The civilian law enforcers that are subservient to the political representatives serve only their masters. So who comes to the aid of the people during an emergency?
Why leave things to be handled militarily when it takes far less effort, time and resources to deal with the issue politically and actually get it resolved. Will the government ever wake up to its responsibility or keep on blaming others for its failures and inabilities?
ABDULLAH BIN UMAR
Rawalpindi
