Balochistan is an important but complicated issue. The stability of the province is indispensable not just for Pakistan but also for its neighbours, other countries in the region, and for key world powers. But the problems with this resource-rich province are endless, and have been growing over time.
The United States Committee on Foreign Affairs is set to convene a congressional hearing on February 8 for an exclusive discussion on Balochistan. The shocking stories of torture and murder in Balochistan will become part of the public debate. Some analyst believe that it is only highlight the Balochistan issue but it is not a solution of problem, only and lonely is key to the solution to bringing back the Baloch with honour, respect and dignity.
It is notable that the panel on Balochistan does not include a Baloch representative, an issue which has disappointed the Baloch diaspora in the United States, who fear the misinterpretation of their stance by people they view as unfamiliar with the Baloch conflict.
Many of analyst and journalists believe that Balochistan situation is identical to the 1971 situation in the then East Pakistan and now Bangladesh. There are few people who allege that intelligence agencies are involved in the killing of Baloch dissidents. But the question is who is killing members of Hazara community, Punjabi settlers and professionals like doctors, lawyers, teachers and security personnel in Balochistan?
There is no doubt that from last 64 years Balochistan has been ignored by the political elite. Another hurdle in the development of Balochistan is the ever increasing role of local Sardars, who for their own self-interests never improved education system, health facilities and human resource development of the Baloch people.
Even our political elite have never seriously worked for the resolution of this issue. The current parliament approved the Aghaz-i-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package to stamp out sense of deprivation of the Baloch people, and Mr Raza Rabbani, chairmen Balochistan package committee, was charged with the responsibility of implementing the package.
The PPP-led govt has been claiming for implementation and also has also been in touch with the annoyed Baloch Sardars to join the mainstream politics. Irrespective of this, neither the parliamentarians from Balochistan are satisfied neither Raza Rabbani is happy with implementation.
Therefore, it is necessary for the political leadership to take some tough decisions to mitigate fears of the Baloch people. The government must take positive and result-oriented steps with the help of all political parties and pressure groups to chalk out sense of deprivation of the Baloch through dialogue and diplomacy.
MUSLIM MIRANI
Islamabad
