Now it is clear that foreign agencies, western and US media are poised to prove that China intends to occupy Balcohistan’s natural resources and Pakistan’s security forces are involved in killings and abductions at the behest of Beijing.
This is absolutely not the case. On one side if we look at the friendship of America, we see not a single mega development project has ever been launched, funded or even supported by Washington nor the multinational companies in the corporate sector across America or Europe. Yes, they have progressed only in one sector ie, the ruthlessly stepped up diplomatic and media propaganda.
On the contrary, China has not only developed a wide infrastructure in all areas of Pakistan, particularly Balochistan including the building of pivotal Gwadar Port project, all aimed at facilitating the nation to stand on its own feet. The government at Centre has contributed far less than what the armed forces are doing in terms of the uplift of Balochistan and changing their lot. Chamalang Education Programme, Sui Education City, Balochistan and Gwadar Institutes of Technical Education, Kassa Hills Marble Project and the enhancement of security forces are praiseworthy steps taken by the military in relation to Balochistan.
It is the time that the Pakistan government should take steps in removing and rectifying the common people of Balochistan. In this regard, appreciable gesture has been shown when Prime Minister Gilani renewed commitment to hold talks with the angry Baloch and promised to implement all matters decided in Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan in true letter and spirit. President Zardari expressed determination to strengthen the federation on the death anniversary of Ms Benazir Bhutto.
If we join hands now, the American and Indian dream of capturing the region would not succeed because Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, and Central Asian states are well aware of their hegemonic design but there is a definite need of taking proactive measures against such malicious plans.
The government should take firm steps in handling the issue intelligently. The media, instead of blindly singing to the Western media’s tunes, needs to unmask real faces of so-called nationalist leaders and others who are playing in the hands of adversary.
Our top political and military brass should sit together and evolve a consensus strategy to fight the battle first instead of discussing petty issues. The political leadership in Balochistan, civil administration and bureaucracy has virtually stopped playing their due role, which has given space to the anti-state elements.
It is near paralysis of the civil dispensation that has actually led to threatening Balochistan. That’s why the FC has to come forward, that too under the provincial government’s orders, but under the circumstances it is proving to be counterproductive. Our top most priority must be to block the enemy’s moves, deter their nefarious designs and thwart any kind of aggression to rip apart the country.
MARYA MUFTY
Lahore
