Keep Balochistan with us

We will not let ’71 happen again

The 21st century has abundant diverse issues both positive and negative. However, unfortunately the intensity of antagonistic matters is way more than the positive ones. Inter-state and intra-state conflicts, huge production of weapons of mass destruction (WMD’s), severe environmental issues, gang riots, racial conflicts, terrorism, corruption, and the list goes on. Keeping aside the global history and focusing on our domestic issues, one is always compelled to dive into the ocean of thoughts for hours. The domestic issues of Pakistan have made its infrastructure timid. These intra-regional conflicts have also played a major role in weakening the solidarity of Pakistan. As until or unless your state is facing inter-state conflicts, then you will not be able to convince the world neither towards your positive, image nor you can maintain peace within your state. Unfortunately, Pakistan has always been in such conflicts since its existence.

Going back to 1971, Pakistan lost its Eastern wing with a heavy heart after the Indian and Pakistani forces clashed on the Eastern and Western fronts. Bangladesh, although separated from Western Pakistan, was indeed the Eastern part of Pakistan. It had the majority of Muslims at the time of partition from the subcontinent, so it was included in Pakistan. Unfortunately, almost after 26 years of independence, this Eastern wing seceded under hostile circumstances. The main reason behind the Fall of Dhaka was the increasing distrust between the people and the government. Besides, lack of coordination and deprivation of rights led to frustration and hatred. Dichotomy of opinion of leaders gave a pleasant chance to India and they were successful in their conspiracy.

They exploited the situation and played a vital role in making it worse by supporting the Bengalis in their liberation movement. People of Bengal were manipulated and forced to rebel due to the military action initiated by the Western government. We cannot blame India, US or Russia for this secession; Pakistani government was an equal culprit. Because liberation movements always started, only when you neglect a specific section, deprive them from their rights, and violate theses rights largely. Both domestic and international factors played significant roles in the downfall of East Pakistan.

The day of 16 December, 1971, has been marked as the Black Day in the journals of Pakistani history. If we look around us today, we can figure out a similar situation breeding within the boundaries of Pakistan. The conditions causing insurgency in Balochistan are very much similar to the conditions that caused the separation of Bengal. Lack of co-ordination and growing distrust between people of Balochistan and the Pakistani government are in the highlight. There is distrust not only between government and Balochistan but also between the people of other provinces and the people of Balochistan.

This parasite has already weakened the structure of Pakistan. The differences between its provinces have grown to an unbelievable extent. Residents of Balochistan are demanding independence and they do not want to be a part of Pakistani federation. One cannot be sure about the real reason behind this crisis. The Baloch are of the opinion that their rights are exploited in every possible way whereas the government promises to ensure equal rights to all provinces. However, even a layman can identify the coarse relationship between the Baloch and the government.

It is sad to see how this nation is at the verge of splitting. Pakistan was created for the Muslims. The main objective behind its creation was to have a separate homeland for the Muslims, where they can enjoy their lives with freedom, with that contentment that everyone will get an equal share from the resources. But today, these Muslims have turned against each other. They do not want to live as a united nation. The thing we should focus upon is that our Baloch brothers and sisters are not happy with us and we should consider them the cynosure of Pakistan rather than keep them away from us.

We as the enlightened citizens of today do not want this to happen and we will not let this happen again. We will not let the Bangladesh episode to revive itself. Bangladesh got separated and no one stood up against it. Today, we cannot stand up and form mobs to protest. However, we can put up an appeal to the government; an appeal that says NO to the separation of Balochistan.

We the educated citizens of Pakistan condemn the insurgency carried out in Balochistan and request for the distribution of fair and equal rights, not in theory but in practice. We are, and must be, ready for negotiations. Why can’t the entire nation and government take a step to make things better and stop others from this conspiracy? We do not want our future generations to study the syllabus in which they go through the reasons and causes of secession of Balochistan as we have studied the causes and reasons for the secession of East Pakistan (Bangladesh) as a major part of our history subject. No, we certainly cannot afford it anymore.