The condition of Balochistan is still far from desirable despite various notices that the Supreme Court has been taking of the situation. Merely accepting the fact that things need to improve will not correct all wrongs. The problems are multiple and non-linear.
First and foremost is the pervasive grievances over there which has been exacerbated by the heavy-handed tactics of the establishment. Moreover, on the ground issues such as the lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, buildings, schools, hospitals etc and essential amenities such as water, gas, and electricity are issues that can very easily be addressed provided there is a will to do so. The presence of a road where there was never one before is something that cannot be ignored due to its physical presence. So, whatever has been done or will be done in terms of development will speak for itself. The fact that Balochistan has experienced a colossal increase in its budget and other funds under the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package is well known but the question here is why hasn’t all this extra revenue been able to make a difference?
The deeper plane of the public psyche has yet to be penetrated in order for change to sink in. That is the precise reason why it has been important to win hearts and minds of people as it is the most essential ingredient towards peace and harmony. This can be done by curtailing the establishment’s role in the province, communicating with them on their terms, to make them feel significant and empowered, to boost their shattered confidence in both themselves and their leaders, to assure them that they too are independent individuals of a free nation with full rights. Surely this is no impossible feat for a democratically elected government? But, the more important question is that will the real powers that be let the democratic government exercise its writ?
LUBNA UMAR
Islamabad
