The wrong approach
It does not go to the credit of those managing Balochistan’s affairs that they failed to win over half a dozen Baloch dissident leaders during the last three years. The problem with the provincial leadership is that the dissidents consider it to be powerless. The Baloch who had become a part of the mainstream politics in 1980s were forced to take to the mountains after Musharraf ordered the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, a centrist leader who had supported Balochistan joining Pakistan in 1947. This was an irrational decision taken in disregard of national interest by a man intoxicated by power.
Speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day in Quetta Commander Southern Command recalled the aims and objects behind the creation of Pakistan. According to him everyone in Pakistan should have equal opportunities and those left behind should be brought at par with others. There should also be peace, justice and brotherhood. In the 1930s the All India Muslim League had demanded a provincial status for Balochistan. However successive civilian governments and a military administration continued to ignore the demand till 1972. The first ever elected government of Balochistan was dismissed within nine months and yet another military operation launched in the province. Even after provincial autonomy was extended to provinces by the enactment of the 18th amendment in 2010, Balochistan remained under the thumb of the establishment. It had meanwhile turned into the most backward province of the federation. Rhetoric alone cannot satisfy the Baloch. They need schools, dispensaries, roads as well as means of livelihood. What is more these are to be provided not as charity but as a long denied right.
The Baloch is too proud to beseech India’s help. There is a need on the part of those who wield real power to open talks with the dissidents. If Ziaul Haq could bring them back from Afghanistan, the feat could be repeated. Once the issue is settled the Baloch would be the best guarantors of the safety of CPEC projects in the province.