Although an unusual Congressional resolution calling for the recognition of Balchistan’s right to self-determination has enraged the people of Pakistan, it also served as a wake-up call for the administration to redress the grievances of the neglected province.
The sad truth is that Balochistan has been neglected by the centre from day one with little benefit accruing to the people of the province. Given the worsening law and order situation of Balochistan, it is also believed that if political and economic disputes are not addressed, there is an imminent threat of worsening scenario where Baloch may demand a separate country. The only option left is to save the country through a policy of reconciliation and mutual accommodation.
In this backdrop, here are some suggestions: a) Islamabad and the armed groups should agree to a ceasefire so as to pave the way for peace in Balochistan. The key actors of the Balochistan conflict should be identified. All the Marri, Mengal, Magsi, Bugti, Raisani, Zehri and other tribes should be engaged in the consultations and the armed struggle should be terminated; b) The royalty should be given to the Balochistan government for the projects involved in exploration of natural resources, like coalmines, minerals, gas, etc; c) Jobs in Gwadar should first be given to the Baloch and then to the others; d) Arrest the killers of wife and daughter of Bukhtiar Domki; e) Recovery of missing persons; f) Centre should start a polite and rich campaign to empower the Baloch; g) The people of Balochistan should be encouraged to join national institutions; h) Finally, the proposal of establishing cantonments in the three most sensitive areas of Balochistan – Sui, with its gas-producing installations, Gwadar, with its port, and Kohlu, the capital of the Marri tribe, be shelved immediately.
With the placement of independent judiciary, an enlightened civil society coupled with a vigorous media, it is hoped that the grievances of the province may be addressed to the entire satisfaction of Baloch populace.
