THE demonstration staged by the PML(N) outside the Lahore Press Club to press the government to halt what is being perceived as a military action in Balochistan goes to show that contrary to certain claims, political elements in Punjab are not oblivious to the concerns of smaller provinces, and indeed share them. The show of solidarity came amidst reports of civilian casualties, as the government crackdown seems likely to continue. It needs to be noted that the armed FC-tribesmen clash threatens to deepen inter-provincial fissures in its aftermath just when the federal government needs consensus on issues of supreme national importance, probably more than ever before.
Anti-Punjab sentiment has been on the rise again since the controversial Kalabagh dam debate has been re-ignited. Smaller provinces have accused the Centre of marginalising them for its own long-term interests since long. Therefore, the PML(N)’s show of support is appreciated for two main reasons. In addition to advocating negotiations to sort out this particular problem, it sends a strong message to the government, that inter-provincial disagreement on important issues like the NFC award and Kalabagh Dam project persists not because of deep-seated hatreds, but political considerations that the government must address.
Other than the ruling party, Pakistan’s political spectrum has advocated little support for what the government is doing in Balochistan. There is an imminent danger of the trouble spilling over into other provinces. Therefore, there is a need for prominent political forces in all provinces to express solidarity with the Balochis at present, since the government needs to be reminded it will not be allowed to tackle internal problems by taking to the sword. The Baloch leaders too must be pressed to adopt a less confrontationist stance for their grievances to be addressed. How Islamabad decides to tackle this issue now will decide to no small degree what the future will be like. It must find a via media between leaving the miscreants to their own devices, and giving negotiations a genuine chance. There is wide agreement among stakeholders that while the latter promises a peaceful solution and streamlining of the political climate, too much harshness has the potential to inflict permanent damage on the federation.
http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2005/30/editorials3.php |
