By:Azam Khalil
"Coming events cast their shadows before." Campbell.
The president’s decision on the situation prevalent in Balochistan was probably based on three evaluations. One was to allay the concern that not enough attention had been paid to the development of the province. Two, it was seen as an effort by the local sardars to increase their clout and play a dominant role in the emerging scene that promises fast economic progress. Three, it was felt that Gwadar was ready to play a positive role ultimately replacing Hong Kong as the hub of trade and finance in the region, and hostile forces with the help or purchase of local miscreants were trying to derail Pakistan’s economy that is ready to take off. Every country has a right to defend its strategic economic assets and no one should have any objection to the measures adopted to achieve that goal by the government of Pakistan.
The issue of rape involving a lady doctor is a heinous crime and for that the culprits must be punished according to the laws of the land. If the issue is connected to the spate of bomb blasts and rockets being fired at security check posts, it assumes a serious significance and therefore cannot be seen as an issue of law and order alone. Another important event that cannot be ignored was the letter written by the Nazim of Dera Bugti on February 3 when the actual event took place on the night between February 2 and February 3. When the letter was written those who run the PPL hospital had no knowledge of what had happened in the area of their jurisdiction. Then the usual casual attitude of the authorities came into play allowing the event to assume dangerous clamour, and exploitative statements were made by the sardars of Balochistan who it seemed had formed a trade union against the federal government. The Nazim is a close relative of Akbar Bugti.
The slow reaction to the issue continues to give time to the exploiters to stoke the fires started by them to achieve their own ulterior motives. It was at this stage when Maj. General Shaukat Sultan stepped in to provide the other side of the story to the people of this country, along with the facts and figures about the money received by the sardars and their conduct. But when the politicians took over from Sultan the situation instead of improving further deteriorated.
It would be of some interest to revive our memories when Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ordered land reforms and Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, in a grand ceremony, distributed ownership of land papers to about 400 landless peasants of his tribe. The government of the day also dismantled a private prison/torture cell, allegedly operated by the Sardar, and released around 100 prisoners held in chains without a proper trial. After the ceremony was over the papers were snatched back.
Successive governments have compromised with these chieftains and bowed down to their pressure that has in turn resulted in the present state of affairs for the province and its people. One can also vouch with certainty that these sardars have always opposed the construction of roads, schools, hospitals and even sanitation or provision of electricity to many parts of Balochistan. They cannot claim to be friends of the poor people.
Now that economic activity has picked up and Central Asian Republics, Russia, Iran, Middle East countries and China are ready to utilize the services that will be available at cheaper rates in Gwadar rather than Hong Kong or for that matter Bombay or Calcutta, it will become imperative that Balochistan undergoes a change that keeps pace with modern times. To achieve this government will be compelled to build an infrastructure that is able to provide the services required for the new trade and commerce route. However, if the sardars choose to carry out subversive and other acts of terror they may soon find that they have been isolated and in another sense defeated. While many signs have appeared that point at Afghanistan and India on the recent acts of sabotage, the international community that jumps at small incidents of terror have failed in their duty to condemn those being committed in Balochistan.
No one should overlook the fact that the Indians were contemplating to increase their defence budget from Rs77 billion to Rs1.3 trillion and all this money would be used for what the Indians say, "to gain an edge over Pakistan in a conventional war." With so much money to play around with it comes as no surprise that the Indian policy makers are playing dirty games in Pakistan. It, therefore, becomes essential for President Pervez Musharraf to try to find a viable solution to various problems in Balochistan, the parliamentary committee formed has so far failed to end the bickering in the province and it seems to be beyond Ch. Shujaat to handle the volatile situation that exists in a strategic region of the country.
When the President talks about reconciliation in the country he must remember what it means for the Baloch people. At present the Muslim League coalition government along with the MMA in the province may have increased the sense of deprivation among the nationalist forces, and it would be in nobody’s interest if their isolation continues for a long period of time. Therefore, the process of dialogue must begin with the moderate and mainstream political elements in the province, and at the same time the anti-people forces must be curbed even if force is the only means to deal with them. This must come into play after all other available avenues have been exhausted.
Pervez Musharraf has an advantage over Bhutto who ordered the military operation against insurgents in 1973, now it’s the ruling party that is in power and can extend valuable political support to any decision taken by the federal government. The President can identify areas, with evidence in hand, in case he decides to proceed with force, one could be the inflow of massive funds and the cost of rockets and missiles that are fired on a regular basis against security agencies. He can take into confidence the Khan of Kalat, the Raisanis, the Achackzais and others to exert pressure on those who seem bent on creating an ugly scene.
Time may be running out fast and the situation has the potential of spinning out of control, it is therefore absolutely essential to immediately initiate moves in the correct direction. One could be verifiable and transparent inquiry into the incident of rape and DNA tests from reputable institutions both in and outside the country. The president can also activate his pilot project of national reconciliation in Balochistan, dismiss the present government, and install a representative provincial set up that includes all mainstream political forces. Side by side steps that serve long-term security and economic interests of the country can also be put in place. But the best would be to initiate visible uplift projects like the construction of roads, drinking water facilities, provision of electricity and setting up of modern mining estates that benefit from the rich mineral resources. Labour intensive industries may be another way to bring home the important aspect of participation by the people in the affairs of the state.
The writer is a freelance contributor
E-mail: zarnatta@hotmail.com
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