Baloch Action Committee, London.
Why are we protesting?
We are protesting because the military government in Pakistan has launched army operations in various areas of Balochistan killing and arresting innocent people.
But why?
Because the Islamabad regime, led by General Musharraf, wants to implement certain projects in Balochistan in the name of “development and modernisation” while at the same time denying the people of the province any participation in these so-called development schemes. In fact the ruling elite, who are predominantly from the Punjab province, have denied all the minority provinces, i.e., Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan, any ethnic and cultural rights and provincial autonomy. In addition the natural resources of these provinces, especially, the oil and gas resources in Balochistan have been brazenly exploited by the ruling cliques for the past 50 years.
But why oppose development?
We are not against development and modernisation. In fact Balochistan has been kept under-developed thanks to the undemocratic policies of the Pakistani rulers. We believe people’s rights must be respected, especially, in the matter of development and modernisation. Unfortunately Pakistan has been ruled by military oligarchs who have never shown any regard for people’s constitutional and democratic rights. The manner in which the so-called development projects are carried out in Balochistan is absolutely ruthless. Baloch people have no participation in these programmes and they do not benefit from them at all. For example the only people who benefit from the mega-project at Gwadar, a small coastal town in Balochistan, is the military establishment and their appointed personnel and contractors imported solely from Punjab and Karachi. Local people are denied even the most menial of the jobs. The prime lands in Gwadar have been grabbed by army officers and their rich cronies from Punjab and Karachi. Baloch people fear that once Gwadar becomes a modern naval and commercial port, settlers from Punjab and Karachi will completely alter the demographic balance of their province. They fear that they will be turned into a minority in their own province. Off course we want development but only with the consent and participation of the Baloch people and that is only possible in a democratic set up.
What is the solution, then?
The solution lies in unadultrated democracy in which provinces are given complete autonomy and the people’s rights are respected. It is, therefore, vital that the army goes back to the barracks because the generals have inflicted enough damage to this country.
We, therefore, demand:
That the rulers stop army operations in Balochistan and withdraw their forces from the province.
That they negotiate with the real representatives of the people rather than their own puppets.
That the generals restore complete democracy in the country.
That the development programmes be implemented with the consent and participation of the Baloch people.
That Balochistan, Sindh , NWFP and the Siraikis are given the right to control their own resources.
That the victims of the army action be compensated and political activists released immediately.
That all cantonments in Balochistan be dismantled.
That in Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan land grabbing by Army officials and non-Balochs is declared illegal.
Baloch Action Committee, London.