The Balochistan Equation
See also
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Balochhal Editorial: Congress's Landmark Balochistan Hearing
2012,02,10 -
American Congressmen, Defense Analyst Stress Balochistan's Right to Self-Determination By Malik Siraj Akbar
2012,02,10 -
VIEW: Balochistan: the ISI and the media -Dr Qaisar Rashid
2012,02,10 -
US Congressional Hearing: 'Pakistan using brutal force in Balochistan'
2012,02,10 -
Video file: Committee hears testimonies from human rights groups, scholars and analysts.
2012,02,09 -
EDITORIAL: Balochistan to the fore
2012,02,09 -
Human rights abuses: US committee hears grievances of Balochistan By Huma Imtiaz
2012,02,09 -
Congress body discussing Balochistan today Serious concern conveyed to US
2012,02,08 -
'Simpsons' to Iran: 'This means war!'
2012,02,07 -
USA Congresionnal Hearing on Balochistan, Location Room 2200 of the Rayburn House Office Building
2012,02,06
More gestures towards Balochistan have been made. The prime minister has announced a troop pull-out from Kohlu and Dera Bugti, with control of Sui to be handed over to the FC. Mr Gilani has also suggested he is willing to meet Baloch 'elders', an apparent reference to estranged nationalist leaders Ataullah Mengal and Khair Buksh Marri.
Friday, December 11, 2009
He has also urged Balochistan's youth to 'join the mainstream'. All this is important in many ways and it would not be wise to dismiss it as rhetoric alone. Given the chasm that has opened up between Balochistan and the centre, every gesture made is important. The focus on troop withdrawals indicates too that the government has correctly identified a core reason for the disquiet in Balochistan. Quite beyond wider, ideological issues, people in many areas are simply fed up with the checking they must endure at posts and the harassment they are subjected to. Hostile attitude from some soldiers does not help. In this respect the army's agreement to move out of the province, in a display of respect for the civilian setup's decision, is also welcome. There had been rumours that the military favoured an operation in Balochistan. This would have been unwise.
It is, however, futile to hope for too much too soon. The government must also recognise that it needs a great deal of patience. Some within its ranks are reported to have been 'disappointed' by the initial response from Baloch nationalists to the government's package. What they need to understand is that building peace will invariably be a long and slow process. No swift results can be expected. The hostility and distrust that has built has grown gradually, from year to year, from decade to decade. It will not melt away overnight. The important thing is to keep up the effort. For the sake of the Federation, Balochistan needs to be brought back into the equation. A consistent demonstration of sincerity on the part of the central government is necessary to achieve this. The people of Balochistan have seen too many promises made and broken to believe all that they hear. Individuals within the province can also play a part. Suggestions on what steps the government will take could help provide direction. A hand of friendship has been held out. Both sides now need to continue walking towards each other so that hands can be clasped and a future built together.