Baloch Question: The Situation Could Have Been Prevented From Getting Even Worse If Appropriate Measures Had Been Taken By Bilal Naqeeb

Shah Muhammad Marri, speaking to the civil society and media of Sindh. The main focus of his speech was to seek support from Sindh in favour of Balochistan's separatist movement.

During my visit to Hyderabad in early June, I got the chance to listen to Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, a Balochi leader speaking to the civil society and media of Sindh. The main focus of his speech was to seek support from Sindh in favour of Balochistan's separatist movement. Being an effective messenger and a representative from Balochistan, he claimed Sindhis and Balochis to be one nation and that sooner or later Sindh would have to be the part of Balochistan's movement. While expressing prospects of the movement, Marri clearly determined that Baloch nation is presently scattered in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, which will have to be united to form Balochistan's independent state.

In response of a question about the availability of support to the movement from India, Marri minced no words in saying that anyone supporting to the cause would be welcomed. He also said that Baloch are not bound to follow Punjab's unfriendly attitude towards India, which is rooted in the riots and killings at the time of partition.

All this came from Dr. Marri who is known as a moderate among the Baloch leadership. The way he presented the case of Balochistan indicated that the movement has a consensus among different segments of the Baloch society. There is a need to clearly understand the situation to be able to see it in its right context. The movement has two layers; the first is rooted in communities, which is the reflection and reaction of the deprived and oppressed communities. The situation could have been prevented from getting even worse if appropriate measures had been taken in time.

The second layer is regional and has gained currency during last five years. It may have multi-dimensional effects on social, political, and economic condition of South Asia. The claim of an independent state, consisting of a piece of land which is divided in three countries weakens the impression that the demand of separation is a result of injustice committed by the Centre towards Balochistan.

Despite efforts of the federal government to give some provincial autonomy through the 18th Amendment as well as some other positive steps, leadership of the separatists' movement remained inflexible with their stance. Another grey area is indicated in the map of Balochistan posted on BLA's website (which is currently banned by ISPs) which shows some parts of Sindh and Punjab in independent Balochistan.

The sense of deprivation among Iranian Baloch is different and seen as an issue of sectarian conflict. Iran, being a Shia state, has been held responsible for revoking basic human rights of Sunni Baloch. There are a number of insurgencies reported in Iran in that specific geographical area. In comparison with Pakistan, Iran is not only affecting livelihoods and social development of Baloch but also squeezing the freedom of practising their faith.

The US has expressed serious concerns over the presence of Taliban's senior leadership in Quetta. If that is true, Pakistan will be demanded to extend its military operation in this area after completing the job in the tribal areas. And if that happens it would be a most difficult task due to the strong resistance and mistrust of Baloch people against the Pakistan army.

Pakistan has proven oil reserves of 300 million barrels, most of which are located in Balochistan. In addition to it, mega projects, including Gwadar Port and the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, will have a significant impact on the economic development of the region. At the moment, one can observe extreme poverty in the backdrop of mega projects. To some, the situation justifies the reaction of indigenous people who have been forced to live in poverty regardless of the fact that they belong to a land that is rich in resources. Unfortunately, the federation did not realise the true situation in the province.

We should also see the degree of interests and influences of regional and international stakeholders that might try to use the separatist movement for their own interests. Pakistan and its neighbouring countries must avoid political instability and unrest. The efforts made by present government and its allies to address the genuine grievances of the Baloch people should be acknowledged.

The political leadership has shown maturity in the shape of the National Finance Commission Award. Similarly, increased allocation of funds to the province in the budget 2010-2011 is encouraging. Still, the share of federal government needs to be further brought down from 41 percent to 25 percent.

Political maturity is also reflected in the amendment which aims to strengthening the role of the Council of Common Interests (CCI). It will meet at least once in 90 days with the Prime Minister as its chairman. The CCI can play an important role in building confidence among provinces and the federal government.

The writer is a development practitioner, working in the areas of social sector programme planning and management. He can be reached at bilal.naqeeb@gmail.com