Balochistan: ground realities
ANWAR PARWEEN (RAWALPINDI)
A hype has been created on the national media regarding the issue of Balochistan. Discussions are focused on allegations and foreign interference. Participants are offering suggestions to overcome the problem by understanding the immediate environment and adopting a saner approach.
The first issue is whatever is talked about is an aerial view of the situation. The ground realities are totally different. Even the ‘Sardars’ who are claiming to be true patriots of the land are getting asylum abroad.
They are living a luxurious lifestyle and getting political mileage propagating their views on Balochistan.
The US and the West has its own design for the region. This has created a situation where foreign sponsors are availing all opportunities to provide financial resources and training extremists to carry on the slogan of separatism, as it coincides with their objectives of establishing their foothold.
The ground reality is bitter but these are the true facts, which are camouflaged by the negative elements. The most important is that the sufferer is the common man and the native Baloch.
These innocent people are playing in the hands of ‘Sardars’ as they depend on them for bread and butter in all decisions of their life. They are living in an environment of perpetual fear.
They are not aware of the games being played by their mentors. Secondly, political leadership is not playing its due role, wherein each member of the assembly has been given a package of Rs 250 million for development in their area. Nothing is done there and there is no accountability.
Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package was also a very positive development and there was hope that now some change is going to be observed, but it turned out to be a political slogan only.
This also increased frustration. Discussions may lead to awareness but practical steps are required to overcome the chaos. We have to accept that all is not well and all is not bad. There are a few who have chosen the way of extremism and these militant groups are involved in killings, kidnappings and sabotage.
The majority of the people are peace loving and want development and prosperity in the area. This can only happen when people in Balochistan are considered as sons of the soil who need better opportunities to earn a respectable life.
The Baloch are hardworking and have a simple nature. They need guidance and assurance of a good future. They possess extraordinary qualities of head and heart to contribute at the national level. The intentions of the Baloch for peace are evident from their interest in joining the army. They want to have a disciplined and secure life. The involvement of the army in development and welfare projects is propagated as a military operation.
But the Baloch now appreciate the hard work and contributions of the army for the development and education of their younger generation. The future of Balochistan is bright. It is going to have more peace and prosperity due to its tourism industry and export benefits. The resources of Balochistan are for the welfare and well-being of the native people first.
The development projects already launched regarding roads, schools, dispensaries and utilization of resources need to be appreciated and enhanced. Removing doubts and building trust helps in morale boosting and raising self-confidence, which leads to hard work and sacrifice. It is the good intentions and honest approach, which matters. If there is a will, there is always a way.
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