Sadia Sohail
The case study of Baluchistan reveals many important horizons, need to be discovered. The general phenomenon upholding till date by our old and current generation is the issue of separatist movement going on in Baluchistan. However, unfortunately nothing had ever been taken into account by the researchers neither by the analyst to explore and disclose the causes of this sustained agony. If we meet common folks beonging to Punjab, Sindh or KPK, they would be complaining about Baloch’s in-adequate and superfluous behaviour towards Pakistan’s government. This needs to be investigated before giving a hard or harsh narrative. From Pakistan’s inception till date, this province hasn’t been given equal rights. Lack of infrastructure and development led tribal lords play their cards well. People of Baluchistan while remained ignorant of their due rights, have now become puppets in the hands of tribal lords and enemy states. By getting the facts right, there is no denial that India played a central role in 1971’s war in dividing Pakistan through propaganda and by accelerating and catalyzing anti-Pakistan movements in west Bangal. However our Goovernments ill policies to manage this menence in 1970s is till date a stigma on the history of Pakistan. The story in Baluchistan is also taking shapes in more or less similar way to the west Bangal.
However a number of players had been increased, with increase in their interests in Baluchistan. other than political goals, there are many strategic goals underlies for India to interfere in the matters of Balochistan. An Unstable Pakistan would help India approaching its aims of loosing Pakistan its another arm, which is a win-win situation for India by weakening Pakistan. Other than that Baluchistan’s rich mineral and gold resources have now become an open secret to international community, while loosing Baluchistan Pakistan would not also loose its part located at an important geo-political location but also its natural resources.
Once I read somewhere, Oil has become more a curse for Middle Eastern region than a blessing. The argument for the support of this statement derived from international scholars, signifying that the major Oil reserves presented in Middle East attracted US and Europe to play their dirty politics in this region. Today what we are witnessing in Middle East is the result of possessing large reserves of Oil in the Middle East. Politics is at play at major parts of the world. There are many human rights violations occurring in the dearth of South Africa and South Asia. But never had been once these states are being raided or jeopardized by the international community for the pursuance of human rights. Fortunately, I must say they lacked the resources. US, Russia and Europe invade only in those states, which are rich in resources. So, is the case with Balochistan.
Baluchistan has become an epicenter of international attention fortunately or unfortunately due to its largest reserves of copper and gold. Other than that many oil and gas pipelines pass through it. This region is highly volatile to Pakistan’s interests. Its destability is the greatest challenge which requires a systematic resolution. A policy made in a hurry could produce heinous results. A step by step systematic approach is needed to produce an environment of peace and stability in this region. There is also need to develop relations with neighboring states sharing borders with Baluchistan region. Because stability could only be established, if its borders are well monitored and secured. We cannot neglect the fact that Iran is a major stakeholder in our foreign policy, and it becomes more important when we know that future of many international pipelines is highly dependent on our good relations with Iran. India is another border country and is taking advantage of the situation. Pakistan needs to adopt prudent policies, not only to improve security situation in Baluchistan but also because it is the gateway to improve our unimpeded trade growth. This gridlocks have largely hurted Pakistan economic interests. By improving relations with Iran, we can have multi advantages on our end. First, it will improve security situation in Baluchistan and will help in its development, second it will boost confidence building measures among Baloch and govt of Pakistan and govt. of Pakistan can initiate its long promised pipelines through Iran. Whereas India is concerned, India is also eyeing the benefits of TAPI and IPI to fill its thirst for energy resources. While eyeing on its rich oil and gas resources, and an aim to destabilize and cripple Pakistan by dividing Baluchistan from Pakistan, India has resumed many insurgent operations in Baluchistan. At this hour, govt of Pakistan should move forward with a better narrative to bring improvement in the Baluchistan. The situation in Baluchistan needs a policy plan which bring amelioration economically, strategically and socially. A strong Baluchistan can promise a strong Pakistan in future ahead. We should unite as a nation to safeguard our national interests in Baluchistan and abandon every possible interference from Indian or Western side through strong plan of action.
