The process of strengthening of the federation had started with 18th amendment passed after 2008 elections. Now election of Sadiq Sanjarani as Chairman Senate has given new dimension to the efforts for removing the sense of deprivation and alienation of Balochistan. Earlier, marred by the bad governance and resultantly deep sense of deprivation in the past had left Balochistan in turmoil for decades and the province remained the most neglected region of Pakistan. Insurgency and militancy by the sub-nationalists and terrorism were the biggest challenges that were successfully met with the help of the army. The irony is that for seven decades majority of the people have been living in the gloom of stalking poverty, squalor, want and deprivation. But they were neither in focus of the ruling elite nor by the anchorpersons, analysts and intellectuals who more often than not highlight the elites’ grouses.
One would hardly listen to the discussion on finding ways and means to improve the lives of teeming millions living in abject poverty. Promises made during election campaign are forgotten, while perks of public offices are fully enjoyed. Unfortunately, the same elite group gets elected over and over again and election campaigns are held as rituals, because political parties have become dynasties, and top leaderships of the parties have assumed unprecedented powers through 18th amendment. There is no denying that Balochistan was neglected during British Raj and also by various governments of Pakistan since 1947, with the result that Balochistan lacks technological prowess and economic resources to exploit its minerals and untapped resources. In this context, Pakistan had sought China’s help in developing Gwadar into an international port with a future plan to link it with Kashgar (China).
No doubt, Gwadar deep sea port has great potential to boost Pakistan’s economy; and mineral resources of Balochistan could bring prosperity not only to the people of Balochistan but also people of other provinces. Of course, people of Balochistan stand to gain more, as they will have the first right in business and employment opportunities. All Chinese investment, be it for expansion of Gawadar port or roads and other assets will remain the property of the Balochistan, as these assets cannot be shifted elsewhere. Moreover, Baloch youth the jewel of human being, bubbling with enormous talent, vitality and energy, has been living suppressed in the captivity of the sardars. But whenever he got the opportunity and chance he turned out to be an acknowledged doctor, engineer, lawyer, civil servant, diplomat and general of sterling quality.
Let all and sundry know that for the state’s raw deal, the common Baloch youth was very disgruntled, very angry and in a very nasty mood. It is he who needs to be cajoled, pacified and appeased, not the scions of sardars working on aliens’ agendas. Invest in him to be a proud Pakistani. Give him opportunities to grow and flourish. In it lies the real key to the Balochistan problems. Everything else is mere ruse. Coming back to development of Balochistan, it is imperative to have peace. True enough, the CPEC project is part of Beijing’s “Belt and Road” plan to expand its trade and transport footprint across Central and South Asia. It is also true that it will give China easier access to Middle Eastern oil via the deepwater port of Gwadar. However, the completion of Gwadar and implementation of CPEC would make Balochistan economic hub, and people of Balochistan in particular and Pakistan in general would benefit.
