Waqas ur Rehman
Balochistan has been facing both internal and external threats due to its strategic location and high concentration of natural resources. Pakistani security forces and symbols of the state have come under attack from armed separatist groups with the backing of foreign elements, while civilians have lost lives in sectarian violence. The big physical space and the low population density made it easy for the armed groups to operate freely in Balochistan and hide there. After the terrorists were pushed out of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in military operations, they took refuge in Balochistan. Porous borders with Afghanistan and Iran adjoining Balochistan are also manageable escape routes for the fighters to travel back and forth, and conduct attacks.
Our archrivals are playing an active role in destabilizing Balochistan without realizing that economic development in Balochistan is in the best interest of Afghanistan and the region. The foreign mercenaries and self-exiled Baloch Sub-Nationalists are working hand in hand to regain their lost position in Balochistan with foreign money and support. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF) and the Lashkar-e-Balochistan (LeB) designated as terrorist organizations by Pakistan, are involved in terror attacks across Balochistan in the form of bomb blasts, hand grenade attacks, killing innocent people and destroying gas and electricity infrastructure. The Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) is one of the most active and violent armed groups, which has led the sectarian killings in Balochistan.
The government has taken many practical steps to improve the law and order situation in Balochistan. Under the National Action Plan (NAP), many cases against terror suspects have been referred to the military courts. Police have launched a witness protection program because witnesses were often afraid of recording statements against terrorists. The government has installed more than 80 CCTV cameras on 6 entry and exit points of Quetta, and 100 such cameras inside the city. Police have established 20 barriers, and deployed 300 policemen in the city to maintain security. Similarly, 500 people are to be recruited in Balochistan Police. The government is giving amnesty to those militants who surrender and shun violence. The security situation in Balochistan improved when Pak Army adopted targeted approach in fighting the menace. The political leadership on the other hand carried out talks with the members of separatist movement.
The Balochistan government has proposed certain “administrative and legislative” measures to help bring the Frontier Corps (FC) under its executive control. The idea is that the FC, whose assistance is acquired by the provincial government from the Ministry of Interior to control law & order, should discharge its duties in accordance with the directives of the Chief Minister. Under the proposal, the FC high command would be expected to practically obey the Chief Minister while assisting the provincial authorities in the maintenance of law and order.
Pakistan has started fencing its entire border with Afghanistan as part of efforts not only to regulate the movement of people but also to stop the infiltration of terrorists between the long and porous frontier. In the first phase, high infiltration prone border areas in Bajaur, Mohmand and Khyber agencies are being fenced. Whereas in the second phase, fencing of the remaining border areas, including Balochistan, will be executed. Besides fencing, Pakistan Army is constructing new forts and border posts to improve surveillance and defencibility. According to the official details, 2,611 km long border i.e. 1,230 km in KPK and 1,381 km in Balochistan, with Afghanistan would be fenced. So far, 43 border posts and forts have been constructed, while another 63 are under construction. As many as 338 border posts and forts are in the pipeline, which will be completed by 2019. A secure Pak-Afghan border is in the common interest of both countries, and a well-coordinated border security mechanism is essential for enduring peace and stability. Apart from fencing, Pakistan no longer allows people without a valid passport and visa to enter the country through key crossing points. The country will have to incur high expenditure on its maintenance and proper vigilance, however, no cost is higher than security and defence of the homeland, and therefore, the move has been welcomed by the people of Pakistan. The project is necessarily security oriented, but it would also help check rampant smuggling and misuse of Afghan Transit Trade, which is harming Pakistan’s economy.
The improved law and order in Balochistan is paying dividends in the form of accelerated development. Balochistan has been given the highest priority by the Federal government, which is also manifested by the CPEC projects including Gwadar Port, extensive road networks and socio-economic uplift schemes. Crime rate declined significantly due to successful, across the board and targeted FC and Police operations against the terrorists, criminals and those involved in the sectarian violence. People of Balochistan are coming out of the trauma, where thousands of local Baloch, Pashtuns, settlers and security personnel lost their lives in the terror attacks. The improved security situation in the province will usher an era of peace and prosperity in the region especially Balochistan. To cope with the security dilemma in Balochistan, the government needs to remove the menace of terrorism and take effective measures to ensure peace and prosperity in the region. Potential of Balochistan as a regional hub for energy and trade will only be realized with the collective civil – military approach for its security and development.
