Threats to Federation No one can deny the threats posed by Baluch insurgency to the integrity of the federation of Pakistan. Government of Pakistan’s failure to cope with the critical economic and political problems in Baluchistan has further strengthened the nationalist sentiments in the province and with the passage of time hatred towards center has grown reasonably (Atarodi, 2011). The Baluch people’s liberation front (BPLF) did not originally strived for independence; however younger Baluch nationalists, who became disappointed from Pakistan during the 1973–1977 conflict, adopted independence as their ultimate goal (Andley, 2006). Under the present constitution of Pakistan, nationalists’ demands for independence or self-rule seem unlikely to be served (Sial and Basit, 2010). The state of Pakistan needs to pacify the situation by addressing the needs of Baluch citizens as it can not afford the second dismemberment after the Bangladesh independence. A state failure to address Baluchs issue will certainly raise the prospects of Baluch insurgents getting independence (Atarodi, 2011). DISCUSSION Grievances of Baluchistan originated from the denial of political rights to them, the exploitation of their natural resources by the central government and the apprehensions of being swamped by the Pakistan army and the Punjabis (Andley, 2006). The Baluch today feel that owing to persistent influx of Pakhtoons, Punjabis and other Pakistanis into the province, they are being marginalized (Bansal, 2006). Historically the goals of nationalists have often changed between provincial autonomy within the federation and a demand for an independent Baluchistan (Mukand, 2012). The democratization process in Baluchistan was disrupted unfortunately by the central government in the 1970s. The federal government labeled the autonomists as ‘’anti-state elements’’ and sowed the seeds for a lasting rift between the center and the province (Shah and Khan, 2012). The contemporary situation in Baluchistan is the product of a number of recent factors, for example, the development of Gwadar seaport, the impact of war on terror, and the contemporary politico-economic regional dynamics in South Asia (Dunne, 2006). After several years of military rule, absence of real democratic institutions and with their natural reserves being exploited by the center, Baluch dissatisfaction is at its peak (ICG, 2006). Civil society organizations and the intelligentsia blame the federal government and Pakistan military for the contemporary crisis in the province (Kupecz, 2012). Baluch insurgency has extremely negative impact on the federation of Pakistan. Worsening condition in Pakistan is easily reflected in Failed State Index report. On the list of failed states Pakistan has swiftly moved from 34th position in 2005 to 10th in 2010 (Atarodi, 2011). For the sake of bringing peace and stability, the federal government should have dealt with a soft hand with the nationalists and the elected representatives of the country in perspective of their legitimate demands (Shah and Khan, 2012). Most of the important policy decisions by the federal government between 1947 and 1977, and then during Musharaf regime contributed to rising sentiments of exploitation and marginalization among Baluch people that had a profound impact on the eruption of violence (Dunne, 2006). Pakistan requires shaping processes to address the socio-economic problems of the people, provide them legitimate and fair representation in political processes and pass such legislations which facilitate reasonable autonomy and political control (Atarodi, 2011). The basic rights of common Baluchs have never been facilitated, for which central government and military is responsible along with the local leadership (Haq and Anwar, 2012). CONCLUSION Insurgency in Baluchistan is not purely a freedom movement, though it was primarily motivated by disputed accession of Baluchistan with Pakistan, further fueled by harsh attitude of the center towards the province coupled with disparities in socio-economic development in the country and foreign interventions. More than six decades long conflict has fostered deep feelings of mistrust in Baluch people toward the federal government. If violence increases further in Baluchistan, the Pakistani military will certainly be pulled into a war that will drastically harm the state of Pakistan. Pakistan, with colonial mindset, has historically been wrongfully relying on using brute force to quell the nationalist insurgency. It must be kept in mind that Baluchistan is purely a political issue and demands a political solution. If political leaders could not resolve the crises sagaciously, there are apprehensions that the history of 1971 could be repeated. The people of Baluchistan feel that federal government discriminate against them. It is not possible for the state of Pakistan to indefinitely overlook the need for political and economic development in the province. The federal government negligence will continue to add to the sufferings of Baluch people. The dilemma of the Pakistani political set up is that the civil-military establishments have centralized power and by misfortune or fortune Punjabis dominate both these institutions. This generates tension between the federal government and Baluchistan. The situation demands free, fair and credible elections. Participation of all the political parties of Baluchistan is an inevitable requirement for the future prosperity of the
Posted on: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 08:42:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015