Mudasir Rizwan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent reaffirmation that the development of Balochistan remains one of the government’s top priorities is an encouraging, albeit long-overdue, step in addressing the province’s chronic issues. This statement comes amid a period of intense political unrest and rising security concerns in the region, highlighting the difficult task of balancing the government’s security priorities with the aspirations of the local population.
Balochistan’s relationship with the state has long been marked by tensions, with a history of broken promises and failed commitments from successive governments. The province has often been left out of the national conversation, economically and politically neglected. The government’s repeated failure to deliver on development promises has only intensified skepticism among Balochistan’s population, fueling feelings of alienation and frustration.
However, Prime Minister Sharif’s current stance provides a glimmer of hope for meaningful change. His commitment to Balochistan’s development is a recognition that the province’s future cannot be shaped without directly addressing its historical grievances. Yet, one cannot help but feel that such a commitment should have come much sooner, as the people of Balochistan have long suffered due to the government’s lack of attention. The delay in taking decisive action has allowed the vacuum to be filled by militant elements who have used the province’s vulnerabilities to advance their causes.
This delay in addressing Balochistan’s issues has undoubtedly prolonged the suffering of its people and, in some instances, has emboldened the forces of extremism. Militants have exploited the region’s economic underdevelopment and political marginalization, further destabilizing an already fragile situation. While the delay in action is unfortunate, Prime Minister Sharif’s current approach should still be viewed as a positive step forward. It signifies the government’s recognition of the need for an inclusive approach to solving Balochistan’s issues, a stark contrast to the previous policy of sidelining the province in the national conversation.
The outreach to influential Baloch political leaders, such as Dr. Malik Baloch and Akhtar Mengal, represents a promising shift in the government’s stance. These leaders, who have long advocated for the rights of the people of Balochistan, are essential partners in any effort to bring about meaningful change. Engaging with these leaders sends a powerful message that the government acknowledges the importance of working alongside local political figures to shape a more inclusive and equitable future for the province.
However, the question remains: why has it taken so long for the government to adopt this inclusive stance? The people of Balochistan have endured years of underdevelopment, violence, and neglect, making their current disillusionment with the state understandable. For many, this new approach is seen as a last-ditch effort to resolve issues that have plagued the region for decades. While the government’s recognition of the need for Baloch political leadership is a step in the right direction, it must act swiftly and decisively to demonstrate its genuine commitment to addressing the province’s long-standing grievances.
One of the most critical aspects of the government’s approach should be distinguishing between genuine political dissent and terrorism. Recent incidents in the region have highlighted the dangers of conflating the two. When peaceful movements demanding basic rights are treated with the same heavy-handedness as violent insurgents, it only deepens the sense of injustice and alienation within the population. Political protest, especially in a region like Balochistan, should never be met with the same tactics used against terrorists. This mistake has only exacerbated the existing tensions and driven people further away from the state.
For the government to foster an environment of peace and reconciliation, it must ensure that peaceful political movements are heard and respected. Engaging with local leaders and activists in a meaningful way, rather than suppressing them, is the key to resolving the province’s issues. By addressing the legitimate concerns of the population through dialogue and not force, the state can build the trust and cooperation necessary for long-term peace.
In this context, the role of both the military and civilian arms of the government is crucial. Security measures are necessary to combat terrorism and protect the people, but this must not come at the expense of engaging with political movements that seek peaceful change. A coordinated approach between civilian leaders and military authorities will be essential to maintaining security while also advancing the cause of political reconciliation. The government must recognize that addressing the grievances of the people and working with political leaders is as important as combating terrorism.
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The Prime Minister’s emphasis on inclusive development is a necessary step, but it must be followed by concrete actions. Development cannot be one-dimensional, focusing solely on infrastructure. While building roads, bridges, and other forms of physical infrastructure is essential, it is equally important to address the socio-economic challenges facing Balochistan’s people. The province lags significantly behind the rest of the country in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Without significant investment in these areas, development will remain superficial and unlikely to bring about lasting peace.
To truly make a difference, the government must commit to a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of the people. Access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities must be central to any development plan. Additionally, the provincial government must work to address the historical inequalities that have led to Balochistan’s political and economic marginalization. Only through this comprehensive approach can the state hope to earn the trust of the people and create the foundation for sustainable peace.
While Prime Minister Sharif’s statements regarding Balochistan’s development are commendable, they must be backed by meaningful action. The people of Balochistan can no longer afford empty promises or vague assurances. They have been waiting for decades for the government to fulfill its commitments, and this is the moment for the state to prove that it is genuinely committed to their cause. Words alone will not be enough to undo the damage caused by years of neglect. Concrete steps are necessary to demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the province’s issues.
In conclusion, while the government’s renewed focus on Balochistan is a welcome development, it is long overdue. The people of Balochistan have suffered for far too long, and it is imperative that the state now takes immediate and meaningful action to address their grievances. The government must work closely with local political leaders, distinguish between peaceful protest and terrorism, and implement a holistic approach to development. Only then can Balochistan hope to overcome its challenges and become an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous part of Pakistan.
