Balochistan crisis
The recent resignation of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), from the National Assembly has once again brought the long-standing Balochistan crisis to the forefront of national attention. This development, coupled with the opposition’s decision to hold a multiparty meeting outside parliament, underscores the urgent need for effective parliamentary discourse on critical national challenges.
Mengal’s resignation, citing the ongoing security challenges and government neglect of Balochistan, is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues plaguing the province. His frustration with the marginalization of Balochistan in the National Assembly and the ineffectiveness of voices like his in bringing about meaningful change reflects a broader systemic failure.
The government’s initial response to Mengal’s resignation was to form a committee to persuade him to reconsider his decision. However, this approach appears to be a superficial attempt to address the symptoms rather than the root causes of the crisis. The fact that Mengal later rejected calls to withdraw his resignation and departed for Dubai highlights the depth of his disillusionment with the current political system.
The Balochistan crisis is not a new phenomenon. It has been simmering for decades, marked by a low-level insurgency, brutal crackdowns, and a persistent sense of alienation among the Baloch people. The recent wave of violence, including horrific attacks resulting in numerous casualties, has only exacerbated the situation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s response to the crisis, chairing an apex committee meeting in Quetta, seems more like a perfunctory fulfilment of moral duty rather than a genuine attempt to address the underlying issues. The lack of transparency regarding the proceedings and outcomes of this meeting is concerning. While there are reports of plans to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies, the assignment of counter-insurgency tasks to a police-led Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) raises questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of such measures.
The silence of mainstream political parties on the Balochistan issue is equally troubling. The ruling party’s apparent underestimation of the crisis, or its reluctance to make decisive national decisions, is a cause for concern. The PPP’s inaction, despite its previous reconciliation initiative in Balochistan, is particularly disappointing.
Political parties have a crucial role to play in facilitating dialogue and inclusion. Their failure to initiate such processes creates a vacuum that is often filled by highly motivated groups drawing strength from ideology, identity, and socio-economic grievances. The establishment and traditional parties’ apprehension towards these emerging movements further complicates the situation.
The need for a comprehensive dialogue involving all stakeholders – including power elites, intelligentsia, civil society, media, and the people of Punjab – cannot be overstated. However, state institutions, including ruling political parties and parliament, seem reluctant to take this initiative. In this context, the opposition’s plan to organize a multiparty conference on Balochistan should be welcomed as a step towards enriching the discourse.
Where state institutions fail, rights movements and civil society can play a crucial role in building consensus and challenging established norms of ‘national interest’. The power of social media as a tool for mobilization and communication should not be underestimated or feared, but rather embraced as a means of engaging with the people’s voice.
In conclusion, the Balochistan crisis demands immediate and sincere attention from all quarters of Pakistan’s political landscape. The resignation of a prominent leader like Akhtar Mengal should serve as a wake-up call for meaningful parliamentary discourse and concrete action. It is time for political parties to rise above narrow interests and fulfil their responsibilities towards the people of Balochistan and the nation as a whole. Only through inclusive dialogue, transparent decision-making, and a genuine commitment to addressing grievances can Pakistan hope to resolve this long-standing crisis and move towards a more stable and unified future.
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