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Balochistan Rights' Package-2009: Impact on Baloch Nationalism
Let the Baloch People Decide their Destiny ISLAMABAD: Tuesday (November 29, 2011) : Two years after the prime minister had announced the Balochistan Rights' Package, most of the Baloch people continue to dismiss it as a "joke and an insufficient" initiative. What precedes such packages is restoration of trust and consensus on some of the fundamental issues that constitute the core of conflict in a particular region of the country. These views came through in most of the speeches at a seminar held to review the impact of the Balochistan Rights– Package. Politicians and civil society members spoke in unison while underlining that the Rights' Package had miserably failed in changing the status quo in the province where the security establishment continued to call the shots , with little role in decision-making for the political leadership. PML-N lawmaker, and former governor of Balochistan, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Abdul Quadir, Senator Dr Abdul Malik Baloch of National Party, former PPP senator Taj Haider and Dr.Assem Sajjad were among prominent speakers at the organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad and Actionaid-Pakistan, as part of their campaign to raise awareness among masses about the status of implementation of Balochistan Rights– Package. The seminar also coincided with the second anniversary of the announcement of Balochistan Rights– Package, which is also called Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package. Addressing the participants, Qadeir Baloch observed that the roots of Baloch nationalism lie in partition of British India. He underscored that the imposition of state authority over Khan of Kalat in 1948 through bullet sowed the seeds of disillusionment among Balochs towards the federation. He noted that it is travesty of fairness if one blames Baloch sardars for the backwardness of Balochistan. Alluding to an interesting fact, he said that 71 out of 74 Baloch sardars were with former President Musharraf, and despite that he failed...
Balochistan Rights' Package-2009: Impact on Baloch Nationalism
Let the Baloch People Decide their Destiny ISLAMABAD: Tuesday (November 29, 2011) : Two years after the prime minister had announced the Balochistan Rights' Package, most of the Baloch people continue to dismiss it as a "joke and an insufficient" initiative. What precedes such packages is restoration of trust and consensus on some of the fundamental issues that constitute the core of conflict in a particular region of the country. These views came through in most of the speeches at a seminar held to review the impact of the Balochistan Rights– Package. Politicians and civil society members spoke in unison while underlining that the Rights' Package had miserably failed in changing the status quo in the province where the security establishment continued to call the shots , with little role in decision-making for the political leadership. PML-N lawmaker, and former governor of Balochistan, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Abdul Quadir, Senator Dr Abdul Malik Baloch of National Party, former PPP senator Taj Haider and Dr.Assem Sajjad were among prominent speakers at the organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad and Actionaid-Pakistan, as part of their campaign to raise awareness among masses about the status of implementation of Balochistan Rights– Package. The seminar also coincided with the second anniversary of the announcement of Balochistan Rights– Package, which is also called Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package. Addressing the participants, Qadeir Baloch observed that the roots of Baloch nationalism lie in partition of British India. He underscored that the imposition of state authority over Khan of Kalat in 1948 through bullet sowed the seeds of disillusionment among Balochs towards the federation. He noted that it is travesty of fairness if one blames Baloch sardars for the backwardness of Balochistan. Alluding to an interesting fact, he said that 71 out of 74 Baloch sardars were with former President Musharraf, and despite that he failed...
Balochistan Weekly Monitor (Nov. 21-27, 2011)
It was the security forces in Balochistan, who bore the atrocious brunt of ongoing violence during the current week. The Baloch Liberation Army reportedly ambushed a Frontier Corps– (FC) convoy near coalfield in Musa Khel on November 21 and killed at least 14 FC personnel including an army Major. Relatives of missing persons rebuffed recent media reports, which stated that some of the families of missing persons received compensations from the Federal Government. Instead, they demanded immediate and speedy justice in missing persons– cases. They also appealed to the international humanitarian organizations, the United Nations (UN) and Supreme Court of Pakistan to intervene to sort out this issue as soon as possible. Deliberating upon the plight of Baloch people after two years of the announcement of Balochistan Rights– Package (Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package), the president of Nationalist Party (NP), Senator Dr Abdul Malik observed that the most pressing issues, which the rights– package was meant to address, are still unaddressed. The issues include the recovery of missing persons, return of self-exiled Baloch leaders to the country and investigation of the extra-judicial killings of Baloch leaders. Former provincial minister Mrs. Fazila Aliani asserted that due to ongoing 'insurgency, poverty, lack of funds, education policy, and schools' about 90 per cent of the girls in rural Balochistan are still out of schools. Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), in its statement, denied recent media reports about military operations in Chamalang, Kohlu or any other part of Balochistan. It underlined that such reports are part of ongoing propaganda campaign orchestrated by the nationalist elements in the province. Week in Review a) Acts of Terrorism/Subversions At least 14 soldiers, including a major of the Frontier Corps, were killed when militants armed with sophisticated weapons attacked their convoy near a coalfield in Musa Khel, on November 21. A unit of the...
Balochistan Weekly Monitor (Nov. 14- 20, 2011)
Balochistan remained in the grip of violence again during the current week: horrific images of mutilated bodies, landmine blasts and a road accident marked the week in the province. Five people perished when a reckless driver rammed the tractor into a passenger van bound for Zhob near Muslim Bagh in Qila Abdullah district on Tuesday night, November 15. In sum, nine people lost their lives in the volatile province during the week. In its report, Crisis Management Cell (CMC) of the federal interior ministry has conceded that despite government measures, the level of violence in Balochistan is soaring intermittently. The report underlines that during last nine months in 161 incidents of violence at least 270 people have died in different circumstances related to insurgent, sectarian and inter-communal violence. At a time when Balochistan government has declared Gwadar a winter capital; the government now finds it difficult to accommodate 65 lawmakers and assembly staff at the under-developed coastal resort. And it is facing serious logistics problems for holding assembly winter session which is scheduled for mid December and will continue for 15 days. After leveling charges of contract breach against the Tethyan Copper Company (TCC), the Balochistan Mining Committee (BMC) has refused to extend the mining contract of the firm. Meanwhile, TCC has blamed the Balochistan government for violating mining rules. Week in Review a) Acts of Terrorism/Subversions At least five people died and eight injured, including two children, when a tractor crashed into a passenger van bound for Zhob near Muslim Bagh in Qila Abdullah district on Tuesday night, November 15.[1] Armed men on Tuesday, November 15 torched a container, carrying military hardware for NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan, near Dasht area of Mastung district, about 45 kilometers south of Quetta. According to the Balochistan Levies, the NATO container was on its way from Karachi to Kandahar, Afghanistan, when...
Balochistan Weekly Monitor (Nov. 7- 13, 2011)
The week saw a relatively fragile calm prevailing in Balochistan with no major incident of violence being reported. In sum, two people, one civilian and a security official, were shot dead in two different episodes of violence across the province. Asian Human Rights Commission, in its statement, released on November 11, slated Pakistan government for its failure to curtail the ongoing unabated spree of killings in Balochistan. It highlighted that from July 2010 till date 'there have been 215 extrajudicial killings of missing persons' in the province. In different acts of sabotage and subversion, United Baloch Army (UBA) destroyed three power-supply poles in Kohlu district on November 12. Public officials who were busy in finalizing the electoral lists in Balochistan, especially in Baloch dominated areas, complained of insecurity because of prevalent precariousness of law and order situation in those areas. Due to lack of financial resources, expertise and infrastructure, Balochistan government appealed to the federal government on November 13 to take control of provincial projects, earlier transferred to the province as a result of devolution plan under 18th amendment, till the next National Financial Commission (NFC) Award. Week in Review a) Acts of Terrorism/Subversion Two suspected militants armed with automatic weapons shot dead one person namely Nasrullah in Mastung district on November 10. However, police reached the spot on time and arrested both the armed men, who were later on, identified as Ghulam Murtaza and Abdul Khaliq.[1] Lal Mohammad, a constable of the Levies Force, was shot dead near Goth Bachal in Gandawah area of Jhal Magsi district on November 11. Separately, two persons sustained injuries in a landmine blast in the Loti area of Dera Bugti on November 11. Meanwhile, a student of Balochistan Residential College Khuzdar and a government contractor were abducted on November 11 from Khuzdar district.[2] A woman and a teenage boy were injured in a...
Balochistan Weekly Monitor (Oct. 31- Nov. 6, 2011)
The episodes of violence and atrocities continued with the same pace and frequency this week with no signs of improvements in law and order situation in Balochistan. Four people, including a commander of the pro-government Amn Force (Peace Force), were killed during a clash with the militants of Baloch Republican Army (BRA) near Sui area of Dera Bugti district, on October 31. Similarly, unidentified gunmen attacked Frontier Corps (FC) convoy with a remote control bomb near Nasirabad area of Turbat, on November 2. In sum, ten people were killed during the week in acts of terrorism. Twelve dead bodies of missing persons were also found during the week. On political front, Balochistan High Court ordered the government, on November 1, to ensure the extradition of former President Pervez Musharraf, former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and former Home Minister of Balochistan, Shoaib Ahmed Nosherwani, in murder case of former CM Balochistan, Nawab Akbar Bugti. Chief Minister Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raisani, on November 4, said that an independent Balochitsan is not a practical solution and suggestion and those who see this dream are living in a fool paradise. Such a dream would leave the province in a bloodbath and the government cannot allow such a thing to happen. Moreover, the arrest warrant for the former Chief Minister of Balochistan, Jam Muhammad Yousaf, was issued on November 4 in Nawab Akbar Bugti case. Week in Review a) Acts of Terrorism/Subversions and Abductions Jama–at-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Panjgur General Secretary, Hafiz Ahtishamul Haq, was shot dead in Kori Koran area of Panjgur District on October 30 (reported in the press on October 31). Police sources said that unidentified armed militants opened fire at the JUI-F leader while he was standing outside his house.[1] At least four people, including a commander of the pro-government Amn Force (Peace Force), identified as Nabi Daid, were killed and five others injured during a clash with the militants of...
CRSS Roundtable Discussion Forums: Political Expediency and the Future of Democracy in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Wednesday (November 02, 2011): Against the backdrop of recent surge in political temperature, speakers at a roundtable discussion forum stress the need for continuation of democratic process despite of all the current challenges faced by it. In a roundtable discussion forum 'Political Expediency and the Future of Democracy in Pakistan' organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), at its office premises in Islamabad, issues and challenges related to current democratic governance and prospects of a democratic Pakistan were discussed in detail. Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mahoob, executive director, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency(PILDAT) opened the discussion with an overly optimistic note and observed: 'Democracy in Pakistan has never been as good as it is today.' He noted that it is the first time in history of Pakistan that three state pillars, those are Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature are carving out their respective ways out of this challenging political environment and it is a good omen for young democracy. In the past, judiciary was under the influence of executives, but now it is independent and assertive. Parliament in a democracy is always considered a vital state pillar, but again it tried to overpower the other state organs. Against this backdrop, during the era of current democratic government, the growth of all state organs is continuous and stable. Likewise, during current democratic rule, for the first time, Senate was chaired by an opposition representative. Then if we look towards media, we have a robust and independent media, which explicitly does not seem under the influence of government. Coming to the democratic governance, Mr. Mahboob asserted the notion that there is widespread political discontentment and disillusionment among the masses. And ironically, the people have directed all their criticism and scathing towards federal government and spared the provincial governments...
Balochistan Weekly Monitor (Oct. 24-Oct. 30, 2011)
Unlike the persistent episodes of deadly violence in previous weeks, the week in focus witnessed relatively low level of violence. The highlight of the week was the killing of a Frontier Corps– (FC) officer, when the latter was on a mine detection mission, near the Sorange coal mines in the suburbs of Quetta on October 25. In sum, three people were killed during this week in different acts of violence. Balochistan assembly on October 26 passed a unanimous resolution, strongly condemning the flaws in voters– lists. The legislators slated NADRA for its inefficiency in maintaining the accurate lists. The Kharotabad tribunal recommended the removal of two low level police officers on October 26, who were involved in the killing of five foreigners at Kharotabad. Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani, on October 29, constituted a judicial commission to probe the target killing of Dr. Mazar Baloch. Misappropriation of Rs 17.7 million was unearthed in an audit report of Balochistan education department on Monday, October 24. Week in Review a) Acts of Terrorism/Subversions and Abductions Two people were killed in different incidents of violence in Quetta on October 24. According to the details, unknown gunmen shot and killed Asfand Yar Nosherwani at Qambrani road. Police reached the spot and removed the body. In another incident, unidentified persons gunned down Maqsood Ahmad at Sirki road.[1] An FC official was killed when a landmine exploded near the Sorange coal mine, in the suburbs of Quetta on Tuesday morning, October 25. According to Mohammad Ishaq, the spokesperson for the FC, the slain FC officer was on a mine detection and removal patrol near the Sorange area when a mine explosion killed him instantly. Separatist Baloch outfit, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the incident.[2] A 22-year-old resident of the restive Kohlu district threatened to self-immolate if her brother ´ who was whisked away by security agencies on September 20, 2011 ´ was...
Pak US Relations: Out of woods, for the time being!
Following Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton Oct 21st visit to Islamabad, Pakistan-US relations are likely to head out of months of tensions that had begun with the May 2nd raid on the compound of Osama bin Laden in the hilly town of Abbottabad. During her intensive interaction with the government and the civil society in Islamabad, Clinton reiterated her government long-standing view on Pakistan; an unreliable, emotional, and paranoid partner which, despite all its flaws, remains crucial for the American policy in the region, and thus a reassurance that Washington plans to stay engaged with the country and would continue supporting the democratic transition. She also stated in so many words on more than one occasion that Pakistan has to be part of the solution. This reflected the realization in Washington that continuous engagement with Pakistan might yield more fruit than the occasional aspersions and allegations which only serve as ammunition for the detractors of the Pak-US engagement. Ms. Clinton statements in Islamabad and back in Washington clearly underlined a new sense of realism from Washington. Following the storm, the former army chief Mike Mullen had kicked up on September 22nd by lumping the Haqqani Network and the ISI together, Ms. Clinton apparently took it upon herself to pacify an over-reactive Pakistan and rule out confrontation. In two interviews to US media outlets in Washington, released by the State Department on Oct 24th, Secretary Clinton ruled out sending to Pakistan semi-autonomous Fata region to hunt Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists.'There a lot going on that is aimed at these safe havens, and we will continue to work with them on that. There are different ways of fighting besides overt military action, and I think this is an important point of clarification,' she said when asked if the US wanted Pakistan to launch another military operation against the militants. Clinton also conceded that the US had asked the Pakistanis to squeeze the...
Balochistan Weekly Monitor (October 17- 23, 2011)
With no signs of abatement in violence, Balochistan continues to sizzle under separatist, inter-tribal and sectarian violence. A local bus full of commuters, who were working in the local factory, came under attack on October 22 in Sakran Road in Hub Industrial area of Lasbela district. The attack resulted in injuring 13 people. Moreover, on October 21, violent clashes erupted between two rival tribes in Qilla Abdullah, which killed five people and injured three others. In sum, during the week the number of people who died stood at eight in different circumstances in the province. Awami National Party (ANP) in Balochistan strongly condemned the NATO forces– aerial intrusion into Pakistani air space near Qilla Abdullah on October 17, and urged the federal government to raise the issue with NATO officials in Afghanistan. Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik disclosed on Wednesday, October 19, that the people involved in sectarian militancy in Balochistan are being operated from the prisons and they have strong contacts with banned militant organizations in Punjab. He underlined that the government will take robust measures to bring peace in the province and to curb illegal cross-border activities, targeted killings of Hazara community and to initiate negotiations with Baloch nationalists. Week in Review a) Acts of Terrorism and Subversion A pilot of Pakistan Air Force was killed when a jet plane crashed near the mountainous range of Uthal in Lasbela district on Wednesday, October 19. The plane was on a routine training flight when it went down.[1] Five people were killed and three others injured in a clash between two rival tribes in Qilla Abdullah on Friday, October 21. Old enmity was reported to be the reason behind the tribal feud that took place in the Maizai Adda area of the district. Later on to control the violence Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were called in the area.[2] Unknown assailants shot dead a man, identified as Aneel, in Turbat district of...
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.