Since the assassination of Nawab Akbar Bugti, it is quite evident that the situation of Baluchistan has worsened, with the state struggling to control multiple insurgencies. Nawab was among the Baloch leaders who signed accession papers proposed by Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, at the time of independence – with a hope that Pakistan will emerge as an ideal state in which every citizen will have equal rights, liberty and apportion of resources. But for 70 years, the largest naturally resourced territory of Pakistan is the most undermined and undeveloped of all four provinces. Ignorance of governments throughout these decades has upraised depravity among the Balochs. But to understand the gist of Baluchistan’s problems, we have to drop curtains from some hidden facts of an untold history.
History of Baluchistan’s Independence:
Before the independence of Pakistan, one of the closest allies of Quaid from Baluchistan was Khan of Kallat, Mir Ahmed Yar Khan Ahmedzai. He supported Quaid in establishing the Muslim League inside Baluchistan and fully braced him throughout the independence struggle. When assassination attempts against Jinnah occurred during Muslim League’s processions, it was Ahmedzai who sent two of his royal guards for Jinnah’s protection. He payed their salaries from his own pocket, and instructed them to protect Jinnah from any kind of harm. On 11th August, 1947, a meeting was held between Mountbatton, Jinnah and Khan in Karachi. It was decided that Kalat along with its fiduciaries; Lasbela, Kharan and Makran will remain independent princely states having a different status than those of Indian princely states. But during the discussions, it was decided that Pakistan will deal with Defense and External Affairs of Kalat and other fiduciary states. It was an immense desire of Quaid to convince Khan upon Kalat’s accession with Pakistan. On February 15th 1948, Jinnah wrote a letter to Khan, in which he stated that Kalat should accede with Pakistan. Unfortunately, we lost Jinnah in September 1948, though negotiations proceeded with other political leaders of Pakistan. Meanwhile on 15 Sep 1948, Pakistani Army invaded Kalat and forced Khan to sign the accession agreement forcefully. Since that day, Pakistani army has launched 5 military operations in Baluchistan. There are dozens of remote areas where separatists are fighting against the State. Though now, most of the areas are under control and democratic government is working with sincerity for the stability of Baluchistan.
The Current Situation:
Democracy is strengthening and prevailing due to which we have witnessed some positivism in Baluchistan. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz formed coalition with Baloch National Party after the 2013 Elections to overcome Baloch Depravity. The current government managed to compensate for mistakes made by previous administrations. Despite having majority in the assembly, they invited Baloch National Party to establish and choose their own cabinet. Dr. Abdul Maalik Baloch took oath as Chief Minister. Baluchistan’s conditions were devastating before he assumed control. Majority of Balochis were fighting against the State with their mainstream leaders imposing a self-asylum. Dr. Maalik contacted all active Baloch leaders and convinced them to negotiate with the federal government. Majority of Baloch leaders negotiated with the government resulting in significant number of freedom fighters dropping their weapons. This ideal has been continued by Nawab Sanaullah Zahri, after Dr Maalik’s two and half year tenure. Mainstream Balochi tribes, including Bugtees, Zahrees, Murees and Mengals have started participating in administrative matters, after settlement between Federal Government and the offended Baloch leaders.
The only remaining issue which now induces trouble in the region is the involvement of external powers.
Because of CPEC and Gawadar’s deep sea port’s vitality, it is evident that India is trying to destabilize Baluchistan. And Kulbhushan Jadav’s confession is a notable example of that. Still, the role of security forces and civilian government is appreciable. Hundreds of terrorist belonging to LEJ and Jindullah, have either been arrested or killed during clashes with security forces. Recently, the Chief of Army visited Iran, where Iranian COAS promised and convinced Pakistan’s military leadership that they will not allow anyone to use Iranian soil against Pakistan. Strict security along with strong diplomatic ties with Iran and Afghanistan is the only way to resolve the terrorism issue in Baluchistan. As a nation, we hope that the civil and military leadership of Pakistan will keep working with the same pace and Baluchistan will prosper in the future.