Written by Sajjad Shaukat   

A Gallup survey of the UK official body, DFID, conducted on July 20, 212, had disclosed that the vast majority of the Baloch people oppose the idea of an independent Balochistan.

As a result of the general elections 2013, the government led by the nationalist leader Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch was established in Balochistan, while on December 7, 2013; local bodies elections were largely held in a peaceful manner in the province. These elections proved that majority of the Baloch are loyal to the federation, and do not favour separation of the Balachistan, as they have rejected the case of separatists, being projected by anti-Pakistan powers. However, it is regrettable that foreign funded and foreign sponsored anti-state outfits like Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), United Baloch Army (UBA), Baloch Republican Army (BLA), and their affiliated outfits including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province gets logistic support from American CIA and Indian RAW—these militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province. They also massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. The aims behind are to weaken the state, public infrastructure, while coercing the economy to fulfill external agenda of the US, India and some western powers. Another purpose is to discourage China for the development of Gwadar port.

Unfortunately, Balochistan lacks technological prowess and economic resources to exploit its minerals and untapped resources. In this context, government of Pakistan has made considerable progress to develop Gwadar into an international port with a future plan to link it with Kashgar (China). Observing the intentions of the hostile powers which have eyes on mineral resources of Balochistan and its significance due to geo-strategic location, during his trip to Beijing, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang signed eight agreements on July 5, 2013 in various fields. The most important one envisages the establishment of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) between deep Gwadar seaport of Balochistan and the historic Silk Road city in western regions-Xinjiang of China—connecting to Gilgit-Baltistan through Khunjerab Pass.

Nevertheless, by showing positive approach, Dr. Wahid Baloch, President Baloch Council of North America (BCNA) recently decided to adopt various measures to step up psychological campaign against Baloch rebel elements and their supporters at international forums—to initiate a web petition demanding the US State Department to declare BLA and BRA as terrorist organizations. In this regard, BCNA has also created twitter account and Facebook page.

Dr. Wahid Baloch has asked all the Baloch Diaspora leaders to shun the militancy, lay down their arms and come to the negotiating table for a positive and meaningful dialogue to end the so called “war of independence” and adopt a more realistic approach which can benefit the Baloch people and improve their lives.

Dr. Wahid Baloch explained, “Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan and will remain as such…the Baloch youths to focus on their education and not be misguided or brainwashed by the fancy slogans of Azadee (Freedom) of Nawabs and Sardars (Feudal lords) and their sons who are enjoying luxury life by themselves in Europe and are on payroll of foreign powers.”

He pointed out, “Those who are pushing the ordinary Baloch into the so called “war of independence” for their personal gains to get them killed are equally responsible for their killing…instead of fighting against the state, they should fight the exploitative, abusive, opportunist and greedy Nawabs and Sardars, who are the main hurdle of Balochistan's development”, and they should “use only non-violent democratic and peaceful means of struggles to help the democratically elected Government of Dr. Malik to secure the Baloch rights within the Pakistani Federation.”

Dr Wahid Baloch said, “Dialogue and negotiations are the only way forward.” He applauded Balochistan Chief minister Dr. Malik Baloch and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Saharif for their sincere efforts to resolve the Balochistan problems on priority bases and asked them to accelerate the development programs in Balochistan so that the people can benefit from them.

For the purpose, he also asked Dr. Malik Baloch to immediately convene the long waited proposed All Pakistan Conference (APC) on Balochistan to collect recommendations and suggestions on how to address and resolve the Balochistan’s issues and pave the way for a dialogue and negotiations to find an everlasting solution of the conflict amicably.

He indicated, “Joblessness is a huge problem in Balochistan and jobless frustrated Baloch youths are an easy prey for the militants and extremists groups to fight their dirty war. Providing them with jobs to put food on their table will greatly help to remove their sense of frustration, alienation and marginalization and prevent them from being recruited and used by the terrorists and militant outfits.”

He further said, “Balochistan is going through a tough time and it is the responsibility of every Baloch to demonstrate a positive, more responsible and realistic attitude to help solve the Balochistan’s problems.

In this respect, he invited all Baloch Diaspora leaders and activists for a positive and constructive dialogue which can help resolve Balochistan’s problems peacefully. He asked them to join the BCNA to promote a positive and more realistic message to save and secure the Baloch people’s rights within the Pakistan.

Dr. Baloch reiterated that the BCNA will continue to work with all democratic and nationalist forces in Pakistan to secure the Baloch rights through democratic, nonviolent and peaceful means within the federation of Pakistan and that the BCNA is against terrorism, violence and extremism in all of its forms and shapes.

It is notable that a notorious Ahmar Masti Khan displayed poster to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi titled “Modi: Balochistan Loves You, Needs You” during his visit to New York.

Regrettably, as part of the Great Game, certain foreign entities are using Baloch dissidents and anti-Pakistan NGOs like “American Friends of Balochistan”, and individuals with hideous personal reputation like Ahmer Masti Khan-a known passive gay, to promote their agenda in Gwadar. In this context, Ahmer Masti Khan wrote letters to Oman embassy in Washington seeking help of Sultan Qaboos to defeat the alleged “Pak-China Plan” to takeover Gwadar. He distorts history that Gwadar was part of Oman, disregarding the fact that Gwadar was purchased from Oman by Pakistan in 1958 during the era of Ayub Khan. In fact, “American Friends of Balochistan” is a Washington based NGO which works for the Indian lobby to promote dissent and provocate insurgency in Balochistan. The aim is to destabilize Balochistan and disseminate false information to the audience using social media. While, Ahmer Masti Khan has no association with Baloch people, as he was born in Burma and his family lived there for a very long time. He is still living in US and does not come to Balochistan very frequently. People like Ahmer Masti Khan cannot be the spokespersons for Baloch people. They are simply available for few pennies and are always on sale. Undoubtedly, it proves, as to how external enemies, especially India are backing Baloch separatist leaders.

No doubt, the Baloch are patriotic people with political will and inner strength to stand against any propaganda, conducted to tarnish their dignity and damage their unity.

Nonetheless, Pakistan’s top officials and segments of all society including media must highlight and project the positive activities of the BCNA whose President Dr. Wahid Baloch has invited all Baloch Diaspora leaders and activists for a positive and constructive dialogue that can help in resolving the Balochistan issue and its related problems.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

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