Blood spill engenders bloodshed. Hate leads to more hate. But how long can the State continue the State of Violence endless in Baluchistan?
The recent series of riots, including the ethnic orientation of passengers in Gwadar, demands an unequivocal conviction. Poor workers and travelers, often the only supporters of their families, are being attacked without another reason than their ethnic origin. Killing the nationalist ‘resistance’ is morally indefensible.
Baluchistan has been neglected for a long time by the State, politically, economically and socially. The sensation of alienation is real, and the frustration of their people deprived of their rights is driven by genuine complaints. But for militant groups to turn this pain into a justification for ethnic violence is nothing less than evil. Those who carry out such acts of terrorism are the murderers, simple and simple. There can be no tolerance for the elements that fell racial hatred.
That said, it is time for the main political parties to admit their inability to involve Baluchistan significantly. Too often, Baloch’s nationalist matches are fired as “antinational” or painted with the same brush as terrorist groups. This approach is counterproductive, isolates Baloch’s moderate voices and feeds on extremist narrative. National parties must listen, participate and share power so that they are fair and inclusive.
At the same time, provincial leadership must ask what has done to raise the people to represent. Governance remains abysmal, even when Baloch’s chosen leaders are at the helm. They must also own their responsibility and do more to provide services, jobs and a future for their youth, before militancy becomes the only way that desperate young people see in advance.
In addition, Baloch’s nationalist groups must condemn such atrocious acts where non -balloon workers are highlighted and killed in cold blood. The National Action Plan foresees a comprehensive strategy to end terrorism in all its forms. A key component of the NAP is the “Baluchistan reconciliation process” that is expected, aims to bring the mainstream to the mainstream.
Provincial ministers have expressed their opening to dialogue. For peace in Baluchistan, all interested parties, the State, political parties and civil society must act together to implement a nap in letters and spirit.
Posted in Dawn, March 29, 2025
