ISLAMABAD: The speakers at a roundtable conference underlined the importance of structural reforms in Balochistan province for the improvement of law and order situation.
The round-table conference titled “Securing Balochistan Amid Hybrid Warfare Through Development” was organized by Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution (IICR).
Addressing the participants, Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar said there has been constant advocacy of Baloch insurgency from politicians or leaders which has worsened the situation. The conflict is there, insurgency is there, and it is not because of grievances rather organized conflict against the state of Pakistan, declared the senator.
He said Balochistan was vital for CPEC, specifically Gwadar, and the international factor cannot be neglected for insurgency in the province.
Assistant Professor Department of Governance and Public Policy NUST, Dr Farah Naz said Balochistan is a test case of hybrid warfare against Pakistan. “Every aspect of hybrid warfare is there in Balochistan.” She further said that Balochistan has been ruled by its own people who always look to the federal government rather than introspection towards their own rulers. Dr Naz also said that the conflict in Balochistan is directly linked with the development in the province, especially CPEC.
Dean Social Sciences University of Wah Dr Nazir said that other countries have developed expertise on Balochistan specifically India and US, which they exploit to the fullest.
Vice Chancellor University of Turbat University, Dr Mansoor Ahmed highlighted that it has been tested before to bring peace through development which is failing miserably. Development doesn’t bring peace it’s the other way round, he added.
Lt-Gen (r) Naeem Khalid Lodhi said that dialogue is necessary in order to resolve the issue in Balochistan. He said military is the stake holder in peace and development in the province. They have appropriate share in the center. They are ruled by their own people and after 18th amendment it is the ruler who should be asked. He said Balochistan is a complex of societal, economic and political flaws and adding to it is the foreign intervention which worsens the situation, said Gen Naeem.
Talking about CPEC Gen Lodhi said that Balochistan is vital to CPEC specifically Gwadar, adding that international factor cannot be neglected in Balochistan insurgency.
Lt-Gen Dr Zahid Latif Mirza said that unless and until structural reforms are brought in the provincial governments there would be no solution of law and order situation.
