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Of late a trend, quite pronounced in nature, for the provincial autonomy of Balochistan is being aired by a few Balochi Sardars on the media. In that they are not only openly demanding control of all natural resources of Balochistan, leaving defence, foreign affairs and the currency to the Centre, but also the tenor and tone of the language used by them smacks of more than the ostensible provincial autonomy. They talk of 'negotiating' with Pakistan, instead of the federal government, as if Pakistan is something alien to them.

This is, to say the least, a dangerous trend and must be handled very carefully by all concerned. The most important fact is that Balochistan is physically the largest province of Pakistan. Its people - the Pashtoons and the Balochis - are second to none in owing their allegiance and loyalty to Pakistan.

They have always shed their blood like any other Pakistani for the defence of the motherland.

However, it is also a fact that this province of Pakistan is the least developed of all and that its people are the poorest. They most certainly deserve a better deal than what has been meted out to them so far.

Happily, the present regime has realised it and taking steps to ameliorate their lot. Development projects of more than 13.5 billion rupees are in the offing.

Gawadar port with its allied benefits of trade and fisheries, a huge network of roads, schools, hospitals and dispensaries, agricultural and water management schemes, industrial and other socio-economic projects are all being undertaken most sincerely and expeditiously by the government which will transform the condition and living standards of the Baluchis in the very near future.

All such developments are also likely to 'liberate' the masses from the iron shackles of the Nawabs and Sardars of the area.

They see the enormous wealth of the province slipping out of their hands and being passed on to the masses directly.

Their very existence is being endangered. Hence, raising of the specter of the provincial autonomy by them so that they keep enjoying the control over the national wealth as well as the masses of Balochistan as here-to-fore.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005


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