Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani has said that while a handful of rebels cannot liberate the province, ‘policymakers in Islamabad’s secretariat’ are intent on breaking it up. There is an element of truth in his accusation since the province has been at the receiving end of the centre’s misplaced priorities, which have been responsible for keeping Balochistan in a state of backwardness and underdevelopment. One also seconds his assertion that Aaghaaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package has been reduced to a piece of paper. Except for increasing quota in the army and FC and a few other steps, the package has fallen short of achieving its targets. Another reason, he rightly pointed out for aggravating the peoples’ sense of resentment, was unfulfilled promises.
However, those sincere to the people of the province should start addressing the problems which give the rebel rousers the basis to exploit them. Wasting more time in recriminations and rhetoric normally aimed at political mileage would be counterproductive. The federal government must probe the charges levelled by Chief Minister Raisani while the provincial leaders should do their part in controlling the law and order situation, as the Supreme Court has exhorted.