Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch: “The Ongoing Conflict in Balochistan Benefits Those Who Don’t Want a Solution

Turbat:Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, leader of the National Party, former Chief Minister of Balochistan, and Member of the Provincial Assembly, has stated that those benefiting from the ongoing conflict in Balochistan do not want the issue of the province to be resolved. He emphasized that the core issue of the Baloch people is their national identity, a struggle being fought worldwide. He also highlighted that Pakistan is a multi-ethnic state and a federation where the historical backgrounds, territories, and identities of each nation must be protected.

Dr. Baloch shared these thoughts on Wednesday at a reception ceremony organized by the Kech Bar Association, where he was the chief guest. The event was presided over by Abdul Majid Shah, President of the Kech Bar Association. Dr. Baloch pointed out that tribalism and illiteracy remain major problems in Balochistan, with the tribal system being a hindrance to unifying the Baloch as a nation. He stated that in the past, figures like Sandeman supported the tribal system, and today, it still enjoys state patronage.

Dr. Baloch criticized the state of education in Balochistan, where over 9,000 villages are deprived of schools, and thousands of schools operate with just one teacher. Despite the education budget being set at 4%, only 2% is actually utilized. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he managed to increase the education budget from 4% to 24%. He added that during the period from 1993 to 1996, special attention was given to education in the Makran region, leading to improvements.

He also noted the worsening unemployment situation, stressing that the lack of attention to key sectors like agriculture, livestock, and fisheries has contributed to increasing poverty. The trawler mafia has taken control of the fishing industry, while the lack of industries in the region has made people reliant on border trade, government jobs, and remittances from overseas. He pointed out that the region is also suffering from exploitative policies regarding mines and minerals.

Dr. Baloch further criticized the dangerous condition of roads in Balochistan, with no two-way highways across the province. He said that every sector of life is in crisis, and these issues can only be addressed when Pakistan becomes a true welfare state with a democratic spirit, where the parliament is supreme and the judiciary is independent. He lamented that, in contrast, the right to vote has been effectively taken away from the people, with elections rigged to ensure the victory of pre-selected candidates.

Regarding the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, Dr. Baloch stated that General Musharraf’s decision 20 years ago to push Balochistan into war had led to the sacrifice of thousands of young lives. He added that the government is unwilling to discuss this issue, as it benefits from the ongoing conflict. Those who gain from the situation do not want the issue to be resolved, he remarked.

Dr. Baloch assured the Kech Bar Association of his full support and expressed his gratitude towards Anwar and Qasim Gajizai for keeping him informed about the issues concerning the bar. He pledged to allocate 2 crore rupees for the construction of the new Bar Room under the upcoming PSDP and assured support for the improvement of the Lawyers’ Club and the establishment of new chambers in Turbat. He also revealed that his own PSDP schemes for the current year had been slashed by 40%.

In his presidential address, Abdul Majid Shah, President of the Kech Bar Association, welcomed Dr. Baloch and expressed appreciation for his comprehensive speech on national and regional issues. He highlighted that constitutional and democratic struggles are being curtailed, and illegal and unconstitutional actions continue. He further pointed out that the people’s economic struggles are being ignored, with key sources of livelihood, especially border trade, being severely restricted. He called for political parties and lawyers’ associations to work together in peaceful democratic resistance to safeguard the people’s rights.

Earlier, Qasim Gajizai, Chairman of the Balochistan Bar Council’s Executive Committee, and Niaz Muhammad, General Secretary of the Kech Bar, also addressed the gathering, raising awareness about the issues faced by the Kech Bar.

The ceremony was attended by senior lawyers, including former Advocate General Nazimuddin Advocate, Qasim Ali Gajizai Advocate, Mashkoor Anwar Advocate, Khaleel Ronaq Advocate, Shakeel Zamarani Advocate, Abdul Majid Advocate, Khuda Inayat Advocate, Mehrullah Gachki Advocate, Rustam Jan Gachki Advocate, and others in large numbers. The event was moderated by Abid Omar Advocate.