Balochistan Package with Balochistanis will work
By Maria Sultan • Nov 25th, 2009 • Category: Politics, Worth A Second Look • 21 CommentsThe people who really matter in Balochistan have rejected the Aghaz-e-Haqooq Balochistan package. They have also refused to trust anybody in the current setup. Their demands, requirements, aspirations and the approach is quite different and the package shows a quite different color. It seems that the Raza Rabbani and his team have carved out this package in their chambers without consulting the entities on the ground.
The credibility and the popularity and the sincerity of this regime is already in shambles. Nobody is prepared to trust them or take their work for true. The situation in the Balochistan, the larget province of Pakistan in terms of area (43% of total Pakistan) is in restive condition. Regardless of the Indian intervention, there are many internal problems created by our very own. The youth of Balochistan is angry and the people who have been killed, kidnapped and tortured are the source of inspiration for the angry elements. No superficial and cosmetics package like this is going to accomplish any healing for the province.
It is true that the Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani said to have endorsed the new package after the Prime Minister Gilani sat down with him and ISI Chief General Shujja Pasha to discuss all the important points of this package concerning the role of military in Balochistan. That is yet another thing which has been disliked by the Baloch leaders. There firstmost and foremost demand is the complete withdrawl of army and the para-military forces from the Balochistan.
When we in Islamabad so smugly table the packages for Balochistan and then show utter amazement when the Balochistani leaders reject it, we forget that Balochis are dignified people and they abhor the alms and charity. Balochis demand justice, equal rights and opportunities and Balochis want to live like people live in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi and Peshawar. Though life is not ideal in other cities of Pakistan too, but at least people don’t live under the barrel of gun.
Here I believe that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif of PML-N needs to play his role. He needs to come out of his palacial home in Raiwind, show some leadership colors, go to Sui, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Turbat, Mund, Kalat and Harnai and join hands with the angry Balochistani brothers. He should raise his hand with the Balochis and demand for the trial of Musharraf, equal rights for the Balochis, control of Gwadar to the Balochistan government, withdrawal of forces, and indemnity for the Balochistanis.
Otherwise, we should be ready to face soem gruesome consequences.
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Late Benazir Bhutto on her last visit to Baluchistan seek a public apology from Baluch Brothers and sister. She promised them to give their due rights. And today federal government has announced to pay the arrears of Gas Development surcharge from 1954-1991 amounting to Rs.120 billion to the Province in a period of 12 years would address a long standing economic demand of the Province along with other major announcements including announcement of making CM Baluchistan ” Chairman of Gawadar Development Authority” .
Islamabad November 24, 2009: President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated the government, the political parties and the people over the announcement today of Agaz-e-Haqooq-e Balochistan to make the province an equal partner in the Federation.
Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President described the announcement of the empowerment package today as “a giant leap forward” towards addressing the issues of the people of the Province and empowering them in accordance with their aspirations..
The President recalled that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto during her visit to Balochistan a fortnight before her assassination in December 2007 had promised the people of the Province that the PPP after coming into power would earnestly address their grievances. Thereafter the PPP, even before coming into power publicly and formally apologized to the people of Balochistan for the wrong and injustice done to them in the past by successive governments. It was followed by the setting up of a Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto Committee on Balochistan to formulate proposals for addressing the grievances of the people in consultation with all stake holders. Finally a Parliamentary Committee was set up by the government which drew up the Empowerment Package in consultation with all political parties.
President Asif Ali Zardari said that the provision of release of all political workers, return of the exiles, the initiation of political dialogue across the political spectrum in the province and the setting up of a Commission in respect of the missing persons were measures of far reaching significance which will have a salutary impact on the people of Balochistan.
The President said that the decision to pay the arrears of Gas Development surcharge from 1954-1991 amounting to Rs.120 billion to the Province in a period of 12 years would address a long standing economic demand of the Province.
The President said that all those who worked tirelessly in preparing the package and all the political parties and stake holders that participated in the process and lent their support to it deserved the gratitude of the people of Balochistan, indeed of the whole country. He said it was a thanks giving day as a pledge made to the people had been redeemed.
President Asif Ali Zardari also advised the government that an effective monitoring mechanism should be put in place to oversee the implementation of the proposals announced today. The President said that he will closely watch the implementation of these proposals.
Dinner- Meeting of PPP and allies at the Presidency:
Islamabad; November 24, 2009: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that a resolution on the Balochistan Empowerment Package was not the end but the beginning of the resolutions by the Parliament to the problems of other provinces as well.
He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party as the largest political force in the country had the will and the capacity to lead and it also knew the way. This he said while addressing the members of the Parliament in the Presidency Tuesday night, who were invited for a dinner gathering after the presentation of the Balochistan Empowerment Package in the joint sitting of the Parliament today.
The dinner meeting was also attended by the Prime Minister Syed Yusaf Raza Gilani, Federal ministers and members of the allied parties.
The President congratulated the Prime minister, Parliamentary committee on Balochistan and all the political parties. He said this was an occasion not only to celebrate but also to make a commitment to implement the package in letter and spirit.
The President said that through the Empowerment Package the government and the allied parties had created an atmosphere to make a new beginning. He said that it was a very satisfying moment for all of us, when we recall that Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto had promised the people of Balochistan in Quetta on December 15, 2007 that the PPP will empower them and redress their grievances.
Thank you, People’s government, for addressing genuine issues and grievance of the people of Balochistan, through a comprehensive “Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package” which was tabled in the Parliament today as advised by the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani formally announced the promised package on Balochistan in parliament on Tuesday, saying that “dreams of Baloch people have come true,” report said. “The Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package is being announced today. Dreams of people of Balochistan will come true through this package,” said the Premier. He said the package contains a series of constitutional reforms, economic measures and administrative steps to assuage the hurt feelings of the people of Balochistan. Gilani also said: ‘We apologise for neglecting Balochistan in the past’
The Head of package-preparing Committee Mian Raza Rabbani announced the package in the joint session of the Parliament. He said the package comprises four parts, i.e. constitutional, political, administrative and economic recommendations.
However, he said the package is not a substitute for provincial autonomy, adding the national history in connection with provincial autonomy is rather bitter and those who raised their voice in past demanding their rights were termed as defectors.
Mian Raza said the dialogue process would be initiated with all political forces in the province and the exiled people would be offered passage for homecoming.
Also, it has been recommended to present to the fore the list of missing people and they would be brought to the courts, adding the package recommends that those missing people would be set free who have no cases against them.
The joint session of the Parliament was held here today at 3.00 p.m. for approval of Balochistan package.
President Asif Ali Zardari under the article 54(1) of the Constitution summoned the joint session of the Parliament to discuss the package for the uplift of Balochistan
i totally disagree with maria sultan pseudo intelluctual . can you tell me where was Hasil bizenjo before PPP came into power , where was veteran politician Mengal and his son . today NP chairman is sitting is senate , hasil bizenjo after spending 11 years in jail is sitting in senate of Pakistan.i can bet you if there have been any musim league irrespective of there father name A,B or C doesn’t matter ,they would have never ever announced baluchistan package in joint sitting of the parliament , sunshine that’s not there priority they are GT road party and baluchistan doesn’t fall on GT road. btw the who are the stake holder Bugti and marri , dear akbar bugti party can never won more than 3 seats in general election , in ideal case he should also endorse the package but we are not in ideal state. other tribes of Baluchistan are equally important like raisani,khosa , jamali ,rind and others
.camera images are not always showing the real picture.can you tell out of 36 proposed point of the package which one is wrong or which is missing ?
i
Late Benazir Bhutto on her last visit to Baluchistan seek a public apology from Baluch Brothers and sister. She promised them to give their due rights. And today federal government has announced to pay the arrears of Gas Development surcharge from 1954-1991 amounting to Rs.120 billion to the Province in a period of 12 years would address a long standing economic demand of the Province along with other major announcements including announcement of making CM Baluchistan ” Chairman of Gawadar Development Authority” .
you got to be kidding Nawaz Sharif going to Balushistan.
its been more than 2 years he have come after exile he haven’t even went to Quetta for once and your talking about him going to pishin and other areas..
he will only go their when PPP will clear all the mess ,just like they did in Gilgit after that Nawaz sharif will visit there for a election campaign.
This is true that Balochistan has been neglected from many years and today all kind of issues become so critical there but but its still is the part of Pakistan, It’s a province of Pakistan,we can and we will save it as the civilian and democratically elected government of PPP came into power who always served the nation its best and today announcing of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package is beginning to a new hope to the people of Balochistan therefore I request to Pakistani Media to not spreading misconceptions reagarding Balochistan Package by making it new topic of their discussion or talk shows with analysis of their own team.
If tomatoes and cucumber were the only items grown in Baluchistan there would have been no problem and no act of subversion carried out. Gas supply and other mineral resources of Baluchistan are the only issues which are creating problems.
To deal with the subversion; rather than dealing with Sardars of concerned tribe and holding them responsible the government sends in Frontier constabulary or Army to carry out operation to up hold the government writ—- which becomes a point of all the contentions.
Its time that Sardars be shown their true faces that on their behest in order to mint money from government they are carrying out subversion.
The more you blame India, the more anger it creats in Balochistan. They are a proud people who hate WAHABISM who joined your country late but they have been cheated by Punjabies and Pakistan army is now coming into open. They trust Zardari who is a Baloach but Punjabi mafia is trying to sabotage his efforts. Target killing of Bugti and others by ISI has also alienated them.
The topic is interesting. Besides, I think there is some need of constitutional amendment regarding the Budget allocation of provinces and their authorities. Unfortunately, all other provinces except Punjab are also facing these difficulties like Balochistan. We believe that Central Government is Federation but actually they are authoritarian. I think except agricultural affaris, provinces have no other special rights and powers.
As far as this package is concerned, is a tremendous approach. I suggest that is a time work for Nation sincerily. I appreciate this act of Government. It is late but not too late.
Also I suggest that Government punish the person who were involved to create this situation in Balochistan (Previous Govt. Official) and following conspriacy theory in the province. (Baloch leaders)
Punjabi/Fauji/Molvi troika is responsible for most of Pakistan’s problems.
My Dears, I request you as a Pakistani that please don’t concentrate on politics. Don’t divert this tremendous approach to politics. Don’t play political game that we were playing in the past. Just concentrate on objectives and national interest. Whatever government rule in Pakistan is the servant of Pakistan. They are our representatives no more than that. Don’t debate with each other that PPP made this effort or PML(N) or any other. It is achievement of Pakistan because we all are Pakistanis. Please don’t instigate confict with each others at this conjuncture.
its always better to take negative aspects off the tv channels and give way to some positive approaches in life. This helps the people get out of depression fast with the amount of sad incidents taking place in our country. Tough times pass by just a little slow though. Our army is doing a great job as recently there has been a decrease in the terror elements of the country. We praise our forces for protecting this nation yet once again.
Nasir- y don’t we give credit to PPP of this great effort? because you ppl always want to criticize PPP for everything and now they had taken a great step which is not in the thought of any political party for the basic needs of Baloch people. It is clear that credit goes to PPP and PPP is the only party to help poors and needy ppl. It is an achievement of PPP and Pakistan not only Pakistan.
The Government of Pakistan Peoples Party has always been giving great priority to the rights of all the provinces of Pakistan and its policies are specially concerned with making the situations of Balochistan better and bringing it in mark with other provinces in terms of development. The Government has taken all out steps for a ‘PROSPEROUS BALOCHISTAN’ That can make a progressive Pakistan and from my point of view , all this credit goes to PPP….which has always thought out of the limited superstitions concerned with racism and provincialism. The PPP gov means a great and developed Pakistan!
PAKISTAN KHAPPAY!
MS is a brave, honest Writer & an Analyst. I support her wholeheartedly — BRAVO! Why is AZ & Co. i.e. Copy & Paste Corrupt Company sending billions of rupees to Baluchistan naturally to cut down their own Commission Partial Amount from the same allocated Package Amount, where we did not start this war, when ours own is in need? The Baluch Liberation Front started this, why don’t these Jiyalays clean it up and ready to help these annoyed own homeland people instead of searching such door which is to make commission amount?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IiGN6Yiofk ————–Joke:— Once a newly wed bride told to her closed friend/saheeli after coming back from their Murree Hill Side Honeymoon as these both above were behaving with each other as lovebirds anyway as she was telling about the events of her honeymoon period – her saheeli/friend asked how the honeymoon was — how did she spent days & nights over-there? The newly bride told to her friend – “I remember only one thing & i.e. only Ceiling of the Room where she stayed with her husband.” ——- So that in the matter of these Jiyala – Don’t forget they are namely AZ & RM who —REMEMBER— only one thing how to make money?
Oh Yes MS — there is no need to waste further any single second as their/Baluchis sufferings have been crossed their LIMITs so in a nut shell if these sentences are said. “Yeh Karien Gay- Aaisa Hoga Waisa Hoga-” I mean to say for such sentences TIME has already been passed away whatever this Government or as you suggested NS & Co go over there & moreover has to take some Utmost Required Actions on spur of the same moment.
Yes You Abay O Gunjo - Nawaz Sharif — Don’t go with mainstream! Pakistani people are better as “neighborhood” not “Hollywood, Bollywood or at Lollywood”. if you go mainstream you go money maker! That’s why I like all such Political Talk Show Conductors and other Analysts. They care about Muslims Ummah and not money.
The package shows one of two things. Either the current government is extremely incompetent or lacks the will to solve the problems of Balochistan or a combination of two. How can a package on which it worked for two years be rejected by Balochistanis. Because it doesn’t address the problems the way people of Balochistan want. Commissions and committees won’t do the trick. The government have to show some concrete and material progress. Balochis are asking for provincial autonomy and we are giving them 10% of their natural resources. Chief minister is made head of a board for which 19 grade officer is sufficient. These are some of the examples which shows the seriousness of government. I am not sure if this government has got a clue as to what is the solution to Balochistan problem.
thank you Maria for this interesting analysis. you have rightly pointed out the inefficiency, aloofness and corruptness of this dispensation.
i hope that the problem is solved very soon.
thx.
klb
its a very nonacademic analyzes of the the writer , compare Najam Sethi’s editorial with marvi sultan and you will see the difference in the approach. she is the not actually analyzing the content of the package .
check najam sethi editorial on baluchistan pacakage.
Balochistan package
The government on Tuesday presented the much-awaited Balochistan package to parliament. The package comprises constitutional, political, administrative and economic recommendations. It states that the government is “conscious that the provinces have a sense of deprivation in the political and economic structures of the federation” and that the provisions of the 1973 Constitution related to federation-province relations were circumvented in the past. The package talks about giving provincial autonomy to Balochistan and abolishing the concurrent list. It also recommends that the under-construction cantonments at Sui and Kohlu in the Bugti and Marri areas respectively be halted for the present, and the military be withdrawn, to be replaced by the FC. The package also deals with the issue of missing people. It says that the list of missing persons would be investigated and if they are found in custody, would be released. The government has also assured that there would be no political victimisation. Among other things, there would be an inquiry by the superior judiciary into the murders of Nawab Akbar Bugti, Baloch political workers, and target killing in the province.
It is indeed a welcome move that for the first time any government has realised that in order to safeguard the federation, it has to seriously address the Balochistan issue. For the first time, a government has recognised the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Balochistan and promised to rehabilitate them. Balochistan has been gravely neglected in the past and victimised. With the insurgency in Balochistan registering its presence time and again, the issue of provincial autonomy has finally assumed critical importance. Bringing normalcy to Balochistan may not be as easy a task as may appear because the people of Balochistan carry a history of neglect, exploitation and repression. The Baloch people have been fighting for their rights through political and constitutional means for nearly three decades after the military action of the 1970s and only frustration with that fruitless process persuaded a new generation to take up arms again. The Centre has finally been forced to consider the question of provincial autonomy and equitable distribution of resources. Despite being the richest province in terms of natural resources, including gas and minerals, successive governments have been denying the benefits of these riches to the local population of Balochistan. The government has now promised to settle the arrears of gas royalty owed to the province. It has also promised that all new mega projects would be initiated with the consent and approval of the provincial government. Balochistan’s share in the projects’ profits/benefits has also been assured. This is indeed a welcome move because in the past, the federal government did not involve the local people in any project, two prominent examples being Gwadar Port and the Saindak project.
With this government’s conciliatory and mature approach towards the issues facing the country, it is hoped that Balochistan’s grievances will finally be addressed. However, some of the provisions of the package may work against its thrust of reconciliation. For example, the leaders in exile are welcome to come home without fear of prosecution, except those who have serious charges against them. Similarly, political prisoners are to be released except those with serious charges against them. That leaves out all the prominent leaders in exile and most of the political workers in custody, whether acknowledged or ‘missing’. This will hardly work to bring a healing touch to the troubled province. The government must talk to the actual protagonists to bring about real change in the province.
That said, the government must be appreciated for bringing forth a package that addresses the most important issues related to a province that has been neglected and hard done by for the last six decades. The Baloch people deserve relief after successive military operations and exploitation at the hands of the Centre. *
@ mr kerrylugarbill , first i must tell you have a funny name . but i like it
, can you tell me which clause of the bill shows the incompetency of the government . or any clause you can suggest and that is missing ???
@KLBILL: i cant stop my laugh wat a name u got hahaha
I knw that u’d changed ur name bcoz ur teacher maria sultan likes this name tat’s y she’d posted 10 articles on KL BILL lol.. may be she is in luv with Mr Kerry Or Mr Lugar or i dont knw that she think like one of the oppsotion member in parlianment who said MR KERRY LUGAR hahaha.. it was real fun here commenting on this issue but i want to be serious bcuz PPP is doing serious efforts for the needy ppl of Balochistan who sacrificed and survived alot . This is the first ever package in the history of Pakistan for the betterment and prosperity of Baloch ppl but i feel sad when crazy ppl lyk Maria Sultan and her retarded student write against it. it shows tat u are not happy with it. But we need Pakistan strengthened,prosperous and peacefull and tats the mission of President Zardari cuz i heard him everytime he use these words for Pakistan even though he was not President at tat time when he saved Pakistan . the work Khappay for our beloved Nation is the best word spoken by Asif Ali Zardari. I am in favour of this Government and in favour of the mission of Asif Ali Zardari to make Pakistan the Best ! PAKISTAN PAYENDABAD !!
Aghaz-e-Haqooq-i- Balochistan package is the most commendable act of the Govt. This Package will certainly help to compensate the deprivation of Baloch people and heal their wounds. Infact it was the need of hour. Due to follies of a dictator and previous regimes Balochistan was at verge of destruction.
And According to ongoing campaign against the democratic Govt it is worth mentioning that it is totally unjust that Media never ever underscored Pakistan saving policies of Govt. It is dual face of the media that they never highlighted Govt efforts in war on terror, the war of survival of Pakistan , they never mentioned Govt’s strong economical policies. Media never commended Govt’s relief schemes like BISP and employees stock scheme. Similarly Balochistan Package is the mile stone in the history of Pakistan. Why media is reluctant to praise and engaged in maligning image of Govt. PPP claims to always safe Pakistan whenever fifth columns tried to disintegrate it and once again PPP proved it claim. Yes I believe PPP saved Pakistan by fighting against militants, PPP saved Pakistan by Isolating it in the international community, PPP saved Pakistan by strengthening economy and PPP saved Pakistan by taking key steps for the rights of Balochistan.