At least 21 victims – mostly Pashtuns – in a terrorist attack on the homes of workers in one of the economic activities considered a symbol of Islamabad’s control over local resources. Local activists to AsiaNews: “People are angry, we need real initiatives for dialogue with the Baluchis. But terrorism only aggravates the problems.
Balochistan (AsiaNews) – Dozens of assailants armed with guns, rockets and hand grenades against workers in a group of small private coal mines. It is the latest chapter in the long chain of violence in the Baluchistan region of southwestern Pakistan, which took place on the morning of Friday, October 11. At least 21 miners, four of them Afghans, were killed in their sleep or shot in actual executions in the Duki area, in an assault that was not claimed but is also suspected to be the work of the BLA, the Balochistan Liberation Army. , what are you doing just a few days He had killed two Chinese engineers in an attack.
What is the cause of this wave of violence in Balochistan? And what are the exits? Speaking to AsiaNews, Mian Asif (stage name Wisi Baba), famous writer and analyst, comments: “There is an insurgency in Balochistan, the provincial government does not have the support of the local population and is incapable of making decisions. People have many real problems, first of all unemployment, with young people not finding suitable work. This region has been the backyard of Pakistani governments, but now the population is dissatisfied with projects such as the Gwadar port (a key hub of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative) or the mines. Their problems have increased and they feel that these development projects are a kind of oppression against them. The geopolitical situation, terrorism in the region and unrest have quadrupled the problems. Balochistan would really need local government and rapid development projects. On the other hand, a peaceful dialogue between the State and these angry people is necessary: it must give them a feeling of belonging, people must know that these megaprojects are for them and that they will benefit from them. Peace in the region will not come overnight: it is a long process and, unfortunately, we have not even begun to move in this direction.
Naseem Anthony, human rights activist, adds: “The targeted killings of workers in Balochistan pose a serious threat to Pakistan’s economic stability, especially as the country prepares to host the United Nations Cooperation Organization summit. Shanghai (SCO). This growing unrest sends a clear message from extremist groups, signaling their intention to destabilize the region and hinder the country’s development. In addition to endangering workers’ lives, they risk deterring foreign investors at a critical time for Pakistan’s fragile economy. “It is imperative that political leaders take decisive action, demonstrating unity and ensuring zero tolerance for violence.”
Aamir Kakkazai, a writer and analyst from Peshawar, told AsiaNews: “The people killed were poor miners, they all belonged to the Pashto-speaking area. Balochistan has become a land of terror since General Musharraf killed Bugti, a Baloch leader. As time passed, none of the Pakistani state officials tried to mend fences with the enraged Baloch youth, but rather they started a limited war. It is sad that none of the State officials have tried to heal the wounds. “The state should monitor the situation prudently and protect the people of Balochistan by building peace in the region.”
The Baloch are prejudiced – added Father Khalid Rashid Asi – because they think that their resources are being plundered by other provinces. To build peace, the State must put an end to prejudice and hatred with sensible measures in the region. Baloch people should be able to enjoy their rights. On the other hand, their organizations must also abandon terrorism; With these terrorist activities they are showing that they do not accept the mandate of the State. There is no solution in terrorism; “Peace will only prevail through dialogue.”
For me, the solution to these problems is through fair elections in the province and giving the Baluchi people the right to govern themselves,” concludes Husnain Jameel, journalist and columnist. »When the resources of Balochistan are used for the Baloch people, then there will be peace. When they are certain that no one is plundering their resources, they will be satisfied and the peace-building process will begin. Let the Baloch leaders participate in the elections: let them govern and let peace prevail.”
