February 14, 2006	Tuesday	Muharram 15, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 13: People of Balochistan have started losing confidence in democracy and political parties because of the ineffectiveness of the political system in relieving them of discriminatory treatment.

This was the general view of the speakers who participated in a seminar titled ‘Conflict Situation in Balochistan’ organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Monday.

They alleged the government was not willing to resolve “the Balochistan crisis”.

Dr Ishaq Baloch of the National Party claimed that his party was not only the true representative of the educated middle class but also of different ethnic groups.

In his view the situation in Balochistan was “very similar” to that which led to the separation of East Pakistan. Balochistan has suffered five military operations, and the current “insurgency” had roots in the absence of true federation.

His demands included initiation of a meaningful political dialogue and a balanced and impartial constitution that safeguarded the rights of the local people.

Syed Shamsuddin of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) presented the findings of the HRCP’s latest fact-finding mission to Balochistan.

The report revealed that the military action in Baloch tribal areas had resulted in a large number of deaths. Deep resentment and anger prevails in the local communities along with an overwhelming sense of fear, it said.

The present situation calls for an open dialogue and a political settlement that also takes into consideration important issues such as provincial autonomy, Mr Shamsuddin said.

He further stated that the civil administration of Balochistan currently stood subservient to the military and there was a dire need to discourage this malpractice.

Ghulam Mustafa Baloch of Strengthening Participatory Organization, Quetta, said the federal government had taken control of the province’s resources away from the local people on the pretext that they were incompetent.

He said the government had targeted three tribal chiefs of Balochistan for their alleged anti-development stance, however, the state of majority of the people living under the rule of pro- government/liberal tribal leaders remained as miserable as the former. He also endorsed the demand for a balanced constitution.

While responding to questions of the participants, the speakers condemned the colonial attitude of the federal government and declared it a contributing factor to the crisis situation that prevailed in Balochistan.