ISLAMABAD, Dec 11: A conflict assessment report on Balochistan released by a civil society organisation has said the Baloch insurgent groups and religious extremists have at least some links with crime syndicates and gangs.

“Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and Baloch insurgents sometimes share information and infrastructure,” said the report prepared by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). “However, a nexus between Taliban and Baloch insurgents is unlikely,” it added.

The report also said insecurity in the province stemmed from a combination of nationalist insurgency, sectarian-related militancy, Taliban presence, target killings and criminal activities. There are evidences that local criminal gangs were coordinating with larger groups of nationalist and sectarian outfits in an informal arrangements for mutual benefits.

The report highlighted that the influence of extremists was stronger in most parts of the province.

“Different stakeholders believe that the political parties do not have the 'mandate' or the capacity to play a decisive role in resolving the conflict in Balochistan, and that the real power lies with the security establishment,” it observed.

Baloch nationalism has several structural and dynamic factors ranging from under-representation in the federation of Pakistan and its institutions to issues of political and fiscal autonomy and development.

It suggested that the government should boost the capacity and resources of security forces and law enforcement agencies in Balochistan to reduce the risk of insecurity and violence. Besides, FC, police, Levies and Balochistan Constabulary should be trained, equipped and resourced to maintain law and order in the province.

The report intends to advance an understanding of the causal factors, key players and dynamics of the conflict and suggests that there is a need for better coordination among the law enforcement agencies in the province.

The Levies system should be strengthened instead of giving policing responsibilities to it, the report said, adding ambiguities regarding the mandate and jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies should be done away with by assigning each agency its mandated roles.

The Balochistan government should work out a comprehensive roadmap for development projects and prioritise the sectors such as education, health, fisheries, livestock and mining.

It should prepare and share with local and international development organisations detailed proposals for such projects. It should also address the concerns of development agencies by ensuring security and transparency in financial matters.

The report said the federal government should ensure implementation of its political initiatives including the 7th NFC Award, the Aghaz Huqooq-i-Balochistan package, and the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which is vital to win hearts and minds of the Baloch people and reduce the nationalists' separatist and anti-federation sentiments.

It said the civil society organisations operated on a non-political basis and had no direct role in the conflict resolution.

On account of widespread insecurity, absence of rule of law and governance issues, many international development organisations have suspended or finished their projects in the province.