Balochistan solution lies in dialogue: Jan Buledi

LAHORE : National Party leader, Senator Jan Mohammad Buledi, has said that the federal government’s attitude towards Balochistan has been negative and unjust from the very beginning. The national, economic, and political rights of Balochistan have not been respected. In fact, it can be said that the colonial attitude in Balochistan has persisted since the creation of Pakistan. Over the past 77 years, instead of addressing these issues, they have been consistently ignored, and the colonial mindset continues to this day.

He expressed these views while addressing a seminar on the Balochistan issue at Lahore Press Club on Saturday.

The seminar also featured speeches by Mujib-ur-RehmanShami, ImtiazAlam, and others.

Senator Jan Buledi stressed that the issues in Balochistan have become more complex over the years, yet the rulers still refuse to recognize the national and political rights of the people of Balochistan. Balochistan, which occupies half of Pakistan’s geographic area, is rich in mineral resources. However, it is surprising that the resources of Balochistan are valued by Pakistan and its rulers, with daily conferences being held in Islamabad to sell the province’s minerals at throwaway prices in the global market. Yet, the Baloch people and their leadership are neither consulted nor taken into confidence, and the economic interests of Balochistan are ignored.

“Islamabad may care for Balochistan’s resources, but it has no concern for the impoverished people of the region,” he remarked.

Even the results of the digital census in Balochistan were rejected, and its population was falsely recorded as 8 million, which is a blatant fraud against the people. The federal government is unwilling to accept the population of half of Pakistan, fearing it would increase Balochistan’s representation. The denial of coastal resources and national rights continues, and now, even the right to vote is being denied. The limited political space available to the people of Balochistan and political parties has been sold out.

“Pakistan’s major political parties and the powerful establishment have learned nothing from past mistakes. The large political parties constantly compromise for the sake of power, sidelining national and public interests to accept temporary authority. The policies of these parties are inconsistent; they are one thing in power and another in opposition, with their priorities remaining focused on their personal interests rather than national issues,” he said.

Buledi stated that the biggest issue in Balochistan is enforced disappearances. The state and its institutions have acted above the law and constitution, and governments have shown no seriousness in addressing the issue of missing persons.

“Corruption and nepotism have reached extreme levels in Balochistan, with bribes being taken for appointments, postings, and transfers. Employment opportunities are being sold,” he added.

He said the youth of Balochistan have now risen in protest against these injustices, and women and children are also protesting for the recovery of their missing loved ones.

Despite the great respect for women in Balochistan’s society and culture, unfortunately, the state and its institutions have trampled on Balochistan’s traditions, subjecting women and children to violence, arresting them, and imprisoning them. He added that the National Party strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms. The killing of innocent people on the streets is unacceptable.

He emphasized that the solution to Balochistan’s problems lies in dialogue. The state and Pakistan’s national parties must adopt a national reconciliation policy and create policies to address the issues and challenges faced by the youth of Balochistan. Trust-building is essential. Political parties should play their part and engage in dialogue with Balochistan’s political parties and youth to find solutions. As a first step toward trust-building, it is necessary to release all detained political workers and women, avoid the use of force, and find a way to recover missing political workers.

Buledi further stressed that there is a need to focus on education and health, provide employment opportunities for the youth, and offer jobs based on merit. Trade along the border should be legally protected, and the distribution of jobs and resources should be equitable. The allocation of resources and powers must be fair to ensure the equal development of all provinces.