Why Trouble Rules Balochistan

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Governor’s rule has multiplied the problems in Balochistan instead of fixing them.

Weeks after the imposition of governor’s rule, life in Balochistan is back to normal: fresh military operations against the Baloch nationalists, more killings of Shia Hazaras, renewed attacks on security personnel and deadly assaults on Punjabi settlers. Chaos and lawlessness are the hallmarks of routine life in Balochistan, and governor rule has not reshaped that. The critical question now is what the future holds for Balochistan if Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi fails to achieve the primary goals set in the wake of the state of emergency.

Governor’s rule was imposed in Balochistan following the horrific bombings in Quetta that killed more than 100 people earlier this month. After its imposition, two policemen Malik Siraj Akbarbelonging to the Hazara community were gunned down in Quetta on January 29th. Governor’s rule has not put an end to targeted killing.

And, during these 60-days of governor’s rule, Magsi has been confronted with the monumental challenges of restoring peace, initiating dialogue with enraged Baloch nationalists, holding politicians accountable for the corruption they carried out during the previous government and developing a conducive atmosphere for the upcoming general elections. In other words, he is tasked with creating a climate that motivates Baloch nationalist political parties to participate in the polls in order to rejoin mainstream politics. Read on>>

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3 Responses to Why Trouble Rules Balochistan

  1. […] across Pakistan. The result? Governor’s rule. Malik Siraj Akbar and Sajjad Hussain Changezi discuss the  aftermath. Ziyad Faisal considers the politics of another protest: the Tahir ul-Qadri march […]

  2. […] Governor’s rule has multiplied Balochistan’s troubles instead of fixing them. The supporters of parliamentary politics are still in a state of disbelief about how little they can do to prevent the federal authorities from usurping the provincial mandate. The Baloch nationalists oppose Islamabad’s carrot-and-stick policy while the sectarian groups remain the only beneficiary of the flawed and selective government approach. The Sunni extremist groups continue to thrive under what appears to be our “don’t-ask-don’t-tell” policy. (Courtesy: Tanqeed) […]

  3. […] Governor’s rule has multiplied Balochistan’s troubles instead of fixing them. The supporters of parliamentary politics are still in a state of disbelief about how little they can do to prevent the federal authorities from usurping the provincial mandate. The Baloch nationalists oppose Islamabad’s carrot-and-stick policy while the sectarian groups remain the only beneficiary of the flawed and selective government approach. The Sunni extremist groups continue to thrive under what appears to be our “don’t-ask-don’t-tell” policy. (Courtesy: Tanqeed) […]

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