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Political reconciliation and dialogue key to solve the Balochistan crisis
Brig (R) Imran Malik and Brig (R) Farooq Hameed Khan were invited to share their insight on the Baluchistan crisis in a special seminar arranged by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore.
Brig (R) Imran Malik explained the external dynamics of the conflict in Balochistan, describing the ‘Great Game’ at play between major powers of the world and the region. He highlighted the interests of USA, Russia, China and India, the importance of the international trade corridors, and the part played by the strategic location of Balochistan in this conflict of interests between the major powers.
Brig (R) Farooq Hameed Khan discussed the internal dynamics of Balochistan. He highlighted the efforts of the government to win over the Baloch people. ‘Aghaz-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package, and Pakistan Army’s Welfare Projects in Balochistan were discussed. However, it was pointed out that these efforts alone could not change the life of the common man in Balochistan. For peace, the importance of political reconciliation through dialogue with Baloch leadership was emphasized.
The faculty members appreciated the information provided by the speakers. Some pointed out the need to develop a humanistic, holistic approach to solve this issue.
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Abid H K Shirwani, Director External Affairs, UMT, appreciated students’ interest in the topic. He pointed out that the suffering of the Baloch people is an important aspect of this issue which should not be ignored. He added that the presence of a Baloch representative on this occasion to tell his side of the story would have added to our understanding of the problem.
Dr Abdul Hameed, Dean, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, talked about the need to explore different aspects of this issue and have open discussion on all dynamics at play.
In the end, the students of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, UMT, moved a resolution in the house expressing solidarity with the people of Balochistan, demanding that all genuine grievances of the Bloch people should be addressed.
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