| Statements of political parties Condemning the government policies |
 |
| Operation in Balochistan condemned Protest demonstrations were staged by different parties in front of Karachi Press Club against military operation in Balochistan, here on Monday. Holding banners and placards, protesters raised slogans against the operation and urged the government to stop the operation in Balochistan and withdraw cases against Baloch leaders. Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz chairman Bashir Qureshi while addressing protesters alleged that the government was keen "to occupy resources of Balochistan and Sindh, and change Baloch’s and Sindhis into a minority in their own provinces." He said the army operation was carried out in Balochistan in the past, but the government could not crush nationalists. He urged the government to stop operation in Balochistan, withdraw cases against Nawab Marri, Akhtar Mengal and other Baloch leaders, and stop setting up cantonments in Balochistan. Fida Hussain Dashti, Hidayatullah, Noor Hussain, Hanif Baloch and Rauf Baloch while addressing demos, organized by Pakistan National Party, said they would not allow the government to succeed in its designs in the name of mega-projects and cantonments. 18.8.04 |
| Military operation will incite Baloch rebellion says, Qamar Pakistan People Party Parliamentarians lawmaker Syed Naveed Qamar said the ongoing military operation had been initiated to capture the provincial natural resources, fearing that the offensive would incite the Baloch to rebel if it were not stopped soon. At the opening ceremony of a resource centre of PLSC (Pakistan Legislative Strengthening Consortium), Naveed Qamar said that the military operation in Balochistan was an attempt to conquer the Baloch people. However, he said that the government could not win the hearts of patriotic Baloch by force; rather it would compel the citizens of Balochistan to confront their own army. 13.8.04 |
| MMA opposed military operation in Balochistan Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal central leader and Jamaat-i-Islami Naib Ameer Liaquat Baloch has asked the government to stop the military operations in Balochistan and withdraw the cases filed against Baloch nationalist leaders. Speaking at a press conference after holding a meeting with party workers, the MNA called for sending troops back to barracks. He warned that the Balochistan operation would trigger anger and hatred among tribesmen against army. MMA Prof Mohammad Waqas Khan, MMA deputy secretary-general Punjab Nazeer Janjua, JI district Ameer Abass Butt and district general-secretary Abdul Waheed were also present on the occasion. Mr Baloch said army should not wage war against its own countrymen, and asked the government to resolve all contentious issues only through dialogue and negotiations to address all the issues to keep federation intact. He maintained that army action could pose a threat to the sovereignty of the country. Warning the government of 1971-like situation, he said the country was under dictatorial rule and the rulers were fuelling a conflict between the people, federation and federating units. The MMA leader said the military operation would bear fatal consequences for the country and the people. He said there were no terrorists in Balochistan, but it was just the citizens of the province, who were demanding their constitutional rights. He said the rulers were repeating the past mistakes which had divided country. He said decisions were being taken by only one man, as before launching military operation in Balochistan, neither the Parliament nor the National Security Council was taken into confidence. He said in this modern age, nations could not be enslaved through the power of gun. He urged the government to hold talks with tribal elders at nationalists in Balochistan and stop use of force. He appealed to the chief minister and governor of Balochistan to work with nationalist parties to diffuse the tension and find solution to all problems by developing understanding and trust among all stakeholders. 8.8.04 |
| Baloch nationalists protest
against ‘military operation’
The office-bearers and activists of the alliance of four Baloch nationalist parties, including Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) and National Party (NP), staged a protest demonstration here and in some other parts of the province on Monday against the "military operation", establishment of new military garrisons and the Gwadar port project. In Quetta, the protest demonstration was led by Central Secretary-General of the JWP Agha Shahid Bugti, Central Secretary-General of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) Habib Jalib Baloch, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch of the NP and others. Carrying placards and banners, the demonstrators chanted slogans against the establishment of new cantonments, Gwadar deep-sea port project and "military operation" and in favour of the alliance of the four Baloch parties - JWP, NP, BNP-Mengal and Baloch Haqtawar. Later, the demonstration turned into a big public meeting where the Baloch nationalist leaders condemned the "military operation" in the province and demanded of the government to withdraw the cases registered against the leaders and activists of the parties. Agha Shahid Bugti said that whenever they raised voice for securing the rights of Baloch nation, the rulers attempted to gag their voice. He added that the JWP always demanded the rights of Baloch and Balochistan within the framework of the country. But, the rulers treated them as they had treated the leaders of East Pakistan in the past, he deplored. Habib Jalib Baloch of the BNP-Mengal said that during the "military operation" more than 450 activists of different nationalist parties, including BNP-Mengal and NP, had been arrested and thrown in different torture cells. He added that the operation was under way in Turbat, Gwadar, Dera Bugti and Kohlu in an attempt to "snatch" the resources of the Baloch nation. Meanwhile, demonsterations were also held at Sibi, Khuzdar, Turbat and other parts of province against the military operation new cantonments and Gwadar project. The News 10.9.04 |
| ANP
opposes ‘military operation’ in Balochistan Announcing all-out support to
the nationalist forces struggling for provincial autonomy in Balochistan,
the Awami National Party (ANP) chief has asked the government to
immediately call off the "military operation" and withdraw
"fake cases" against the leaders of the Balochistan National
Movement (BNM) and other nationalist parties. Addressing a new conference
here on Friday, the ANP central president also urged the military
administration to send the Army back to barracks and initiate dialogue
process to settle the dispute. Asfandyar Wali, flanked by
provincial President of the party Begum Nasim Wali Khan, Haji Ghulam Ahmad
Bilour, Aqil Shah, Haji Adeel and other leaders appealed to all the
nationalist, political, democratic and liberal forces to get united to
stop the "military operation" in Balochistan. "We should
struggle jointly to foil the designs of the forces destabilising the
federation. We should also strive to make the country a federation in
letter and spirit," the ANP president contended. Announcing support to the
nationalist forces in Balochistan, Asfandyar said: "I declare
unconditional and complete support within the parameters of law and the
Constitution to the nationalist forces of Balochistan. We consider
ourselves as part of their struggle." A state could remain stable and
secure when the nationalities living in it were given their due rights, he
said, adding that with the "military action" in Balochistan
disharmony in the country would increase. He claimed that there was a big
difference between strong Centre and strong Pakistan. "A strong
Pakistan is possible only when the smaller nations living in it are given
the basic constitutional and genuine rights," he added. Asfandyar said that his party
had always advocated the process of dialogue for settlement of
controversial issues. "Military action is no solution to any problem.
We have already suffered due to the military action in 1971." |
| Baloch
nationalists announce shutter-down on 27th
Central leaders of the alliance of four Baloch nationalist parties
condemned the attitude of the rulers, "army operation" and
establishment of new military garrisons in Balochistan, and announced a
shutter-down strike in Balochistan on August 27. The leaders of National Party (NP), Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP),
Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) and Baloch Haq Tawar (BHT) said
they were contacting all the politico-nationalist parties and traders to
make the strike a success. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, JWP Secretary-General
Agha Shahid Bugti said the office-bearers and the activists of the four
nationalist parties would stage demonstrations on August 9 in front of all
the press clubs of Balochistan to condemn the establishment of new
cantonments and denounce the attitude of the rulers. NP Central Secretary-General Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, BNP-Mengal’s
Central Secretary-General Habib Jalib Baloch, MNA Abdul Rauf Mengal,
former chief minister Mir Hummayun Khan Marri, Abdul Wali Khan Kakar and
former provincial minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch were also present on the
occasion. They demanded of the authorities to call off the "army
operation", release political workers and students, and withdraw fake
cases against them. Agha Shahid Bugti regretted that the government had launched the
operation from Turbat to Kohlu district of Balochistan. MNA Abdul Rauf
Mengal said over 200 people were arrested during the operation in Turbat,
Gwadar and Khuzdar. About 17 arrested workers were in lockups in Khuzdar,
while more than 70 people were shifted to unknown places, he alleged. Agha Shahid regretted that the arrest warrants of Nawab Khair Bukhsh
Marri, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Habib Jalib Baloch and others had been issued
in an attempt to pressurise them. He added that innocent people were also being harassed and arrested in
Sui and Dera Bugti. |
| Mega projects aimed converting Baloch into minority, claims Attaullah Mengal Nationalist leader of Balochistan and former Chief Minister, Sardar Attaullah Mengal has said that Baloch population is being converting in to minority in the province in the name of mega projects. Commenting on Khuzdar killing incident the veteran politician told BBC in an interview that the incident is not a new one and claimed that Armed Forces are using helicopters and tanks in military operation in Makran. As a result many innocent people have been killed. He alleged that house-to-house search operation is still continuing there. In reply to a question Sardar Attaullah said that mega projects are being implemented in the province for settlement of Punjabis because super highways are being linked with Punjab. In reply to another query he said that Mir Zafrarulllah Khan Jamali was from Balochistan but he was sacked. He said, he may had opposed the operation in Balochistan and pointed out any one who will oppose or criticize the rulers, would go home. We had heard that Governor Abdul Qadir had opposed military operation in Dera Bugti but he was removed, he remarked.4.8.04 |
| Rulers
have not learned lesson from separation of East Pakistan, Says Nawab Bugti
Chief of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) and seasoned politician of the country, Nawab Muhammad Akbar Khan Bugti has said that rulers have not learned lesson from separation of East Pakistan. |
| PONM seeks halt to Balochistan operation - threatens to launch protest campaign The Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement (PONM) and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) will requisition a Senate session to discuss ‘undeclared military operation’ in Balochistan and sending of troops to Iraq. PONM leader Senator Sanaullah Baloch said the requisition for the Senate session would be submitted today (Thursday). He added the required number of senators had signed the requisition. The PONM had reached an understanding both with the MMA and the ARD on initiating a House debate on the Balochistan situation in the context of the security situation. Addressing a news conference, PONM leaders threatened it would launch a protest movement against the “military operation” in Balochistan. Dr. Abdu Hai Baloch, Akram Shah, MNA Abdul Rauf Mengal, Senators Sanaullah Baloch and Raza Muhammad Raza called for immediate end to the operation and release of arrested people. MNA Rauf Mengal claimed troops had been carrying out the operation over the last 25 days and more than 70 people had been apprehended in Gwadar alone. He said PONM’s leaders democratic and progressive people and had been fighting for their fundamental rights for the last 56 years. He alleged the rulers were stripping the people of their basic rights in the name of the so-called operation against terrorists. He insisted there was no sign of al-Qaeda presence in the area. PONM president Dr. Abdul Hai Baloch felt the country was passing through the worst phase in its history. He said the rulers were busy making attempts to “conquer their own masses.” Holding the establishment responsible for the ills plaguing the country, he said civil and military bureaucrats were placing the blame of their wrong deeds on parliamentarians. He went on to allege the rulers wanted to create a grave situation. “We want to make it clear to rulers that it is the age of globalization, which has its own set of demands,” he said, adding Gwadar was not a development project but a “conspiracy to strengthen military cantonments.” He demanded of government to stop arresting innocent people and tell where it had locked them up. “Use of might is no solution to the problems, the outstanding issues should be resolved through negotiations,” he remarked. Former senator and Pakhtoonkhaw Milli Party leader Akram Shah said contempt of the judiciary and the arrest of PONM workers were part of rulers’ attempt to expel democratic forces from the political process. He said all contracts were being awarded to army, adding some 30 billion rupees had been allocated for a levies project whereas only Rs15 million were being spent on development schemes. He revealed an operation in Turbat was on for more than a week but the media had been kept in the dark. They urged immediate remedial steps to resolve the problems of Baluchistan’s people. Senator Sanaullah Baloch, MNA Abdul Rauf Mengal, Dr. Abdul Haye Baloch and Akram Shah stressed an end to the existing state of affairs. The PONM leaders called for practical steps to ensure the welfare of the people of Balochistan, saying the province was facing a large number of problems including water shortage. “The officials concerned should give proper attention to handle this emerging water crisis,” they said, adding their province rich in natural gas reserves and other resources, which must be utilized for providing better amenities to the local people.4.8.04 |
|
Balochistan military action: MMA tables adjournment motion
Muttahida Majlis-e-Aamal (MMA) members of the National Assembly Liaqat Baloch, Hafiz Hussain Ahmad and Fareed Ahmad Paracha have tabled a joint adjournment motion against the “military action” in Balochistan, asking the speaker to hold an open debate on the issue. |
|
JWP
to resist cantonments in Balochistan Jamhoori Watan Party Monday warned
the government that they would strongly resist the action of forcible
evacuation of poor people and grabbing land for construction of cantonment
at Sui, Dera Bugti, adding responsibility for any law and order situation
in the area would totally rest with provincial administration. The JWP
leaders Agha Shahid Bugti stated this, central secretary general, Senator
Amanullah Kanrani, provincial president and Sardar Niaz Barraich,
provincial secretary general, in a Press conference here on Monday. They
said that JWP would not restrict to Dera Bugti district only but it
resists any move aimed at grabbing lands and forcible evacuation of the
poor people anywhere in the province. They said that Dera Bugti is not a
district but a part of Pakistan where the biggest national natural wealth
in the shape of gas lied, which is the sole source of income of the
province. The JWP leaders maintained, the party has since long been
fighting against state-terrorism, barbarism, lawlessness and
extra-judicial action continued in the province. The innocent residents of
Sui Town and Sansila have been subjected to rocket and machine-gun firing
for the last many weeks and these actions aimed at to instigate the people
for paving the way for a major military operation in the area so that
justification could be provided for building of cantonments, they
asserted. Agha Shahid Bugti made it clear to
the relevant quarters that Balochistan people neither be intimidated on
lame pretexts nor would they allow the establishment of cantonments on
their soil or to permit outsiders to capture their natural resources. Agha
Bugti added that government wanted to grab the land of tribesmen of
Bakhlani, a sub-clan of Bugti tribe, at Israli Thal of Sui after
inflicting losses on the owners by bulldozing their mud houses and tents
through Frontier Corps in the darkness, in a bid to force them for
launching a protest. |
|
Mengal
condemns action in Kohlu Chief of the Pakistan Oppressed
Nations Movement (PONM), Sardar Attaullah Mengal, has condemned the
operation in Kohlu saying that it was not unexpected. In an interview with SANA on
telephone, Sardar Mengal said that blood of Baloch people is cheaper to
shad as “we experience military operation after every five years.” He
said he would raise his voice wherever the injustice is done in
Balochistan. Kohlu Tribal Agency was the prime
target for the past many years, Sardar Mengal said. They were in search
for a pretext to take action against the local tribesmen without knowing
that they would succeed or not. Responding to a question, Sardar Mengal said that the Government never makes an announcement about beginning of a military operation in Kohlu. The Government simply kills innocent and poor people quietly and unceremoniously, Sardar Mengal said. SANA 1.7.04 |
|
Baloch Student Organization
Muttahidda called a strike against the excesses of the law enforcing
agencies here on Friday at Turbat. |
|
The General Secretary of BNM
(Baloch National Movement) Mr, Rahim Baloch advocate said in his
statement, that the constructions of military cantonments in Balochistan
are not the need of Baloch people. Baloch will resist against the plunder
of Baloch resources and occupation forces of Panjabi Pakistan. He further said that all Balochs
got anger on the Government and are condemning the operation of Kohlu
Balochistan, which has started last two days. And we pay tribute to those
brave Baloch who are fighting bravely with FC and Levies forces and
defeated them. |
|
Army operation
in Balochistan criticized The Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader and MNA, Abdul Rauf Mengal, on Wednesday strongly condemned the army operation in Turbat, Gawadar and Kohlu. |
|
Baloch
will resist against the usurpation of their rights: Ghulam Mohammad Baloch President of Baloch national
movement Mr Ghulam Mohammad Baloch says the Kohlu operation is the
“state terrorism” of Pakistani Government. Baloch will never give nor
stop the struggle of their rights. The Kohlu Kahan operation indicates
that the Government want to plunder the Baloch national resources. While the operation of FC
(Frontier Corps) and Levies opened fire on innocent children and aged
people. He angrily criticizes the operation and said that Baloch’s have
the power to defend their motherland Balochistan. And the Government of
Pakistan will never be succeed in their looting plan of Baloch natural
resources. |
| JWP demands troops pullout, end to operation in Kohlu The politburo of the Jamhori Watan Party has strongly condemned the armed raids on peaceful Marri tribesmen near Mawand Kohlu by the recently raised Special Levies, a force raised by the Government. In a statement released to the newspapers said that the Special Levies comprised of 600 armed personnel while there were fewer Marri tribesmen who defended their land, property, life and honour against the marauders. There were no losses on the side of Marri Tribesmen while the marauders suffered some losses. The JWP politburo termed it as ‘cowardly’ and ‘state terrorism’ sponsored by the Government. It warned the Government to stop arbitrary action against the Marri Tribesmen, respect the honour life and property of the local people. It should also refrain from the expansionist designs to usurp Baloch resources and land. The politburo statement reminded the Government of tribal nature of Baloch society where there would be a stronger reaction to any aggression and aggressive designs with an unending revenge killing. It demanded immediate pullout of the Government forces from Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Sui,Gwadar and Jhalawan and stop implementing the idea of launching a military action and restore traditional peace and amity in Balochistan, a press release of the JWP signed by senator Amaunllah Kanarani, said. 29.6.04 Balochistan Express |
| Opposition
condemn police action in Kohlu During the session of Balochistan Assembly a Member
of BNP (Balochistan National Party) Mr, Akhtar Hussain Lango, MPA from
Quetta, raised the issue of police action in Kohlu claiming that there
were some casualties in clashes between the Marri Tribes and the security
forces. He condemned the police action and demanded withdraw al of forces from Kohlu. And he said that tomorrow, the combined opposition is planning a big public rally out side the provincial parliament against the police action in Kohlu Marri Tribal Agency. 29.6.04 Balochistan Express |
| Gwadar
plan criticized
The Baloch Rabita-Ittefaq Tehrik (Brit) has urged the federal
government to take Baloch leaders into confidence regarding future
development plans for Gwadar. |
| Tension in Quetta on the eve of referendum After the vehement appeal of the major opposition alliances to boycott the referendum and government’s resolve to bring people to the polling stations has created a tense situation in the provincial metropolis. According to the reports activists of Pakistan Oppressed Nationalities Alliance (PONM), Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) and Muthidda Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) have extended a call for strike in the province on referendum day and urged upon the people to stay at homes and do not go the polling stations to boycott the unconstitutional referendum. Some political activists even torn down the tents setup for make shift polling stations in the city. Heavy contingents of police started patrolling the city after this incident which further multiplied the tension. 30.4.02 |
| BNP (M) to launch movement The Balochistan National Party (M) has decided to launch a protest movement against the federal and provincial governments policies, especially on the Gawadar issue soon. This was stated by former chief minister of Balochistan and BNP(M) Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, while speaking at a gathering at the inauguration ceremony of BNP's district coordination office in Hub on Wednesday. The former chief minister blasted the ban imposed by the federal government on the sale and purchase of land in Gawadar, claiming that it was a plot to turn the local population into minority by selling the land to non-locals He asserted that the government wanted to settle at least 250,000 non-locals in the area to convert the locals into minority. Accusing the government of being pro-Punjab, he said that the people of Ormara, Pasni and Gawadar were very good swimmers but the people of Punjab were being brought here to learn swimming and then they were being given jobs in the Pakistan Navy. He appealed to the party workers and locals to be ready for the movement. 29.8.01 |
|
Growers offer onion for repaying loans, utility bills NAUSHKI: The Zamindar Action Committee, Naushki, has offered to repay all the bank and agriculture loans and utility bills, mainly power bills in kind as the growers found no buyers for their super bumper crop in Balochistan. A meeting of the Action Committee, presided over by Haji Mir Sultan Mohammed Jamaldini, here on Monday criticised the Balochistan Government for failure to take any concrete action to buy the entire onion crop. They said that the Government and its economic institutions are callous and insensitive to the problems of local growers and making no efforts to provide any relief to the growers in the remote regions of Balochistan. The meeting called upon the Government to induct the Trading Corporation of Pakistan, the Export Promotion Bureau and the PASSCO to buy the entire crop, make on the spot payment and thus help the growers if it is sincere in reviving the economy. The meeting also appealed to the Pakistan Kissan Board, the Provincial Zamindar Action Committee and others to extend their support to the onion growers from Balochistan at this juncture. The meeting was attended, among others, by Sardar Abdul Aziz Badini, Khurshid Jamaldini, Haji Abdul Samad Badini, Mohammad Sadiq. 22.8.01 |
| PONM Rejects Musharraf's Road-Map to Democracy
Pakistan Opressed Nations Movement
(PONM) has rejected the road map to democracy as announced by President General Parvez Musharraf the other day and demanded immediate general elections under the auspices of an interim government comprising of the retired judges of the Supreme Court who did not take oath under the Provisional Constitution Order. “We are not opposed to the Army, however we oppose its role in the politics,” he added while demanding the elections of a new constituent assembly without any further delay. He said that the massive amendments in the Constitution of 1973 had rendered its efficacy and now the only way to strengthen the federation was to hold elections for a new constituent assembly. Representatives of Sindh Thinkers Forum, Balochistan National Party, Seraiki National Party, Seraikistan National Movement and Sindh National Front attended the PONM council meeting. 20.8.01 |
| Ponam students flay closure of university Ponam Students Alliance and United Progressive Students front representatives have criticized the closure of teaching department in Balochistan University and demanded reopening of the institution. Addressing a joint Press Conference here Wednesday they claimed that University Administration has closed the university only to sabotage the seminar being arranged by the their organizations on March, 31 the university auditorium to determine that who had pushed the institution into the present crisis. Manzoor Balochistan, Nasrullah Khan, Dr Allah Nazar and Ahmed Ali Kazad addressed the Press Conference. They stated that students bodies had opposed the appointment of a retired army brigadier as province chancellor in the university besides the students were also not ready to accept the establishment of police force in the university. They further said that students organizations representatives were willing to extend cooperation to the university administration to take the university out of present impasse but the government must meet the two demands of students to cancel the posting ex-army officer and to withdraw the forces from the campus. Representatives of Students Bodies announced that soon they will announce next date for holding of the seminar after university was reopened and maintained that students will continue to boycott the classes in the university until the government accept their two demands. Replying a question they rejected the charges by the university administration that students organizations were responsible for the present unpleasant situation in the campus and added that representatives of students bodies were always ready to negotiate the problem with the concerned authorities to settle the differences. Wednesday, March 28, 2001 |
| The real facts of, 28 Jan 2001 brutal and cruel act of Punjabi administration and forces in Quetta. From the last two months WAPDA authorities of Quetta disconnected electricity of tube wells of growers, through out Balochistan. Because of complete shut down of the grade stations the habitants of Balochistan were facing savoir problem for the drinking water. Zamindar action committee a non political organization of growers of province, announced a long march call against the unjust of WAPDA (Q.E.S.C.O) . Before long march of 28Jan, they arranged meetings and processions throughout Balochistan demanding for the restoration of electricity and issuing bills as per agreement of March1998. But no body from the WAPDA and the Govt side was ready to listen to them. The protesting farmers coming from closer Dist of Quetta, on the call of Farmers Action Committe, wanted to march in the city to protest against disconnection campaign launched by Qesco against agriculture consumers. Mr. Sanaullah Baloch member of defunct National Assembly who was leading the procession to, was told that they had reached an understanding with the local authorities allowing the precisionists to stage their demonstration and public gathering condemning the WAPDA role in disconnecting of the power supply and raising tariff. The procession was marching peacefully towards the ground, when the procession was approaching sona khan thana close to Marri camp from fruit and vegetable market, it was fired upon. It was the well armed forces which made the innocent people the target to the extent to kill them. |
| 7 shot & killed: Sana Baloch QUETTA: Former MNA, Mr. Sanaullah Baluch, has said that seven persons were killed in firing by the militia, police and levies at Sona Khan Thana on Sunday. Talking to Balochistan Express, he said that one of the BSO boys received a bullet on his forehead and died in front of him. He identified the boy as Naseer Ahmed, a resident of village close to Sona Khan Thana. Mr. Sana said that he had reached an understanding with the local authorities allowing the processionists to stage their demonstration and public gathering condemning the WAPDA role in disconnecting power supply and raising tariff. Mr. Sana said that when a procession from Fruit and Vegetable Market was approaching Sona Khan Thana, it was fired upon. He claimed that the Balochistan Reserve Police, Militia and other security agencies resorted to straight firing aiming at to kill more and more people. He said that seven persons were killed. He said the administration did not hand over two bodies while five others were taken away by their relatives. He said that the police and militia resorted to firing following slogans raised by the participants of the procession coming from the Vegetable Market. He said he too sustained injuries in the incident. He said that he was told clearly by the authorities that there would be no investigations into killings, nor the tariff of WAPDA would be reduced, nor the dues would be written off. He condemned the firing by the security forces and termed it barbaric. Akhtar Mengal: Sardar Akhtar Mengal, a former Chief Minister of Balochistan, has strongly condemned the shooting incident claiming it a massacre of people by the Government. He said that the Provincial Governor presumably lost his utility and for reviving his political utility, he thought it fit to resort to shooting killing Baloch people at the instance on the rulers. Sardar Mengal said that he finds no word to condemn it for killing unarmed protesters . There was no provocation and the security forces opened fire on the people aiming to kill more and more people. The former Chief Minister said that the people of Balochistan would not forgive those responsible for killing the innocent people demanding their just rights. Monday, January 29, 2001 |
| Devolution of power scheme to fully erode Provincial autonomy The All Parties Conference has observed that the Governmental power devolution plan would completely erode the concept of Provincial autonomy and re-creating One Unit of West Pakistan. This is all being done on the pretext of devolution of power, the Declaration of All Parties Conference said here on Thursday. It observed that in all the countries of the world, there is some system of Government functioning while there was no political system in Pakistan, and most of the period, the Army ruled the country directly while during the so called political Government powerful sections ruled the country from behind the scene. The meeting drew attention to price spiral, non availability of goods of essential use and that too beyond the reach of common man. The traders were overburdened with heavy taxes, mass unemployment rampantly increased the worry of the common man. The Declaration criticized the process of accountability saying that Balochistan got less than five per cent of the Pakistani budget and the people here held accountable while those who got 95 per cent and usurped the funds were spared. It termed the process of accountability in Balochistan as one sided, discriminatory and unjust. The Conference criticized the law and order situation and its mishandling by the Government with a remark that bandits and criminals were armed while the people were disarmed and left at the mercy of criminals. It cited the rising number of crimes, Highway robberies, offences, including hostage taking and demand for ransom. It blamed the Government for the deteriorating condition of law and order in Balochistan. It criticized the establishment of Coastal Development Authority under the control of Federal Government and termed it an exploitation of Balochistan and its resources. It said that drought conditions are prevailing for the past four years and the Government failed to prepare a comprehensive plan to combat drought and provide relief to the people. On the contrary, WAPDA started insulting the people by disconnecting power supply of tube-wells at a time when there were no rains in the Province. It also criticized the handling of University Affairs claiming that appointment of an Army Officer as Pro-Vice-Chancellor was nothing but to provoke a prolonged closure of the lone University in Balochistan. It polluted the academic atmosphere at the University, the Declaration of all Parties said. The All Parties Declaration criticized the role of Frontier Corps in Balochistan recalling the incident in which the then sitting Chief Justice of Balochistan ( present Governor) was humiliated by the personnel manning the check post at Chagai. If it can happen with the Chief Justice, what could be the level of rough and inhuman deal with the common man. The Declaration claimed that the Government did not give the right share from the gas revenue. Only charity in the name of royalty was given to Balochistan from natural gas, it said. It observed that the Federal Government owes over Rs. 366 billion from the gas revenue and it must be paid. It claimed that Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri was imprisoned by the Government and implicated in criminal case merely because he was considered as a hurdle in the way to exploration and exploitation of energy resources in Balochistan. They vowed not to allow any person to exploit there mineral and natural wealth. The Government was trying to find a pretext for a military operation in Balochistan on the pretext of oil exploration in this Province. They blamed the Government for creating hurdles in holding the Biennial Convention of the Jamhoori Watan Party, disallowing Nawab Bugti to come to Quetta or participate in the scheduled party convention. The Meeting also demanded an end to the power devolution plan, holding of local council elections. Instead, it demanded holding of general election, free and fair and handing over power to the chosen representatives of the people without any delay. The elections should be held on the basis of voters lists prepared by the Election Commission only. The meeting condemned the excesses committed on the doctors, reinstating all the sacked doctors, an end to mass unemployment, withdrawal of posting of the Ex Army Officer as Pro-Vice-Chancellor. It also demanded that Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri be given better medical facilities, accountability should be done without any discrimination and it should fair, impartial and transparent. It demanded accountability of people in judiciary and in the defense forces. All curbs and restrictions imposed on the movement of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti should be lifted, the Federally controlled Coastal Development Authority in Balochistan be abolished and writ of the Provincial Government should be restored, Saindak Project be revived and should not be closed at any cost, troops be sent to barracks and all the check posts set up by the Frontier Corps in Balochistan be removed immediately and the civil armed forces be deployed on the borders only, means of communications be improved in Balochistan. The Declaration opposed the General Sales Tax on random and demanded fixed tax only. It demanded establishment of industrial units in all the regions of Balochistan. Express Report QUETTA |
| The realistic aproach PONM leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal has said that Pakistan does not need 'useless things' like nuclear and hydrogen bombs. In an interview with VOA broadcast on Thursday, Mengal said "Reduction in military expenditure is imperative in order to put our economic house in order. We want good ties with our neighbors. We can neither conquer India nor has any such intentions. So, we do not need a big army. We need a small army which can only defend the country against foreign aggression." Responding to a question, he said "Only those people are being hold accountable who have an enmity with the rulers. The rulers are avoiding accountability of army, where corruption is rampant." Mengal said there was symbolic democracy in Pakistan, and that too for those living in Punjab, before October 12. "There was legitimate democratic dictatorship imposed on us before and vow we have illegitimate dictatorship," he added. Mengal described the devolution of power plan as a kind of union form of government where the Federal government will directly deal with the district governments. "We first need on elected government which will establish new institutions for keeping an eye on local govt institutions. But now the situation is that all the institutions have been destroyed. Parliament has been suspended and judiciary and administration are in ruins," he added. He said the 1973 Constitution has lost its usefulness. "Now we need a now Constitution in accordance with the 1940 resolution," he added. To a query, Mengal said "MQM is a part of Sindhi nations. They are as oppressed as are we." "We do not want to break up Pakistan but we have enough power to stop it from destroying us. Pakistan had not done anything during the last 53 years which pleased me or my people. Pakistan is my need and not love," he said. |
| Balochistan parties reject govt's devolution plan QUETTA, Oct 9: Major political parties of Balochistan and human rights activists have rejected the military government's devolution plan, and demanded provincial autonomy for all the federating units and an early restoration of democratic rule in the country. It was observed that through implementing the devolution plan, the military government wanted to de-politicise the country, and a government of their own choice should be set up to prolong military rule over Pakistan. Political leaders expressed these views while speaking at a consultation organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan here on Friday evening. The HRCP chairperson Mr Afrasaib Khattak presided over the consultation while Asma Jehangir, Hina Jeelani, Mr I.A. Rehman, Hussain Naqi and other human rights activists were also present on the occasion. Participants, including Mr Raziq Bugti (National Awami Party), Mr Tahir Bizenjo (Balochistan National Party - Awami) Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch (Balochistan National Movement), Dr Inayatullah (Awami National Party), Mr Jamal Jogezai (Pakistan People's Party) Mr Sanaullah Baloch (Balochistan National Party - Mengal Group), Mr Abdul Rahim Mandokhel (Pashtoon Khowa Milli Awami Party), Mr Zahoor Shahwani (Pakistan Workers Party) and Mr Mohim Khan (Balochistan National Party - Awami), maintained that although they supported the concept of devolution of power, this was acceptable only when power was first devolved from the centre to the provinces and provincial autonomy was ensured. They added that only provinces are entitled to devolve power to the district level. The participants also stated that the current plan was aimed at stripping the provinces of their role by giving all their powers to the districts. They were further of the opinion that the current attempts were not aimed at devolving power, but instead at usurping it from the provinces, intensifying centralisation and ultimately weakening the federation. The decision of the government to hold non-party elections at the local level was seen as an attempt to eradicate political parties and to ultimately eliminate them from the affairs of the country. Participants stated that it appeared that the army was once again trying to raise a new political class, which would validate military rule and support it's objectives. At the end of the discussion Ms Asma Jehangir and Mr Afrasiab Khattak, Chairperson HRCP, summed up the discussion and gave concluding remarks. Ms Jehangir said that unfortunately, politicians are never pro-active which is why the establishment is able to cause further dissent within the ranks. She urged politicians to distinguish between pro-establishment and pro-democratic groups when forming alliances to counter anti-democratic moves. Ms Jehangir added that democracy should be implemented in its essence. Thus women and minorities should not be maginalised, as this would weaken the entire democratic process. In his concluding remarks Mr Khattak said that the necessity and significance of local government was irrefutable. However, it appeared that by-passing the issue of first devolving powers to the provinces and presenting a local government plan, the current regime was attempting to weaken the provinces and the movements for provincial autonomy. He added that if this happened, it would harm the democratic movement. Most importantly, denial of provincial autonomy would force people to turn away from the federation. In conclusion, Mr Khattak stated that armies were not equipped to administer the matters of state or build democracies. It was vital to learn from past mistakes and remember that although dictatorships might offer short-term gains for a select few, they ultimately jeopardize the future, he added. 9.10.01 |
| JWP announces agenda for APC QUETTA, Oct 17: The Jamhoori Watan Party has announced a 16- point agenda for discussion at the All Parties Conference, scheduled to be held at the provincial capital on Nov 16. Speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday, the senior vice president of the JWP, Khuda-i-Noor Khan, and the secretary general, Amanullah Kandrani, said the JWP had invited all political parties, including the PPP and the PML, to Balochistan to discuss the political situation. They said the party's leader, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, would chair the APC if allowed by the administration. Recently, they added, the government had not allowed him to preside over the National Council session of the party. Announcing the agenda of the APC, they said the joint struggle was the only way to steer the country out of present crisis and maintained that political freedom in the country would ensure the integrity of the state. The 16-point agenda of the APC included: the impact of price hike and unemployment, the role of the Frontier Corps in the province, the excesses of Wapda towards the people of Balochistan, the detention of veteran politician and tribal leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, the necessity of transparent accountability, the difficulties of the business community, the elimination of provincial autonomy in the name of devolution of power at grassroots level, joint stand towards the establishment of district governments, unjustified hindrance for the arrival of Nawab Akbar Bugti in Quetta, the role of the government in drought and long dry spell in the province, law and order situation in the province, deteriorating situation in Balochistan University and other educational institutions, the economic and geographical exploitation of Balochistan and establishment of a coastal development authority under the federal government and apprehensions against military operation in Balochistan. Dawn Correspondent 17.10.01 |
| Pakistan’s useless dictator One year after the coup that brought him to power in Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf faces mounting criticism at home and abroad “THE perception is that we have not performed well, that the economy has not stabilised or recovered from recession, that people’s welfare has not improved, that Pakistan is isolated internationally, that there is a flight of capital and an exodus of entrepreneurs from the country.” Thus General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s latest dictator, summarised what his many critics feel about his first year in office, before denouncing such views as “malicious propaganda spread by external foes and internal vested interests”. If only it were so simple. For almost half of the 53 years since independence, Pakistan has been ruled by the army. It seized power for the fourth time on October 12th 1999, after General Musharraf and a couple of top lieutenants had been sacked by the elected prime minister, Nawaz Sharif. Mr Sharif, his two brothers and a son are in prison, and the general’s record since then has been decidedly mixed. In his defence this week, General Musharraf rattled off impressive statistics at machinegun speed—privatisation would yield $4 billion, tax revenues and exports were bang on target, 4,000 sick industries were about to be revived, action plans for the spread of information technology were steaming ahead. Meanwhile, the opposition declared October 12th a “black day”. About 100 of its members were arrested to forestall protests. The cover of the latest issue of Newsline magazine is headlined “General Discontent”. It is true that, on some measures, the economy is looking a bit perkier than it did under Mr Sharif. Growth seems to be picking up, and could top 5% in the current fiscal year, though this is mostly due to a bumper cotton crop and a consequent boost to the textile industry, which accounts for 60% of Pakistan’s export earnings. The rice and wheat crops have also been excellent. Industrial output growth is down, though. In other ways, Pakistan’s economic woes have not shown much improvement. Pakistan has failed to persuade the IMF to hand over any fresh money since April, and is unlikely to do so until the government comes up with a system for casting the tax net more widely. At the moment, barely 1% of the country’s population of 150m pay any tax at all. When the government tried to impose a 15% across-the-board sales tax, strikes by shopkeepers forced it to back down and amend much of the scheme. This same pattern of unwillingness to risk confrontation, perhaps surprising in a military regime, has produced a series of concessions to Islamic groups, including a recent climbdown on an attempt to repeal a blasphemy law. But without the badge of approval conferred by a new IMF loan, Pakistan will be unable to persuade its creditors to reschedule its remaining debt, or to renew the existing moratorium on most of it, which is due to expire at the end of the year. If that happens, Pakistan could face repayments of $4.5 billion in 2001. Its available foreign-exchange reserves are only about $600m. Probably no more urgent task was expected from the general than a crackdown on corruption. Here again the record is mixed. The National Accountability Bureau has extended its remit and taken on another 100-odd cases, securing about 40 convictions. But it has fought shy of tackling either the army or the judiciary, despite serious allegations of bribe-taking. One case before the bureau involves a former naval chief, but this was launched by Mr Sharif, and the man in question is, in any event, safely ensconced in America. Besides, the bureau is itself of dubious standing: equipped with awesome powers, it has come under fire from human-rights organisations. So, however, has the government more widely. Human Rights Watch, based in New York, this week produced a highly critical report to mark General Musharraf’s anniversary, which concluded that in most respects humans rights have deteriorated in the past year. “Political opponents and suspected wrongdoers have been subjected to prolonged detention without charge, custodial ill-treatment, and even torture,” it said, noting that “the administration has also greatly augmented executive powers, curtailed the independence of the judiciary, and neutralised political parties.” Most Pakistanis believe the general is sincere in wanting to right Pakistan. “What is doubtful is the validity of his black-and-white recipes for the complex job at hand,” says one of his own cabinet ministers. Indeed, many federal and provincial ministers claim that they have no say in the strategic decisions of the government. These are instead taken by a small coterie of extremely hawkish army generals, who belong to or have served in the shadowy Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI), the outfit that most analysts believe really runs Pakistan. General Musharraf’s chief of staff is General Ghulam Ahmed, who did a senior stint in the ISI last year. A former head of the ISI was pulled out of retirement and made General Musharraf’s defence secretary, while another former head of the ISI serves as communications minister. “This is the first time in Pakistani history that the ISI has taken over army headquarters and is running the government and country directly,” says a former service chief. Even some of the army’s own think it has no place in politics. General Aslam Beg, a former army chief, this week denounced the generals. “The nation has to be prepared to make difficult decisions, and it is not the military government which can prepare the nation. It is a civilian government,” he said. More and more Pakistanis are inclined to agree. |
| JWP warns against any police action on oil exploration Express Report QUETTA: The Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) has extended a strong warning to the Government not to use force in Balochistan on the pretext of exploration of oil and gas. A Resolution adopted at the meeting of the JWP Central Committee in Dera Bugti, presided over by Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, expressed concern over the active preparations for a military action in Balochistan. The Resolution claimed that certain areas were leased to different national and international companies for exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in Balochistan. The Resolution termed it a “ robbery” against the basic interests of the people of Balochistan. It said that the people of Balochistan got the inalienable right to keep the ownership of all hidden wealth, including oil and gas. “ Any attempt to deprive the people for this right using force of the State will be opposed by the JWP,” the Resolution said. Claiming credible information, the Resolution went on to say that preparations are afoot to take police action in Jhalawan ( central Balochistan), Bolan, Marri and Bugti Tribal Agencies and the Government intended to use force. The Civil armed forces and other units are being ready for the purpose, the JWP resolution said. The Resolution linked up the arrest of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri and his continued detention with the preparation for a police action in Balochistan as those people are considered an stumbling block in the Government plans. The Resolution advised the Government t not to implement the action plan in Balochistan as it would receive tough resistance from the people. The Resolution made it categorically clear that no power could exploit the natural resources of Balochistan against the will of the local people. It called for immediate release of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri and others and withdraw all the cases against them. The resolution was released to the newspapers by Mr. Amanullah Kanrani, the Acting Secretary-General of the JWP, with his signature. |