By Hafiz ullah Storai Sherani
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan’s largest province by area, yet politically and economically the most sensitive, Balochistan is once again under discussion due to a delicate law and order situation, armed attacks, and a security crisis: Violent incidents on the highways of Mastung and Kalat, ambush attacks on security forces, and threats to the movement of high-ranking administrative officials have raised major questions about the security arrangements in the province.
To understand this situation, the challenges faced, and the government’s strategy, Voicepk conducted a special interview with the Home Minister of Balochistan, Mir Ziaullah Langove, who provided detailed explanations of his and the Government of Balochistan’s stance in response to the questions asked.
The Home Minister was asked early on in the interview about the armed attack on his vehicle and convoy, and questioned as to why the influence of armed organizations on major highways was not being eliminated despite all security operations and strict vigil.
“My routine convoy was attacked near Kalat and Mastung,” informed Langove. He pointed out the ground difficulties faced despite various security operations, and explained that “long borders and a tough geography posed a major challenge for security agencies.”
“Terrorists strike stealthily and from behind,” he said. “If they are brave enough and call themselves Baloch, they should come forward and fight, which will be a real test. However despite all challenges and difficulties, the sole objective of the security forces is the rule of law and the protection of citizens, and for this purpose, a clearing operation will also be conducted in Mastung.”
The attack on Ziaullah Langove took place on August 14, a few days after the Government of Balochistan had imposed a curfew in Mastung and adjoining areas.
Speaking on the root causes of the wave of violence and unrest in the province, the Home Minister strongly rejected the narrative of militant groups and claimed that “foreign elements, India, and foreign funding are involved behind the unrest in Balochistan, and they are using the territory of Afghanistan.”
Langove also discussed the social aspect of activities of militant organizations.
“The activities of militant organizations have nothing to do with Baloch traditions and values,” he said. “The primary objective of these violent actions is to halt the economic development of Balochistan and waste resources so that the region cannot become economically stable.”
Political motives
During the interview, an important and widely discussed point regarding the conflict in Balochistan the “war beneficiaries” and political interests—was raised. Langove was asked whether the perception was correct that specific circles or officials, particularly he himself as well as the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, have economic and political interests tied to the continuation of this unrest.
Mir Ziaullah Langove completely dismissed this impression, saying that “the perception that anyone has an economic interest tied to this conflict and unrest is entirely wrong.”
Presenting the case of the people of Balochistan, he said that “the people of Balochistan are suffering the biggest economic and human losses due to unrest.” He also criticized nationalist and opposition political leadership, stating that instead of political point-scoring on sensitive security matters or making forces controversial, they should play their role alongside the state for peace.
“Sardar Akhtar Mengal has remained silent on the killings of Punjabi laborers in Balochistan, whereas Mahmood Khan Achakzai speaks of Afghanistan first and then Pakistan, so the statements of such leaders cannot be given importance.”
Meeting with tribal chiefs and government
Regarding the ongoing meeting of the Chief Minister of Balochistan, cabinet, assembly members, and tribal figures in the federal capital Islamabad, the Home Minister shared that the Federal Government and institutions have invited around 250 notables—tribal and political elders of Balochistan—to Islamabad.
“The objective is to show these tribal elders the real picture of terrorism, terrorists, and where these things are being handled from, as well as to seek their suggestions and output so everyone can move forward together on the same page,” he said. Referencing the Ziarat incident and the in-camera all-parties briefings held in Quetta, he stated that the government is taking all political and tribal stakeholders into confidence.
At the conclusion of the interview, when asked about the future of Balochistan in light of the deteriorating situation along the borders with Iran and Afghanistan, the Home Minister adopted a hopeful tone.
“The hope is that next time when I am being interviewed, the situation will have changed, and the questions will have changed too,” he said.
“Doors for dialogue are always open for those who accept the Constitution of Pakistan, but those who take up arms against the state will be dealt with strictly according to the law,” he said clarifying his stance on a political solution. He added on the policy to protect youth from violent narratives, he said that “we do not rely solely on force but believe in providing employment on merit,” and said that the government was providing youth of Balochistan with education, scholarships, and jobs so that “the sun of peace can rise in the country soon.”
