Baluchistan News Letter – April 2013

This is a brief Talk of the Town Report compiled for those interested in Baluchistan. Significant developments are listed hereunder.

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Baluchistan province where the CIA/RAW inspired insurgency has been maintained for decades without success. The Elections of 2013 would reveal that the support for insurgents is very low and limited to parts of Baluch/Brahvi inhabited sparsely populated arid areas.

1. Law and Order Situation, 1- 7 April. Former Advocate General Baluchistan, Salahud Din Mengal and another Brahui, Mir Zaman Lehri (who had joined PMLN only a fortnight ago), were kidnapped on 3 April on gun point. Mir Zaman was able to escape after a scuffle but was wounded. Lawyers went on strike and several statements of condemnations by officials were released. However, Salahaddin is still missing, believed to be kidnapped by Akhtar Mengal’s men or ransom seekers. FC recovered 20 kg explosive set to detonate in a market in Quetta on 3 April. Armed men snatched a gun from the police in Quetta. COAS visited Quetta on 3 April and assured the caretaker CM and the Governor of Army’s wholehearted support for elections. He also encouraged all political parties to take part in election. An Excise Department’s officer, a Punjabi, was gunned down in Quetta by unknown persons. There are 30 high schools in Chaman area but only 2 headmasters are posted as non-locals have either immigrated or been killed by Baloch/Brahui militants. A policeman protecting Polio-Team was attacked and his rifle snatched away in Pashtun area. The religious parties are reported to be behind anti-polio drive. Office of Election Commission in Kharan was attacked and ransacked. Pylons of 220 kv transmission line south of Sibi were blown up by insurgents further increasing the shortfall in power supply.

2. Election Statements, 2-7 April. Akhtar Mengal keeps making statements creating doubt whether or not he will participate in Elections. His party announced that if the Establishment remain neutral, the next provincial government will be made by Pashtun and Baloch/Brahui nationalists. They condemned the Election Commission’s idea of ‘blank column’ for voters to tick if they did not like any of the candidates. BNP expressed fears that their leaders may be killed during the election campaign. Zafarullah Jamali, the former PM now openly condemns General Mussharaf and is all set to fight elections and keeps making loud noises. Akhtar Mengal addressed a public meeting in Quetta and said that his party would take part in elections but expressed doubts if the elections would be held if peace is not restored in province. The Ameer of JI, Munawar Hasan, addressed a large gathering in Quetta and said that previous governments rule was did little except to embezzle, loot and plunder.

3. Disqualifications of MNA/MPAs. 4-7 April. Humayun Aziz Kurd, former MNA, Tariq Magsi, former MPA, Senator Rehana Baloch, sister in law of Governor Magsi, Senator Mohabat Marri, MPA Zahoor Khosa and some more were declared as fake degree holders. Governor’s wife, Parveen Magsi, MPA, also fell in this category. The Governor Magsi himself had been saying that he had bought his B.A degree for Rs.42,000. Some were given jail terms of 2-3 years but BHC acquitted all of them in quick time for reasons not declared. Indeed, the Balochistan MPAs and CM whose corruption had become legendary have all been cleared to take part in elections once again.

4. Law and Order Situation, 8 – 15 April. A police DSP and his gunman were gunned down in Quetta by unknown persons. Shahbaz Sharif visited Quetta on 10 April and discussed ‘seat-adjustment’ with Akhtar Mengal, head of BNP(A). He also met PKMAP head Mahmud Khan Achakzai, another anti-Punjab/Army nationalist. During his visit to Quetta on 10 April, caretaker PM Khoso emphasized that security must be ensured for the voters and political leaders. Akhtar Mengal again criticized the ‘establishment’. A 24 inch gas pipeline was damaged by saboteurs cutting off supply to Uch power-plant. Two unknown dead bodies were found from Awaran, interior of the province. Caretaker CM said the law and order was not as bad as portrayed. The same day, Akhtar Mengal’s BNP said he did not expect fair elections in Balochistan. CJ of SC, during his visit to Quetta addressed the Returning Officers and asked them to ensure transparent elections.

5. Earthquake in Mashkhail, 16 April. A massive earthquake in Mashkhail, a large village some 8 miles away from Iran’s border killed 34 and injured over 80. FC and Army were provided immediate relief starting the very next day but the media gave little coverage to relief efforts.

6. Law and Order Situation, 15 – 22 April. PML(N) provincial president, Sanaullah Zehris’ cavalcade on way to his village Anjira, was attacked by a road side bomb on 15 April. His brother, son, nephew and two men were killed; he himself survived. The last such attack in 2011 was claimed by BLA and this time Baloch Liberation Front, run by Hairbyar Marri, claimed responsibility. Mr Zehri said he was attacked for his pro-Pakistan policy while anti-Pakistan elements were not only fighting elections they were also carrying out terrorism to eliminate opposition. A 24 inch dia. gas pipeline was blown up near Sui on 17 April. In Baloch area of Southern Quetta, two miscreants threw hand grenades on an election office on 18 April. Nawaz Sharif visited Khuzdar to condole with Sanaullah Zehri and also addressed media in Quetta on 19 April, saying that only elections would solve Balochistan’s problems. A grenade was thrown at the residence of the election officer in Kharan. Sanaullah Zehri lodged FIR against Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri and his both sons ho live in London and Switzerland; Attaullah Mengal, his sons Akhtar and Javed; for killing his family members. Akhtar Mengal and his party condemned the FIR and rejected the allegations. On 21 April, 3 workers of ANP were killed in Pishin. A Tehsil office near Panjgur was blown up. A bomb exploded in National Party’s meeting in Turbat. Hasel Bezanjo, the vice-president of NP, condemned it and said his party cannot be frightened into keeping away from elections. A dead body was found near Turbat of a man belonging to Pasni.

7. Former President Mussharaf Case. 17- 30 April. Nawaz Sharif during his visit to Quetta wished that the former president should have been jailed rather than declaring his home a sub-jail. Zafarullah Jamali, former PM, also criticized Mussharaf and said, ‘he is reaping what he sowed’. No political leader has publically uttered a word of sympathy for the former president or shown sympathy. However, many ordinary people condemned the shabby treatment given to him by the media, lawyers and revengeful behavior of the superior courts. Zafarullah Jamali, who was made PM by Mussharaf, was also condemned for criticizing his erstwhile benefactor.

8. Law and Order Situation, 23 – 30 April. Five bomb blasts at various localities in Quetta on 23 April killed five, two of them real brothers, and injuring over 30. A wave of fear gripped the city. A blast near NADRA office in Sibi injured several persons. Banned armed groups warned people through pamphlets to remain away from electioneering and all the local newspapers published it. The pamphlets also criticized the sub-nationalist Baloch/Brahui parties which are taking part in the elections and called them ‘agents of the establishment’. The Caretaker CM blamed ‘foreign-hand’ for the threats to political parties and assured them of ‘fool proof’ security arrangements with the help of Army. Two dead bodies of local persons were found near Panjgur and one from near Khuzdar. The FC set up a free medical camp near Mastung. A man was killed near Brewery Road, Quetta. A grenade was hurled on the candidate of JUI in Kalat. A landmine killed a man near Dera Bugti. A Customs Inspector was kidnapped near Khuzdar. A surgeon was kidnapped from Chaman. The doctors there went on strike. Election office of JI was attacked in Sibi. Teachers and Engineers have refused to perform election duties in view of the militants’ threats. A bomb was thrown at the house of a Punjabi retired officer in Sariab area, Quetta on 26 April. A bomb exploded in the corner meeting of an independent candidate in Sariab area, Quetta, killing a boy and injuring five. An independent candidate in Jhal Magsi area was shot dead. This brought the Governor who is the Nawab of that area and his brothers who are contesting election from that constituency, under serious suspicion. Consequently, Election Commission has postponed election in Jhal Magsi. Pillion riding on motorcycles has been banned in the entire province. The FC recovered large quantity of arms and ammunition from Sibi area. A man was gunned down in Quetta.

9. Train Inauguration , 25 April. During the five years of PPP rule, the number of trains running between Quetta and Peshawar/Karachi was cut down from 7 to only 2 trains. This had adversely affected the inter-provincial movement. Caretaker regime’s Minister for Railway, who hails from Quetta, restarted the Quetta Express to Rawalpindi. The inauguration was celebrated by people as a goodwill gesture towards the people of the province.

10. Election Seat Adjustments, 25-30 April. NP and PKMAP have agreed seat adjustment and will support each other in their respective area of influence. Similarly, Nasir Mengal of PML(Q) and Sardar Zehri of PML(N) have agreed seat adjustment in Khuzdar area.

11. Deployment of Army in Sensitive Districts, 28-30 April. On the request of CEC, Army has deployed troops in Kalat, Mekran divisions and districts of Noshki, Chaghi, Kacchi, Dera Bugti, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Dera Allah Yar, Jhal Magsi, Bolan, and Kohlu. In Pashtun areas, the Army has moved to Killa Abdulla/Chaman, Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Harnai, Musa Khail and will also look after Quetta. The aim is to provide security to polling staff and voters. In all, Army is deploying some 6,000 troops, FC 17,000 men, Police 20,000, Levies17,000 and Balochistan Constabulary 10, 000 men during election.

12. Address of COAS on Youm-i-Shuhada, 30 April. General Kyani’s address is being viewed as Army’s firm stand for democracy at this critical juncture and also a message to look forward rather than involve the nation in witch hunting and blame-game. He has also warned of consequences if elected representative again indulge in corruption, anti-Pakistan activities and thus betray the nation. His address is being viewed as a firm message for the judiciary as well as the future law makers.

Comments

The insurgent leaders – two sons of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, a grandson of Nawab Akbar Bugti, one son of Attaullah Mengal and one Dr. Allah Noor, supported by MI6, RAW, CIA and Afghanistan are trying to intimidate Baloch/Brahui parties to refrain from taking part in the elections. They are carrying out bomb explosions, killing those attending election meetings and targeting houses of the Baloch/Brahui leaders who are either openly pro-Pakistan or quietly pro-Pakistan. Nevertheless, their effort is not working very well so far. They are clearly supported by their foreign masters but the support is not so overwhelming that it can stop the election in Baloch/Brahui area.

Interestingly, another son of Nawab Marri is with PML(N), one son of Attaullah Mengal, Akhtar is fighting election with seat adjustment done with PML(N). Bugti’s son Talal and grandson Shazain Bugti are finding it hard to even go to Dera Bugti due to hatred against them, but are contesting election from several seats. The CJ has been trying for Talal to be able to go’ to Dera Bugti but without success. Nawab Aali Bugti, who is the eldest son of Late Akbar Bugti, is also contesting the election while Brahmdagh Bugti is continuing killings in Bugti area from Switzerland where he lives, courtesy CIA. It appears that, the bloodshed notwithstanding, this election will clearly show the weakness of support for the US/India supported insurgents.

The tribal leaders and insurgents are again trying in Baloch/Brahui areas to eliminate contestants in election. An ordinary citizen, who wanted to fight election against the brother of the Governor Nawab Magsi, was killed. ANP has been half-heartedly attacked in Pashtun areas resulting in the death of 3 persons.

Ironically, the religious parties are pitched against sub-nationalists, some of who are not pro-Pakistan. Religious parties, though pro-Pakistan, are not only sympathetic to TTP but also wish to impose their own brand of Islam characterized by extremism. The so called secular-liberal parties are really sub-nationalist who would go against Pakistan if their demands of total power are not met by the federal government. The people are damned if they vote for liberals who are sub-nationalist, and damned again if they vote for sectarian parties who are also anti-state though for different reasons.

Akhtar Mengal, the son of Attaullah, and brother of Javed Mengal who is continuing insurgency is likely to win some seats. However, he can only make government if others join him. PKMAP, although Pashtun ethnic party is likely to join him and many other parties/independents will join him due to various incentives. However, a small Opposition may emerge in Assembly this time.

Whoever ins power, this multi ethnic and now politically fragmented province is likely to defy any national government and oppose the interests of the federation made possible, indeed encouraged, by the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. Balochistan’s peculiar demography and absence of democratic grooming demands tight control by a strong federal center. There cannot be peace in Baluchistan until national political parties establish deep roots. The weak center under present conditions would allow, indeed promote anarchy.

A highly diverse and politically fragmented Assembly is likely to come into being in Balochistan. Horse trading at a massive scale will again commence. The public money, with no checks from the Federal government due to 18th Amendment will be looted as before. More of the past 5 years’ bad governance, corruption and crime is likely to be repeated by the new Assembly in the name of democracy. The likes of Akhtar Mengal will be quick to join the insurgents in demanding separation if he does not succeed in becoming the CM.

This election does not have a silver-lining except that it might, just might, discredit the insurgents and reveal how limited is their support and influence, which is in any case restricted to sparely populated Baloch/Brahui areas.

At the risk of suffering causalities, Army has moved out in the interior for ensuring peaceful environment for polling. Without the Army, elections just cannot be held in 70% of Balochistan due to lack of writ of the government and rule of criminals and militants. Army keeps undertaking hazardous national commitments and delivering, even while suffering heavy losses while a segment of the civil society which includes judges, lawyers, media men and politicians keep demonizing the military to promote the strategic design of US, India and Afghanistan.

The Caretaker CM is working without any ministers. The bureaucracy is running the province far better than the PPP regime when every MPA was appointed as minister/advisor. Almost every minister, including the CM was accused of sponsoring crime and indulging in massive corruption in the province. But due to fear of return of politicians to poer and influence in post- election set up, bureaucrats are cautious and are not asserting themselves. Crime and militancy continue, albeit at a much lower level now.

The Election Tribunals and the HC of Balochistan have come to be viewed with extreme prejudice. They overruled Returning Officers’ rejections of the contestants and freed even the jailed former elected men/women without giving any reasons. Articles 62 and 63 have been made non-operative by court actions. This is bound to result in the return the same lot to assemblies, now more encouraged to indulge in massive corruption and crime.

The quick response of the FC and the Army to earthquake victims was barely covered by the media. The sympathy among the people for former President Mussharaf were also ignored by the media. The high handedness of the courts, even in clearing jailed candidates was also ignored by the media. The courts, judges of superior courts and media have also come under severe criticism of ordinary public.++