News Analysis |
The former separatist leader and President of the recently formed Overseas Pakistani Baloch Unity, Dr. Jumma Khan Marri, has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will change the fate of Balochistan.
Addressing a gathering in the Kohlu area from Moscow on telephone on 4 April 2018, he said that those opposing the CPEC and other development projects were not only the enemies of Pakistan but also the people of Balochistan.
Dr. Marri in the recent past was an active member of Baloch separatist movement. However, he now has disassociated himself from any anti-Pakistan movement. He urged all the Baloch insurgents to join mainstream and start contributing to the development projects for the betterment of Balochistan.
In 2017, separatist leader Nawabzada Gazain Marri returned to Pakistan after a decade in self-imposed exile, a development seen as another government success in soothing tensions.
He said the so-called Baloch separatist leaders were enjoying a luxurious life in Europe, but the common Baloch people were suffering the brunt of terrorism.
Dr Marri said that he had launched the Overseas Pakistani Baloch Unity to expose and confront the disgruntled leaders on all forums and fronts abroad. He said he would come back to Pakistan soon.
Read more: Over 200 militants lay down arms in Balochistan
More than 2,000 Suspected Baloch Separatists Surrender in two years
Islamabad’s policy for reconciliation has boded well for Pakistan. From 2015 till the end of 2017, some 2000 suspected separatists have surrendered to security forces. The government announced a general amnesty which promises money and a government job in return for laying down arms, revealed National Action Plan (NAP) Review – 2017 issued by National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), highlighting steps towards reconciliation.
Addressing a gathering in the Kohlu area from Moscow on telephone on 4 April 2018, he said that those opposing the CPEC and other development projects were not only the enemies of Pakistan but also the people of Balochistan.
In addition to these reconciliatory efforts, the government of Pakistan has embarked on a strategy to address some of province‘s main grievances. Development projects have been initiated in interior Balochistan. Hundreds of Baloch students have been awarded scholarships while student exchange programs under which students from all across Pakistan visit Balcohistan have been initiated.
In 2017, separatist leader Nawabzada Gazain Marri returned to Pakistan after a decade in self-imposed exile, a development seen as another government success in soothing tensions.
Read more: Significance of a Baloch Senate chairman
Also under, “Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan” initiative, representation of Balochistan in the country’s top institutions including army has been increased. 13,200 Baloch youths have been inducted while 580 more completed their training in December 2017.
Several cadet colleges and schools have been built inside Balochistan. The government also announced a 10-year uplift package worth Rs 20 billion for development of Balochistan that was aimed at elevating the province at par with other developed areas of the country.These reconciliatory efforts in addition to the mega CPEC project are expected to end the grievances of Balcoh people.