Problems of Balochistan can be addressed by sitting together with the leaders & people of Balochistan: Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (SABAH): Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said the political leadership should take the initiative to find a permanent solution to the problems faced by the people of Balochistan.
Responding to the points of Sardar Muhammad Akhtar Jan Mengal of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) in the National Assembly on Wednesday, he said we are one nation and cannot stay indifferent to the problems of any federating unit.
Khawaja Asif said the points raised by Akhtar Mengal regarding the Balochistan situation are genuine and there is a dire need to heal the wounds of the people of the province. He said the problems of Balochistan can be addressed by sitting together with the leaders and people of Balochistan.
The Defence Minister also voiced concerns over the security situation in Swat and other areas, warning this could also spread to other areas. He said responsibility rests with all the institutions to find a solution to the threats faced by the state. He was appreciative of the people of Swat for standing up against the terrorist elements.
Khawaja Asif also alluded to the devastation caused by floods in the country. He said the PTI government was removed through a constitutional way, regretting that its Chairman is now trying to blackmail and take hostage the state.
Khawaja Asif proposed that either Truth and Reconciliation Commission or a judicial commission be formed to address the situation in Balochistan. He said he will also raise the issue in the federal cabinet.
The Minister for Defence said Pakistan has been a frontline state in the war on terrorism. He said our civilians and security forces have rendered matchless sacrifices in the war against this menace. He pointed out that over the last three months, fifty three security personnel embraced martyrdom which also included a three star general. He said we are continuously giving sacrifices.
Federal Minister Mian Javed Latif said that grievances of the people of Balochistan and other areas can be addressed by implementing the constitution in letter and spirit.
In his remarks on the occasion, Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada emphasized for taking collective and strong decisions to ensure protection of the people and their rights.
Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman said Pakistan has paid a heavy price in the war on terrorism. She said we have conducted successful operations against terrorism which has also been acknowledged by the world community.
“What is happening in Pakistan is not an insurgency. It is terrorism,” said Sherry Rehman as she compared the situation in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district with that in neighbouring Afghanistan prior to the end of a 20-year-long war.
The minister lashed out at violent elements for “hiding their nefarious designs behind religion. “Sorry, it is only a fight for power. It is not a fight for religion, and have the guts to say it.”
Recalling that the PPP became a “soft target” for denouncing terrorism earlier, she added, “We have not come here to mince words on this [issue]. Neither are we here for terrorism to rear its head again—and rear its head again in Swat. “This is our country and we have to save it.”
She demanded that “everyone should be taken into confidence on the progress of operations” launched again terrorism and the direction in which they are headed.
“Pakistan has paid a big price [for fighting terrorism] in the past and there have been several successful operations that were acknowledged by the entire world.
“And now, the TTP (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) is on the rise. But in what capacity, and as what? Citizens of Pakistan? Have they demilitarised?” she questioned, adding that if such was the case, “show us the evidence”.
Earlier in her address, she said there could no “protracted, result-oriented engagement with terrorism”.
“A terrorist is a terrorist and he remains one because he took up weapons. And when he agrees to talk to you, he has pre-conditions.”
She said wherever such elements were engaged in talks, it was after they laid down arms.
The PPP senator recalled multiple incidents of terrorism and said it was beyond her understanding how a compromise could be reached with terrorists.
“We have been in favour of dialogue with anyone who lays down arms and says that he will operate within the ambit of the Constitution of Pakistan,” she said, adding that a joint session of the house was called during the PPP’s tenure to chalk up a strategy against those who continued terrorism. “Call a joint house again,” she demanded.
As regards Balochistan, the Minister for Climate Change proposed the formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission to take the situation towards improvement in the province.
Mohsin Dawar also supported the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission saying it is imperative to take the country in the right direction.
Earlier, BNP-M Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, in his address, lamented Balochistan’s situation, saying the people of the province should not be pushed to a point of no return.
The BNP-M leader deplored that democratic and undemocratic governments had ruled the country, different parties had come to power, and changes were made to the Constitution but Balochistan never changed.
“Why are Balochistan’s issues not resolving?” asked Mengal. He added that his words are taken seriously but there was nothing in the hands of the government.
The coalition government’s partner told the house that the people killed by the Counter Terrorism Department have been identified and all of those people were “picked up”.
“Wasim Tabish was a student who wrote a poem for the missing persons. In this country poetry is also a sin. Those who speak and write are picked up,” said Mengal.
The BNP-M leader said that they had shared a list of missing persons with the PTI government, and one of the person who was on the list was found to be killed in the encounter.
“Do not push us to a point of no-return,” warned Mengal, as he urged the end of fake encounters in Balochistan. Later, the house was adjourned to meet again today (Thursday) at 11:00 AM.