Editorial: The Express Tribune - 04 June 2013

Wisdom for Balochistan


A wise decision has been made, which could well determine a great deal about the future of Balochistan and possibly help calm its many woes. After a meeting in Murree with Baloch leaders who included Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and National Party (NP) leader Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Mian Nawaz Sharif has nominated Dr Abdul Malik Baloch for the slot of chief minister (CM) of Balochistan.
The decision is a remarkably unselfish one, and suggests that Mr Sharif genuinely wishes to solve the many issues of Balochistan. While his party holds the largest number of seats in the provincial assembly, with nine candidates elected to general seats and the support of, at least, eight independents, he has decided to grant the CM’s post to the NP, and that of governor to the PkMAP. As Sharif said, values should be put ahead of personal gains. This is indeed a positive mode of thinking and represents a new start in our politics. If such an approach to the province is taken on other issues as well, we can hope for progressive steps on many issues.
There are also other new factors. Dr Baloch becomes virtually the first commoner, without the title of “Sardar” prefixed to his name, to become the chief minister of Balochistan. This in itself is a huge step forward for the province. He is also an individual who commands a great deal of respect and is regarded as a man of much sincerity to the cause of his people. This, and the NP’s close links with nationalists may help solve the problems of Balochistan — though it would be unfair to expect immediate progress. It is also worth noting that Dr Baloch was recommended by hundreds of civil society organisations who favoured him to head the next government in Balochistan. It appears that Mr Sharif has, very sensibly, taken note of their wishes, dropping his own party candidate Sanaullah Zehri, a somewhat controversial figure.
Under Abdul Malik Baloch, the future of our nation’s most troubled province may brighten. Let us hope this is indeed the case.
 
Increase in targeted killings

June 2 saw a spate of targeted killings in Karachi; amongst them were three political workers. Violence has become a permanent phenomenon in the metropolis that was once known as the city of lights but is now known for targeted killings. In the past few years, thousands of people have been killed in targeted attacks, yet the authorities seem helpless in controlling the situation. Apart from militant wings of political parties, many of these killings are a result of banned terrorist outfits operating with impunity. In most cases, the killers are not caught and when they are, they go scot-free due to our weak investigation system.
Our police lack the training and technology to collect forensic evidence. In cities where crime and violence is high, police and intelligence networks operate underground to catch criminals but in Pakistan, we rarely see such sting operations. In many cases, the law-enforcement authorities are hampered by their own politicisation. Apart from this, witnesses do not like coming forward when they know that the state cannot protect them or their families. In the absence of an effective witness protection programme, it is unfair to ask ordinary citizens to come forward so the authorities could nab criminals. Not only are witnesses scared to come forward, sometimes the judges and prosecutors are wary of punishing these killers for they, too, are often targeted.
Under these circumstances, it would be better if technology is used to remove the physical presence of the judge and prosecutors during the proceedings of the case in order to protect their identities. This way, the judges and prosecutors can do their jobs without any pressure or threats. There is an urgent need for an improved law of evidence, having a good witness protection programme and the need to train the police in gathering evidence and stopping the practice of arresting suspects before solid evidence, which would stand in a court of law, is gathered. The next government must address these issues before the situation in Karachi gets worse.