Balochistan faced multifaceted challenges and suffered traumatic events since the inception of Pakistan. The insurgency and local militancy wears the crown of instability in Balochistan. There was always a rift between the civilian government and the tribes of Balochistan which resulted in the insurgency and military operations. The traditional lens to seek the deep analysis of Balochistan is to align the social, political and economic indicators. Many analysts believe that only counter-terrorism strategies were the way forward in Balochistan case. To caricature the stereotypes counter-terrorism, armed coercion and imposition of security by a military are not decisive tools. Development policy, on the other hand, appears to be the best companion of the state security apparatus. In this regard, poverty reduction and improved governance have actually improved the contours of the Balochistan arena.
Moreover for many civilian development organizations, the grand rhetoric of a nexus between security and development, first enunciated by the United Nations (UN) in the 1990s as part of the broader meaning of ‘human security’, has been irrevocably tainted through its co-option by military tacticians seeking to win over the ‘hearts and minds’ of the native population. Hence in the month of November, the National Security Committee (NSC) specially met for the existing situation in Balochistan. There were growing concerns after the attacks on a Pakistan Army post in Bajaur Agency and police officials in Quetta.
The committee meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. More precisely Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, heads of the three armed forces, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (JCSC) Gen. Zubair Mehmood Hayat and other members of the civil and armed forces were accompanied by the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister, appreciated the radiant security improvement in the province by Law Enforcement Agencies. Whereas the point which was the pinnacle of the committee meeting was, ‘pace of Balochistan’. People sitting in the echelon of the state want that, Balochistan’s development should be paced up, so it can cope up with the other provinces. The security situation won’t exceed a specific point, until and unless the development gets started on the massive scale. The better socio-economic position will certainly produce minimum conflict in any area.
After discussing these points, the Federal Government affirmed it will increase its collaboration with the Balochistan government for rapid socio-economic development of the province. Whereas stress was laid on the development reaching the grass root level which will fade the concept of deprivation from the Baloch people. After the development, people will align with the state apparatus rather than to become outliers. In the meeting, the involvement of foreign agencies and their agenda was also discussed. The civil-military came to the point that, rigorous efforts are required for border management. The border management of Balochistan will prevent the criminals, terrorists, insurgents to come in the area of the province.
Another point which was discussed at the meeting was an overall changing scenario of the Middle East. As Balochistan shares the border with Iran, the heat will reach the surface of Balochistan. Hence Pakistan should play a proactive role in the Islamic world, in order to sustain the mutual interests.
Analyzing the current events, the visit of the Prime Minister to Balochistan granting 10 years plan and massive aid, the visit of Chief of Army Staff to Balochistan where he initiated a program named as ‘ Kushhal Balochistan’, the recent Islamic Military Alliance (IMA) Conference where the ex-Chief Of Army Staff Raheel Sharif was present. These events have been the result of this National Security Committee (NSC) meeting which have aimed to benefit both Balochistan and Pakistan.
