International
Asia
Balochistan may become a country: Khan of Kalat
9/5/2006
- By Our Pakistan Correspondent
Islamabad, Sept. 4: The Khan of Kalat, Agha Suleman Dawood, says the situation emerging in Balochistan due to Nawab Akbar Bugti's killing and the "continued repression on behalf of the Federation, is pushing Balochistan from a province to a country status." In unequivocal terms, the Khan of Kalat said that Nawab Bugti's murder would act as a "catalyst for nationalist and patriotic forces of Balochistan to look for other options - whereby they can preserve their identity and sense of belonging."
Talking to a group of journalists, he observed: "Shaheed (martyred) Bugti has given the way and direction to the people of Balochistan, irrespective of their ideologies and affiliations, to strive for an independent homeland."
Without mincing many words, he categorically said the Federation was "running Balochistan as a company," and is callous to the core in respecting the sentiments of the people of the province.
About the future scenario of Balochistan's geo-politics, Mr Dawood said, "Internal and external forces are going to have a definite say.and let's see how it evolves." He said the "operation against Baloch and the policy of repression has proved to be counter-productive" and believed that Baloch were getting restless.
He said the killing of Nawab Bugti was a "blunder" made by Islamabad, and remarked that it would go a long way in redefining the politics of the country and the region. Mr Dawood did not elaborate as to how come the geo-strategic factors will have an impact on Balochistan, but contended by saying that killing of elder politician had "instigated the problem on a bigger canvas."
About his personal role in future Baloch politics, the Khan of Kalat said, "You will come to know of it when an appropriate time will come." He was of the view that Balochistan's genuine forces were united and would evolve a strategy, accordingly. But he kept on insisting and made a firm point that "the issue is far from getting resolved within the parameters of Pakistan's statehood."