Corruption chief cause of Balochistan troubles: Barozai

LAHORE - Former caretaker chief minister of Balochistan Nawab Ghaus Bakhsh Barozai has said that corruption and denial of fundamental rights to Baloch people are the basic problem of the province.
He was addressing a seminar titled ‘Balochistan Problems and Their Solutions’ organised by PU Academic Staff Association here on Tuesday. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran presided over the seminar while ASA President Dr Ehsan Sharif, Dean Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences Prof Dr Zakria Zakir, senior faculty members and a large number of students were also present on the occasion.
Mr Barozai said all the problems faced by Balochistan could be solved but sincerity, political will and wisdom was a must for that. He said every ruler focused on strengthening himself rather than addressing the problems of Baloch people. Barozai said there was no town planning even in big cities of Balochistan including Quetta, Sibbi and Loralai and the development work being carried out in the province had poor quality. He said Punjab was the key to solve the issues of Pakistan’s largest province.
“We have no complaint with Punjabis but their representation in establishment and bureaucracy is damaging our image and they do not perform their duties faithfully, Barozai was of the view.
He claimed that Balochis were not guilty of creating problems in Balochistan but it was the establishment who must change its attitude towards the province.
“Balochistan has been mishandled,” he added. Mr Barozai said holding of general elections was a great challenge but the caretaker government conducted the elections without any fear and defeated the conspiracies of anti-state elements.
He urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to win the hearts of people of Balochistan through performance. He said the people of Balochistan loved Pakistan otherwise the situation could be different today.
Dr Mujahid Kamran called upon the government to use force and military against the elements that were attacking aid caravans and snatching relief goods, which were being sent by the people for the help of earthquake victims. He said these elements must not be tolerated at all. “We want peace but not ‘at all cost’,” said Mujahid.
The VC said that Nato, India and Israel were involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan and they were creating problems for the country. “We must give clear message to our enemies that Pakistan is a country of 190 million people, an atomic power and has a strong and powerful Army.” Mujahid added.

“Our current leadership has the ability to send the message to the enemies because in the past, despite immense pressure from outside, it carried out nuclear explosions,” he said.
The people of Balochistan had not been given a chance to solve their problems and Punjab University was providing an opportunity of getting quality education at the country’s highest seat of learning to Baloch students who would run their province in future, the VC concluded.