Suhail Khan Mandukhel
Tribal chief led governments in Balochistan have many things in common but the basic commonality is ‘party-shift’. Drastic change at top cadre of the parties, after every five-year, reflects inconsistency of rulers. With this frequent reshuffling, it is fair to admit that Balochistan is the laboratory where incompetent governments are produced! However, the rulers deliver a bit when they are criticised by media and judiciary. Former government of Nawaz Aslam Raisani was an obvious example of free-for-all ministries. Almost entire assembly was enjoying the sinecures in shape of ministry or an advisory. This inordinate strength of cabinet was not the major indicator of ineptitude and gratification. Above all, the bloodletting and genocide of Hazaras brought uncontrollable fear against the said government’s ruling method, which ultimately led to Governor Rule.
Conditions of the province were quite challenging when Nationalists-led coalition government took the reins of the government. People pinned much hopes to the government which was nationalistic in appearance at least. Abdul Malik Baloch assumed the office of Chief Minister. He made laudable efforts in bringing insurgents down but outcome was hardly advantageous. His government was given an exceptional coverage on media. Malik Baloch’s led government, however, was criticized much for not utilizing development budget worth Rs.24.50 Billion earmarked in annual budget 2014.
Even then was Malik Baloch able to offset these irregularities through other feel-good initiatives while eradicating Polio and improving education. Merit-based selection of teachers was procured after tests conducted by NTS. Education department appointed 5,000 teachers on merit in different districts of the province. Later on, he had to leave his office under Murree agreement while Nawab Sanaullah Zehri of PML-N was assigned the responsibility of heading Provincial Cabinet. Zehri, as usual, promised to bring province on the track of progress. However, his unreflective silence over the purported marginalization of much-talked-about western route made people raise eyebrows.
Former government announced Balochistan Education Endowment Fund at the cost of Rs 8bn for more than 14,000 talented students. Balochistan Residential College Zhob, an institute of high repute, was put to proper functioning. Besides this, laptop scheme, which is still pending, was announced for deserving students. In short, ongoing government has also set many firsts in province by catering students with handsome scholarships and by approving 12 mega projects under the umbrella of CPEC in collaboration with Federal Government.
On the other hand, atmosphere of the province is marked by many hassles. Unrest, caused by on-again and off-again terrorism, is prevalent. Currently, law-enforcing agencies seem to have become immobilized in protecting professionals and top-of-the-line lawyers of Balochistan martyred in a fierce blast and volleys of bullets were fired on innocent police cadets in Quetta. No government can be declared solely responsible for the predicaments faced by people in Balochistan. However, Solution to the problems needs synergized and conductive efforts.
Writer is a student of Political Science.
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