The missing persons issue

Whenever the state of Pakistan makes efforts to promote peace and stability, anti-national elements and vested interest groups immediately become active and start playing a negative role.

It is significant that Sarfraz Bangulzai, the most wanted terrorist and former BNA commander, along with 70 associates, surrendered to the state. His predecessor, Gulzar Imam Shambay, has already been mainstreamed.

During a press conference, Bangulzai highlighted how militants with foreign agendas pose a threat to Balochistan’s peace and stability. He dismissed the notion of missing persons as a myth used to tarnish the state’s reputation.

Furthermore, reputable international organizations have classified the BLA and BLF as terrorist organizations. In this new context, the emergence of the Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC) has raised concerns. The BYC not only brings a bad name to the Baloch people but also pursues an agenda to destabilize Balochistan, exploiting women and children to gain sympathy and support.

The BYC gained attention after the tragic drowning of Karima Baloch in a river in Canada. Now, Mahrang Baloch has emerged as the new leader of the BYC, enjoying support from various ethnic parties. She is the daughter of Abdul Ghafar Lango. Another prominent figure is Ms Sammi Deen, the daughter of Dr Deen Mohammad Baloch.

Regarding the background of the Long March, it is important to note that militant Balaach Baloch has confessed to being involved in 11 attacks on the state, and an FIR was lodged against him. Unfortunately, while he was being transported to court, BLA associates killed him to prevent him from speaking out against them. In response, the BYC has called for an inquiry and the suspension of CTD officials, which is already underway. However, it is perplexing why they felt the need to travel all the way to Islamabad.

During an interview, a news anchor questioned why I did not engage in conversations with protesters in Balochistan from the beginning. Their most recent demand is for the state, specifically the CTD department of the government of Balochistan, to be disarmed. However, it is unrealistic for any sane state to accept such a demand when facing an insurgency in a district like Turbat.

It is concerning that certain individuals are using the guise of a march to support and enable terrorists. This is evident in the tactics they employ, such as involving women and children, as confirmed by terrorists like Gulzar Shambae and Sarfaraz Bangulzai, who have already integrated into mainstream society.

Therefore, it is crucial to question why we should grant concessions to those who aid and abet terrorists, regardless of their gender.

Ironically, the same narrative of missing persons is directly benefiting India, which has been interfering in Balochistan and destabilizing the situation in Pakistan. International powers also throw accusations against Pakistan.

However, when the officials and soldiers of institutions including the Deputy Commissioner’s office, police, and the CTD are brutally killed, and their homes destroyed, no objections are raised. Why is there no condemnation or civil rights movement for the ordinary poor laborers who are victims of terrorism in Turbat? Over the past year, there have been 150 terrorist incidents in which 66 innocent people have been killed alone in Turbat. The silence of liberal circles and pro-human rights journalists is disheartening.

It seems they are ignoring the priorities of the state and succumbing to Indian-sponsored propaganda and efforts, both at narrative and kinetic levels: The evidence presented by individuals like Kulbhushan Jadhav, Gulzar Imam Shambay, and Sarfraz Bangulzai are moot points.

The protest by the BYC and the support it receives from liberal circles only legitimizes terrorist groups like the BLA and the BLF. The sympathies and support resulting from these political calls only benefit these terrorist groups and provide them with a new tool for recruitment, allowing them to continue killing innocent Balochs, labourers, teachers, and entrepreneurs from other provinces in Balochistan.

The state’s leniency is evident in its treatment of individuals like Imam Shambay and Sarfaraz Bangulzai, who face serious allegations of terrorism. Yet, the state has shown great generosity by mainstreaming these known terrorists.

The BYC has intensified the so-called missing persons issue as it reaches Islamabad. Previously led by Mama Qadeer, the need for the BYC’s existence to address this issue or organize this long march is questionable. It is understood that ethnic parties support the BYC for vote garnering, leveraging the missing persons issue for votes for nationalist leaders.

According to data from the Commission of Enquiry on Enforced Disappearances, the number of registered cases has reached 10,014. Out of these, 7,749 cases have been resolved, leaving 2,265 cases pending. However, the commission says there are just 454 active cases from Balochistan as of October 2023. Militant leader Bangulzai revealed that numerous Baloch militants operating from Afghanistan and Syria have been killed in targeted drone strikes. During the press conference, he expressed frustration with the leaders of these militant organizations, accusing them of deceiving the younger generation.

While the sons of these leaders enjoy lives of luxury, the families of the Baloch residing in Afghanistan and Syria suffer in destitution. Bangulzai also highlighted the fact that the families of militants operating from Afghanistan are denied shelter, prompting us to question who is manipulating the Baloch people. He further claimed that India is using the missing persons agenda to falsely accuse Pakistan, ultimately aiding India in spreading chaos and benefiting banned outfits as agents of chaos.

However, the main threat to Pakistan’s national security is not terrorism but corruption in Balochistan, which hinders development. This is precisely what Bangulzai cited as the reason to take up arms, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Gulzar Imam Shambay, who felt hopeless due to bureaucratic inertia. This led them and other youth to seek refuge in the mountains, as quoted by a top state functionary.

The writer is the caretaker minister for information and public pelations, Balochistan government. He tweets @jan_Achakzai