Pakistan: the land of protests
By Senator Sanaullah Baloch Senator Baloch writes about Pakistan’s long standing structural flaws and unfolding chaos.
Pakistan: the land of protests
Management of social unrest is part of social science. Protest cannot be dealt with solely through use of force. In multi-ethnic Pakistan this management needs greater understanding of all geographic, political, cultural and historic realities.
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Pakistan: the land of protests
Pakistan: the land of protests Senator Sanaullah Baloch
The land of protests 25.03.2008 Sanaullah Baloch (write to columnist)
By Senator Sanaullah Baloch 3/25/2008 Pakistan has turned into a land of protests. Disagreements with state policies are visible in all sphere of society. For one reason or another people are holding protest rallies, hunger strikes, sitins and roadblocks. Non-violence is the most powerful form of protest, but in Pakistan, because of the failure of peaceful and democratic means for the expression of grievances, protests have taken the form of revolts and rebellions, causing colossal damage to society. According to the constitution people have the right of free speech and assembly, but the government is unwilling to heed the voice of
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Pakistan: the land of protests
society. Security and law-enforcement agencies use violent means to suppress opposition, forcing opposing groups to respond in similar fashion. In countries, unlike in Pakistan, the State acts as an arbitrator, not a party to the crisis, unrest is managed more successfully. Management of social unrest is part of social science. Protest cannot be dealt with solely through use of force. In multi-ethnic Pakistan this management needs greater understanding of all geographic, political, cultural and historic realities.
There are many reasons behind the discordant and large-scale unrest in the country: 1. Inflexible social structure and continued manipulation of political and economic affairs by the dominant institution (the military) and ethnic group. 2. Biased and unfair disbursement of resources and unchecked discrimination against marginalised ethnic groups. 3. Lack of proper and equal development and lack of participation of marginalized people in the process, the unrest is targeted at higher levels against government institutions. Political empowerment (real provincial autonomy) and economic development diminishes social and economic problems. Already, poverty breeds detestation against the rich and powerful
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Pakistan: the land of protests
4. Indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force against protesters, which creates hatred and turns into uprisings. Detestation and violence increase when government uses resources to modernize its security apparatus to suppress marginalized communities, instead of redressing their economic and social grievances. There is need for greater understanding about the resurgence in violent protests in Balochistan and FATA. Pakistani is composed of culturally different nationalities and regions. Historically the mode of protest against alien rulers, and particularly against British imperialism, was relatively different in each region. People in Balochistan and the tribal regions have inherited that traditional and violent way of protests. In these areas rebellion against British rule was sustained through attacks on railway lines, post offices, paramilitary forts and representatives of the rulers. However, in the rest of India protest against British rule was influenced by the nonviolence campaign of Mahatma Gandhi. The deprived ethnic nationalities in Pakistan have been trying hard since the creation of the country to peacefully influence public opinion and government policies to get equal social and political treatment, but failed to get proper attention. The highly centralized state and its institutions are incapable of dealing with people’s growing expectations. The constant attempt by the state apparatus to suppress the legitimate aspiration of marginalized people has further complicated the situation. The recent surge in violence against the security forces and law enforcement agencies is deplorable. But in Pakistan these agencies are considered by marginalized people as a threat to their rights, identity and resources. The growing disappearances of moderate Baloch and Sindhi nationalists, the disproportionate use of force by the state against civilians and the biased approach of law enforcement personnel has raised questions about these agencies’ integrity and impartiality. Free media could play the vital role of forecasting social and
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Pakistan: the land of protests
political unrest in the different parts of the country. However, although the media appears independent and free in Pakistan, there are areas where the media is advised and regulated by the Inter Service Public Relation and the Press Information Department. The Baloch movement for autonomy had been integrated and non-violent after 1977, but was totally ignored by policymakers and by the media. Therefore, the mood of confrontation intensified, reflecting the growing frustration of the people of the province. In the early stages of the Balochistan crisis the media played an influential and positive role promoting dialogue between representative of the province and the centre. But the media’s proactive role soon came to an end when they were forced to limit their role with regard to Balochistan and FATA. The majority of peaceful protests remain unreported in influential newspapers and on TV channels. Part of the media is less enthusiastic about initiating a debate and reporting on peaceful protests by marginalised communities. However, violent incidents are well reported in both the electronic and print media. This media’s behaviour is unintentionally promoting violence, because it gets more news coverage than peaceful protests. If social unrest and the wave of protests is not dealt with wisely and politically, it can further deteriorate the volatile social situation in the country. These are conflicts that can be solved through discussion, negotiation, and compromise. But if ignored, as usual, they could inflict unending damages to the very existence of the state. There is greater need for the establishment to rethink its strategy of social stability. It needs to correctly analyse the situation and encourage the development of politically flexible methods of dealing with conflicts within the system.
The writer is a member of the Senate of Pakistan. Email: balochbnp@gmail.com Page 5
Pakistan: the land of protests http://www.sanabaloch.com Twitter: @Senator_Baloch
Published: The News, March 25, 2008
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