Caught in paradox and conflict |
What explains Balochistan's present socio-political paradox - born of vested interests and incompetence?
Two recent events offer a telling lens: the April 5 decision by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to fix the price of Iranian smuggled petrol at Rs280 per litre, and the awarding of a National Assembly ticket to Shafiq Mengal.
The first case exposes a glaring contradiction: a government that prides itself on an anti-smuggling campaign cannot simultaneously fix prices for smuggled or contraband fuel. This embarrassment underscores how even basic logic is forfeited. The "illegal spectrum" has become a buzzword for the authorities, yet here they inadvertently legitimise the very cross-border flows they vow to curb.
The second event concerns Shafiq Mengal, who received a PPP ticket for the NA-256 Khuzdar by-election after pledging allegiance to President Asif Ali Zardari in early March. Mengal inspires little affection, empathy or trust among the Baloch public. Tainted by allegations - however substantiated or otherwise - of links to armed groups, enforced disappearances, shifting political loyalties and involvement in multiple murders, including those of close family members, he stands as a deeply polarising figure.
Together, these examples illuminate the troubles defining and........