Landmark Decision of Military Chief – Withdrawing from Balochistan

Today’s a historical day in the history of Balochistan as we hear the news of the army chief’s announcement that the army will withdraw its presence from the volatile area of Balochistan. Also, no military operation will be carried out in the province without official permission from the provincial government of Balochistan. This indeed is the news that the Baloch nation had been waiting for decades.

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News sources report that General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani announced on Monday (April 18, 2011) that Pak army troops will leave Balochistan and return to their barracks in the next two months. They won’t carry out any activities in the province without prior permission of the provincial government. In other words, the much resented military presence in the area will be replaced by civil administration. Security matters will be handled now by the Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC). Not only that but the deprived people of Balochistan will be given a chance to play a role in securing the country against anti-state elements by inducting five thousand (5000) Baloch youth in military service.

This landmark decision is to be hailed as the first sign of victory for the Baloch people who have been struggling with their lives and property to minimize the presence of the military on their land and instead let the democratic government, representative of the Baloch people, rule the people. By announcing General Kayani has given a proof of his respect for the democracy and voice of the people and, perhaps for the first time, shown that Pakistan’s military forces won’t go against the will of the masses. At the same time, it is another victory of the current democratic government.

For the Baloch, and for the entire nation, today is the time to celebrate!