With the killing of twenty poor labourers in Turbat in mind, a decision was made to extend Zarb-e-Azb operation to Balochistan as well during the meeting between army chief General Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The killing of innocent people, including those of Hazara community has become a regular occurrence and must be brought to an end, it was decided.
However, along with these measures, attempts should also be made to improve the living conditions for the Balochs so that they do not see the armed forces purely as a tool of repression of the colonial powers resident in the largest province. Balochistan is a province that is blessed with massive mineral wealth. However, large number of its people feel that their province is treated as a colony and is ruled in the most repressive fashion.
This has created a law and order situation throughout the province, making it impossible to explore and exploit the huge mineral resources and to use these for the betterment of living conditions of the people of the province as well as those in the rest of the country.
With the Chinese takeover of Gwadar port, the Chinese government would naturally be willing to explore and exploit the mineral resources as well. However to do that, they need a peaceful environment, which can be brought about only by Pakistani authorities.
So, while extending Zarb-e-Azb operation to Balochistan, some welfare schemes should also be started for the people so that they may not see the army purely as an enemy force. Surely, funds for such ventures could easily be arranged by the government if there is a sincere will. The province has to be declared a special economic zone and the people of the province have to be empowered.