Special Cabinet Committee on Balochistan (SCCB) has opposed action against law enforcement agencies, including commanders of the Frontier Constabulary and intelligence agencies despite allegations of targeted killings, kidnappings and mutilating dead bodies of Baloch political activists. The committee is headed by Minister for Defence Naveed Qamar.
"There is a general allegation that missing persons are in the custody of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. FC has been mostly blamed for (detention and) abduction of such persons. In few cases, FIRs have also been lodged against FC officials. In case any FC Commander is charged with abduction, it will have serious implication on the morale of the force," said the committee in its observation.
According to SCCB's report, a copy of which was obtained by Business Recorder, individuals involved in various crimes "are checked by District administration/ police...and show their linkage with ISI and MI". Members of the committee included Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Law Minister Farooq H Naek, Minister for Postal Services Sardar Al Haj Mohammad Umar Gorgeij, Minister for Science and Technology Changez Khan Jamali, Minister for Interior Rehman Malik, Secretary Interior, Secretary Law and Justice, Secretary Cabinet and Secretary Cabinet Division.
The terms of reference for the SCCB were as follows: (i) to assess the reasons for the breakdown in the law and order in Balochistan; (ii) the options available to the authorities on the desired course of action; and (iii) to suggest a way forward, and make recommendations. Based on SCCB's interactions, the committee argued that the law and order situation deteriorated because of deep and persistent feeling of deprivation, neglect and injustice within various factions of people of Balochistan. Incidents of targeted and sectarian killings, kidnappings for ransom, mutilation of dead bodies and missing persons erre perceived to be on the rise.
"Militants/ miscreants have established camps to launch subversive activities including attacks on forces. Though (personnel of) Law Enforcement Agencies, including FC, police, Levies, etc, have sacrificed their lives yet, there is no significant improvement in the situation." The committee maintained that "hostile neighbours and extra regional forces are also interfering in the affairs of Balochistan for ulterior motives".
Other factors affecting the situation were: (i) lack of co-ordination between the law enforcement and intelligence agencies; (ii) lack of capacity and effectiveness of levis which controls 90% of the area, called 'B' area. Remaining 10%, which also includes 'A' area is under the control of Police and FC; (iii) political interference in posting/ transfer of Government functionaries; (iv) lack of interest of Federal Civil Servants (DMG & Police) to serve in Balochistan; (v) weak/ poor District Administration; (vi) general complaints that when the vehicles/ individuals involved in different crimes are checked by District administration/ police, they present and show their linkage with ISI & MI. This situation is creating an impression that agencies are creating/arming groups possibly as a counter weight to miscreants' organisations. The trend, if true, will have severe consequences; (vii) the number of alleged missing persons is perceived to be on the rise, which has very negative impact in general public; (viii) lack of religious/ sectarian tolerance and harmony is leading to killing of innocent people; (ix) joblessness amongst the youth and attractive slogans (with financial assistance) is forcing the educated lot to join hands with militants/ miscreants; (x) agriculture, the lifeline of majority of Balochs has been severely affected by withdrawal of subsidy on electricity. The situation has been worsened by frequent long hours of power outage; (xi) there is a sense of deprivation among masses particularly young generation for not having proper share in development activities, federal services, education, employment, etc; (xii) despite release of unprecedented development funds and Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package by the Government, impact on ground is not visible. Moreover, such packages are not demand-driven and hence not achieving desired results; (xiii) pro-Pakistan/ Federation elements feel handicapped when they have nothing to promise to the people. Militants take advantage of the situation to convince the general public in favour of their cause; and (xiv) generally the political leaders are pro-Pakistan but would like to have greater autonomy and implementation of the recommendations of previous committees instead of verbal promises.
The phenomenon of missing persons warrants immediate response/action. Though FC has done its best towards maintenance of law and order in the province, however, there is a dire need to eliminate the stigma of their involvement in enforced disappearances.
Recommendations Political Measures - (i) Political reconciliation should be given top priority in order to open dialogue with all concerned persons. Notables/ Elders be approached to facilitate the dialogue process and closure of camps established/ run by militants; (ii) interference, if any, in the prevalent cultural regime and tribal system be avoided. The legitimate Baloch leadership be allowed to prevail; (iii) forthcoming elections must be held in a fair and transparent manner. Efforts must be made to ensure participation of all political parties in the electoral process. Whosoever attains the majority must be allowed and facilitated to form the Government; (iv) measures already taken in the "Balochistan Package" be debated and publicised through media for positive effects; (v) the efforts and sacrifices of Federal and Provincial LEAs must be recognised and appropriately rewarded; and (vi) enhanced diplomatic efforts be made to stop foreign interference in the affairs of Balochistan. Foreign nationals should travel to Balochistan strictly in accordance with the Government Policy.
Administrative Measures: (i) Provincial apex committee comprising Governor, Chief Minister and Corps Commander Quetta be formed to ensure a well co-ordinated and integrated approach in all matters concerning law and order. This Committee should meet at least fortnightly; (ii) for effective working and co-ordination between the LEAs and intelligence agencies, they must be made answerable to the apex committee; (iii) the operational control of the FC concerning law and order should be placed under the Provincial Government; (iv) Provincial Government to take steps to improve the efficiency of Levis, its training, organisation and service structure, etc; (vi) 'A' and 'B' area may be re-adjusted by the apex committee, in accordance with law, for better administration to improve law and order situation; (vi) the existing post of Home Secretary should be re-designated as Additional Chief Secretary (Home) exclusively to look after the maintenance of law and order situation in the Province and to enhance the capacity building of Police Force and Levis to curb insurgency, sectarian killing, kidnapping for ransom and other criminal activities. This post must be filled by a senior BPS-20 officer of DMG; (v) for having better command and control at District level, the administrative posts of District Heads ie Deputy Commissioner and SSP should be filled by senior officers of BPS-19, belonging to respective service groups; (viii) the Federal Services Officers promotion policy, recently modified, that career progression gets linked with service rendered in Balochistan be implemented strictly; (ix) in order to curb criminal activities, there should be no discrimination in the enforcement of the rules and law. All inhabitants be treated equally specially with regard to use of vehicles with dark/ tinted glasses, special identity cards, etc; (x) FIRs must be registered within two weeks about all alleged missing persons as well as those allegedly detained unlawfully by any of the LEAs. Strict action be taken against those lodging fabricated petitions/ FIRs against LEAs; (xi) essential security be provided to judges of Anti Terrorism Courts and witness protection Program launched for those testifying in terrorism related cases; (xii) essential changes be incorporated in Evidence Act to cover terrorism related cases; (xiii) the missing persons, if in custody of any agency, be produced before the concerned courts within two weeks to bring them within the ambit of law; ( xiv) serious and concerted effort be made at Federal and Provincial levels to locate missing persons as per list submitted in the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan in CP No77 / 2010. A comprehensive investigative report on all aspects of the issue be submitted to the Cabinet within 15 days; (xv) a standing committee comprising Leaders representing various religions and sects be formed by the Provincial Government to secure religious and sectarian harmony; (xvi) there are complaints concerning creation and support of private armies. These complaints should be addressed effectively; (xvii) all federal ministries, divisions and their attached departments/offices, autonomous/semi autonomous bodies/corporations should inform the Cabinet, not later than seven days, about vacancies in Balochistan quota and any violation in this regard. All existing vacancies of Balochistan quota be filled within next 30 days with those holding legitimate domicile of Balochistan through a selection process to be held in Balochistan. Selection criteria and rules concerning appointment, selection, deputation and absorption/ induction in Federal Services of Provincial employees be suitably relaxed by the respective competent authorities, if required; (xviii) an aggressive awareness campaign be launched for general public about available opportunities of employment, scholarships, etc, by the concerned Federal Ministries/ Departments; (xix) extensive exposure be given to Baloch youth by organising visits/courses in other Provinces;(xx) all on-going Mega projects in Balochistan such as Rato Dero-Gwadar Road and Kachi Canal, etc be completed at a fast pace. Timelines be identified and fixed within 30 days. Job opportunities thus created must be given preferably to Balochistan domicile holders; ( xxi) free distribution of agricultural implements especially tractors to the beneficiaries of Kachi canal, etc must be undertaken; (xxii) Dadu-Khuzdar, DG Khan-Lora Lai and Iran-Gawadar electric transmission lines should be completed by December 2012 for ensuring regular electric supply (at par with rest of the country) for tube wells to boost agriculture; and (xxiii) audit may be carried out of the developmental projects/ schemes, already implemented.
Implementation and Monitoring: A special cell comprising an Additional Secretary and two Joint Secretaries with required staff be established in the Cabinet Division immediately to monitor the implementation of recommendations of SCCB. One Joint Secretary each from Ministries of Defence and Interior should also be designated as focal persons for liaison with the proposed Implementation Cell of Cabinet Division. The process of implementation of recommendations of SCCB must be completed within 3 months. SCCB's report has been discussed and approved by the Federal Cabinet, in its meeting on October 11 this year.
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