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Farhatullah urges inclusive political solution to Balochistan's problems

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 18:14 GMT by The News International
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Farhatullah Calls for Inclusive Political Solution in Balochistan – A Path Toward Peace and Development

Islamabad, September 12, 2025 – In a stirring address that has already sparked debate across political circles, Balochistan’s most vocal advocate for reform, Farhatullah, has urged the federal and provincial governments to adopt an inclusive political strategy to resolve the province’s long‑standing grievances. The call comes after a series of protests and a growing perception that the status‑quo continues to marginalise the region’s people, despite its wealth in natural resources.

A Brief Context: Balochistan’s Historical Grievances

Balochistan – the country’s largest province by land area – has for decades struggled with under‑development, poverty, and a perception that its natural wealth is siphoned off by the federal government without adequate local benefit. The province’s oil and gas fields, along with mineral deposits such as copper and gold, are a key source of revenue for the national treasury. Yet Balochistan remains one of the most economically backward provinces, with a per‑capita income that is among the lowest in Pakistan.

Adding to this economic disparity is the province’s uneasy relationship with Islamabad. For decades, Baloch activists and local leaders have accused the central government of neglect and, in some instances, oppression. The region has witnessed sporadic militancy, which has often been a reaction to what many see as an over‑repressive security apparatus rather than a pre‑emptive threat.

Farhatullah’s message, therefore, is not an outlier but a continuation of a long‑standing demand for greater autonomy, revenue sharing, and political inclusion. In his statement, he referred to the “root causes” of unrest—lack of political representation, inadequate investment in infrastructure, and perceived economic exploitation.

The Call for an Inclusive Political Solution

In a televised speech that reached millions of viewers across Pakistan, Farhatullah stressed that “the only viable way to end the cycle of violence and instability in Balochistan is through inclusive politics.” He warned that any solution that ignores local voices is doomed to fail.

Key points from his address include:

1. Revenue Sharing: Farhatullah called for a revision of the existing revenue-sharing formula, demanding that Balochistan receive a larger proportion of the profits from its natural resources. He cited the current “resource‑rich but revenue‑poor” status of the province as a direct source of frustration.

2. Political Representation: The activist highlighted the need for a “proportionate” representation of Balochistan in the National Assembly and in key federal ministries. He argued that a lack of political influence has perpetuated a sense of disenfranchisement among the province’s people.

3. Infrastructure Development: Farhatullah urged the federal government to commit to a long‑term plan for developing Balochistan’s infrastructure—roads, schools, hospitals, and power grids—together with the provincial government, in a collaborative framework.

4. Security Policy Reform: He acknowledged that security is a legitimate concern but urged the federal government to shift from a purely militaristic approach toward a more nuanced policy that incorporates development and community engagement.

5. Inclusion of Civil Society: Farhatullah called on the federal and provincial governments to create a consultative platform that includes civil society, tribal leaders, women’s groups, and youth organizations. This platform would serve as a mechanism for dialogue and conflict resolution.

Reaction From Key Stakeholders

Farhatullah’s call has elicited varied reactions across Pakistan’s political spectrum.

• Federal Cabinet: A spokesperson for the Federal Cabinet responded that the government is open to “constructive dialogue” but emphasized that security remains a priority. The spokesperson also noted that a “balanced approach” between development and security measures is essential.

• Provincial Government: The Chief Minister of Balochistan expressed a willingness to engage in “dialogue that leads to tangible outcomes” but cautioned against hasty agreements that might compromise national security.

• Baloch Nationalist Parties: Several nationalist parties welcomed Farhatullah’s initiative as a positive step. A senior member of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) praised the call for inclusive politics and urged the federal government to heed the province’s demands.

• Civil Society: NGOs and community groups across Balochistan applauded the call for greater representation and expressed readiness to participate in the proposed consultative platform.

• International Observers: Foreign policy analysts highlighted the importance of inclusive political solutions as a way to curb extremism. A senior analyst from the Islamabad Institute for Strategic Studies emphasized that “political inclusivity is a proven deterrent to radicalisation.”

Historical Precedent and the Road Ahead

Farhatullah’s address echoes previous calls for autonomy and revenue sharing that have surfaced in Balochistan over the past few decades. The 2008 Balochistan Accord, signed between the federal government and various nationalist groups, was an attempt to resolve grievances through political means. However, the accord was never fully implemented, leaving many of the issues unresolved.

The current call for an inclusive political solution is timely, given the looming local elections in Balochistan, scheduled for the end of the year. The elections will provide a platform for a renewed political dialogue, but only if all stakeholders are willing to compromise and collaborate.

In the final part of his speech, Farhatullah said, “Balochistan’s people are not a threat; they are a vital part of Pakistan’s future. Let us build a future where development, security, and representation go hand in hand.”

Conclusion

Farhatullah’s plea for an inclusive political solution is a clarion call that underscores the urgency of addressing Balochistan’s grievances through dialogue and democratic means. Whether his appeal will translate into concrete policy shifts remains to be seen. Yet the message has already resonated across the province and beyond, sparking a debate that could shape the trajectory of Pakistan’s most economically potent yet socially fragile province.

As the federal and provincial governments weigh their options, the eyes of the nation—and the world—will be watching closely to see whether Pakistan can finally reconcile its national interests with the rights and aspirations of Balochistan’s people.