Damned if you do, or you don;t

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
1

First they were complaining about Baluchistan being neglected, now that they have a chance for prosperity, even to the extent that Gwadar could rival Karachi they are protesting. The main reason being the crooked waderas don’t want there people to be educated and free.

______________—

http://www.dawn.com/2003/04/25/top6.htm

BNM tells govt of launching agitation

By Our Correspondent

QUETTA, April 24: Executive committee of the Balochistan National Movement (BNM) has warned the government of launching an agitation if Gwadar master plan is carried out bypassing the Balochistan Assembly and district assembly of the area.

Speaking to newsmen here on Thursday at the conclusion of an executive committee meeting, BNM Central Secretary-General Dr Yasin Baloch alleged that in Gwadar Singhar Scheme 80 per cent land was allotted to outsiders.

He pointed out that the elected representatives at an all parties conference, convened by the Balochistan governor a few days ago, had apprised the host that ignoring the apprehensions of natives related to Gwadar’s development would create an unrest in the area.

Dr Yasin told the newsmen that the coastal highway authority recruited 400 persons, but not a single native was employed. Similarly, Chinese firms took up 150 outsiders, neglecting the locals, he said and added that the FWO did not consider local applications for job.

In Gwadar, he alleged, the government aimed at colonization of the area to exploit its resources at the cost of natives’ rights. The BNM leader categorically declared that we would not permit well-off people to occupy local land. If the government was sincere in welfare of the masses, it should take the provincial assembly and Gwadar district assembly into confidence on all vital issues, he demanded.

He said the BNM would contact all political groups for a greater unity in Balochistan to strive for achieving the national rights.

2

I think you missed the most important part. The province should be responsible for its own resources. Is it wrong for asking for jobs of your own people in your own area?

*Dr Yasin told the newsmen that the coastal highway authority recruited 400 persons, but not a single native was employed. Similarly, Chinese firms took up 150 outsiders, neglecting the locals, he said and added that the FWO did not consider local applications for job. *

3

First of all the chinese are providing a lot of money...we aren't paying that much..hence we can;t tell them whom to hire and whom not to...second I would rather that skilled people are put to do the job...I don't want another building coming down due to shoddy work...and last but not least...these guys are finally getting some money...there future is starting to look bright...even if they are not getting jobs now..eventually they will be hired in bulk to work on ports and other industries being set up... my view is still the same...they are trying to throw a monkey wrench into the deal...

4

People can be trained to do work. Construction can be taught to people. What's the point of having a port in a poor area that does not benefit the people?

5

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Imdad Ali: *
People can be trained to do work. Construction can be taught to people. What's the point of having a port in a poor area that does not benefit the people?
[/QUOTE]

your looking at more short term where as I'm looking at long term. In the long term I don't who will argue that the people in the area won't benefit... but you have to understand that China is footing most of the bill... On one hand they are giving us charity and on the other we act like ungrateful people and tell them it must be on our terms.... it reminds of my uncles story when he gave Rs. 1 to a begger who through the money back at him and said..."wadda afsar nicka dil"...

6

Actually Bhadsha you are looking at it in the short term, Imdad is thinking long term. Down the road, when the local Makrani's start striking and rioting that houses are being built on what was there land, while they don't have access to water, or even electricity. They'll ask this simple question "whya re some treated better then others"?

I've always figured that one of the biggest mistakes that happened during Karachi's 50's and 60's boom years was that polticians brought labourers from Punjab and Sarhad for cnstruction jobs as a way of boosting their own constituencies, if those jobs had first gone to locals and then to people living nearby and thento those a bit further away.

The rural Urban split in Sind may never have happened.

It's the same old ..same old..lopsided way of doing things, I know I shouldn't be complaining many of those jobs will probably go to people from my province or maybe even my district, but it's still sad that people don't se what a mess they leave for future generations.

7

Zakk let just say for argument sake I agree with with that local makrani's should be hired...China is paying for this...who the hell are we to tell them what they should do...we're not in a position. lets let the second part of the process begin where hotels etx will be developed and pakistani money will be involved..then I'll stand with you holding placards asking for markrani's fair share...but people shouldn't make politics out of every little bit...