CONSIDERING that the ‘B’ of ‘Balochistan’ and the ‘P’ of ‘Party’ were always there for the taking, it is a tad odd that it took even the ingenious amongst us so long to locate the connecting ‘A’ for a very meaningful union. The popular ‘awami’ has finally been found and the result is a remarkable addition to the book of patronage and politics. The BAP — Balochistan Awami Party — brings under one umbrella legislators in the provincial assembly and the Senate — and surely many, many more in the days to come. This is a throwback to the past when a party was crafted inside parliament after the 1985 ‘non-party’ polls under Gen Ziaul Haq. At that time, the independent members were moved by an urge of conscience to serve the country to form a Muslim League in the assembly, which eventually transformed into what today is the PML-N. It’s a measure of our love affair with circular journeys and our belief in remedies that, in these times of changing ideologies and new doctrines, old recipes are still applicable sometimes.
It is just the beginning, a new beginning, the party’s well-wishers would say. It is quite an incredible beginning really, so there is no reason to doubt the approval that is coming the BAP’s way. Despite the scepticism that was displayed by some at the outset, ultimately the party will have to be given some time to prove itself. Many would be hoping that the new party can do what no political setup has been able to achieve in the province over the last few decades. All parties that have been in power have enjoyed outside support that is thought to be essential to run a government in Balochistan. If relevance at the mass level is something of interest to the BAP, it must aim to bring to Balochistan an elected government that at least to some extent represents the aspirations of the people in whose name politicians are elected and selected.
| Cold War again? |
| Water sharing and shortages |
No comments:
Post a Comment