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HRCP fact-finding missions’ report 5
visit jails and police stations.
b) The concerns of the people of Balochistan, regarding the demographic balance in the province,
must be taken on board when making decisions. This is especially crucial with regard to megaprojects,
such as the Gwadar Port, and the acquisition of land by those based outside the
province. The opinions of local people must be included in planning schemes and giant projects.
c) The civil administration in the province must remain accountable to their executive heads rather
than take orders from paramilitary forces.
d) The chief minister of the province, who has not so far visited the areas of conflict since tensions
began, is urged to do so that he may make an independent assessment of the situation.
5. The government’s development plans must be directed towards the full empowerment of people.
The people must be recognized as stake-holders in the decision-making process, and their interests must be
placed at the top of the list of priorities. For this to happen, the people must be given a voice, This is possible
only if civil society organizations make a greater effort to visit areas of deprivation and interact with the people
and are allowed to do so. At the same time, all movements must alter their approach to seeking rights from one
of aggression, to a broader based initiative aimed at building countrywide and even international alliances for
their campaigns.
a) HRCP urges that all steps be taken by the government as well as tribal leaders to end the
practice of penal sanctions through jirgas as well as to do away with any form of private
prisons that may exist. In its place, HRCP encourages the government to set up public-private
legal aid centres and legal instruments, so that alternate dispute resolutions can be reached, in
civil disputes, through traditional procedures and yet remain compatible to international human
rights standards.
b) To meet the needs of people, educational institutions and vocational training centres must be
established across Balochistan. Development cannot be limited only to building infrastructure
or setting up giant projects.
c) Development plans must focus on building civil society, including establishing press clubs, bar
associations and community radio and television networks. This would connect the population
of Balochistan to the rest of the country and enhance the cultural environment within which hey
lead their lives.
d) The low visibility, negligible educational attainments and virtual lack of any voice in
decisionmaking of Balochistani women is a serious hurdle in the development of the province.
This situation needs the serious attention of the government, leaders of tribes, regional political
parties as well as nationalist movements.
e) In the explosive situation in Balochistan, the more vulnerable members of society, such as
children, members of minority communities and unemployed youth not only deserve special
protection, their social and economic advancement must be guaranteed through appropriate
plans of action.