A panel discussion on “Reconciliation Process in Balochistan: Problems, Challenges and Way Forward” was held at University of Turbat on 17th March, 2023. The program was organized by the Department of Political Science. The aim of panel discussion was to engage academia and youth for the solution of longstanding problems and challenges in Balochistan.
Prof. Dr. Nazir Hussain, former Dean Social Sciences & Director of School of Politics and IR, Quaid Azam University, Islamabad, Ms. Sabah Aslam, Founder and Executive Director, Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution – IICR, and Prof. Dr. Gul Hassan, Dean, Faculty of Legal Education, UoT participated in the discussion as panelists, while the program was moderated by Mr. Muzaffir Hussain, Assistant Professor of Political Science Department and Director Student Affairs, UoT.
The panelists emphasized that the problems in Balochistan could only be addressed through approaching the people and true leadership of Balochistan for debate and dialogue. They stressed on the importance of unity among different ethnic communities in Pakistan and advocated for honesty, moral values, and acceptance of diversity and differences of opinion in the country. The role of youth, academia, politicians, media, civil society, provincial government, federal government, and different stakeholders in reconciliation process was talked over during the panel discussion and question answer session with the faculty members and students.
The panelists noted that the chronic trust-deficit at government and societal levels is the major obstacle towards the reconciliation process and called for immediate confidence-building measures for the resolution of problems in Balochistan. They argued that the reconciliation process cannot be result-oriented without resolving the root causes of backwardness, perception of deprivation, exploitation and marginalization in Balochistan. They emphasized that the legitimate political and economic rights of the people of Balochistan should be brought at par with the rest of county for perpetual peace and progress of the province.
Mir Asghar Rind, a former provincial minister and politician from Balochistan, also highlighted different issues of Balochistan before the panelists. Dr. Mansoor Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of University of Turbat welcomed the guest speakers and on behalf of the Vice Chancellor UoT Prof. Dr Jan Muhammad, he expressed gratitude to the guests and participants for attending the academic discussion on reconciliation process in Balochistan. Prof. Dr. Abdul Saboor Baloch, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences highlighted some way forward for making the reconciliation process successful in Balochistan. The program was attended by faculty members, administrative staff, notables, civil society, business community and students in large number.
