The Baloch perspective
distinctive situation both in Iran and Pakistan. Despite the immeasurable riches of their homeland, they are politically marginalised, economically exploited and live in appalling social conditions. Moreover, the Baloch have a very tense political relationship with both Islamabad and Tehran.
Ignoring the political realities in Balochistan, particularly in eastern Balochistan, Pakistan and Iran recently signed a multibillion dollar gas pipeline project in Chabahar, Iran’s Baloch-port city, to import 750 million cubic feet (bcf) of gas per day through the 1,900 km-long Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.
Balochistan is the only land route for the proposed $7.5 billion pipeline. A major part – some 1,200km – of the 1,881 km-long conduit, which will connect Iran’s Pars gas field to Pakistan’s main distribution system in Nawabshah, will pass through conflict-ridden Baloch territory in Iran and Pakistan.
Pakistan and Iran signed the agreement and an operational accord in Istanbul on March 17, 2010. However, it is not clear, since all pacts are confidential, how these new agreements are different from the ones inked during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Tehran in May 2009, following which officials from the newly-formed Inter State Gas System (ISGS) quietly signed the controversial gas sale-purchase agreement in Istanbul.
Energy security in the region needs a holistic approach. The politico-economic cum security aspects need to be worked out carefully. While grand inaugurations may be used as a political stunt, the translation of such mega dreams into reality needs wise and gentle policies.
Among the major challenges are the seemingly endless political conflict in Balochistan, along with US concerns over Iran, high pricing and the threat posed by sectarian groups. Without addressing these crucial issues, the multibillion dollar pipeline project is bound to backfire.
Islamabad has, as usual, committed a significant political blunder by overlooking the importance of Baloch consent over the proposed gas pipeline project. The project was signed at a time when Balochistan lacks a genuine and representative government. The region is suffering from chronic human rights abuses and major tension between the Baloch people and the Islamabad- backed non- Baloch security apparatus.
Baloch opposition to such a transnational pipeline was voiced as far back as in 2005. The slain Baloch nationalist Akbar Khan