ALTHOUGH insurgency in Balochistan dominates the political front and media attention, there is another alarming reality which has been ignored and denied by the provincial and the federal government. This is Talibanisation of Balochistan, particularly of Quetta and northern Balochistan.

Major cases of recent targeted killings in Quetta and abductions for ransom are directly linked with jihadi outfits and the Taliban who have natural and cultural enmity with nationalist Pakhtoons and Baloch, including the Hazara tribe.

Quetta continues to witness substantial militant activity, both from Islamist extremists and Baloch nationalists. There were 73 militancy-related incidents in Quetta during 2009 (till Nov 15) as against 81 in 2008; 72 in 2007; 75 in 2006; 61 in 2005; 51 in 2004; and 32 in 2003.

After 2001, Quetta witnessed a sharp increase of land encroachment by the Taliban who fled Afghanistan after 2001 US attacks. There are several no-go areas in Quetta and Balochistan, used by the Taliban as launching pads.

As for the Quetta regional military shura, it directs activities in southern and western Afghanistan. It is currently led by Hafez Majid.

The shura is using no-go areas like Kharotabad, Pakhtoonabad, Kakar Colony and recently developed areas of eastern and western bypasses in Quetta for their operations.

After the recent operations in Helmand, a heavy influx of high-profile Taliban leaders and refugees has moved to Quetta. This has resulted in the increase of property prices and rent. It is time all illegally occupied government territories were vacated.

Modern housing schemes should be developed on those lands, and no-go areas must be opened and action should be launched against all militant groups.

The eastern bypass of Quetta city must be regained by the government and developed as an industrial-cum-educational zone for the rapidly growing population of Quetta.

Strict measures need to be taken to regulate businesses, labour laws, housing and property to discourage notorious groups to use Quetta as a soft target for their activities.

M. POPALZAI & SHARIF KASI
Quetta