Pakistan to establish think tanks for influencing control on Baluchistan

Fearful of Indian adventures, Pakistan will take all the help, including the establishment of think tanks and advocacy groups, from China to maintain their grip on Baluchistan

New Delhi: Recognizing the need to instrumentalize soft diplomacy tools to shape hardcore strategic plans, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed his government to establish think tanks for the region of Baluchistan.

Khan’s statement came after his government was internationally criticized, last week for arresting over 150 doctors and paramedic staff from the region. They were protesting against the shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), medical supplies and essential commodities amid the outbreak. 

The region of Baluchistan has reported over 230 positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection and two deaths.

“Agriculture, economic activities, and employment in the province (Baluchistan) must be promoted. We must establish think-tanks to promote the region. We will devise a strategy for it,” Khan was reported by local Pashto-language media, during his interaction with the press at the Governor House in Quetta. 

Khan was accompanied by Baluchistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, Chief Minister Mir Jam Kamal Khan, and Planning Minister Asad Umar. In his address to the provincial cabinet and members of the parliament, Khan said the COVID-19 has become a challenge for the entire world, including Pakistan. 

The Pakistani Prime Minister claimed that his government was closely monitoring the situation in the country, as well as keeping an eye on global dynamics where developed countries such as the US, China, and most parts of Europe have taken measures to stem the spread of the virus.

Despite the pandemic, Pakistan continues to aid terrorist cells and relentlessly attempt to subdue the struggle of Baluchis for their rights and ownership of natural resources and freedom of Baluchistan.

Elucidating the plot of Islamabad, Dr. Liyaqat Khan, Foreign Affairs expert and an associate professor at the Mumbai University said that, the power shift in South Asia, tilting towards India is troubling the major powers more and Pakistan in particular. 

He further added that, in the post-COVID-19 phase, India will force the regional structure in its framework. 

“Thucydides trap is laid down in South Asia and Pakistan fears the probability of India correcting the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) position. Islamabad cannot win a straight battle, so think tanks can help him to restore the eventuality,” Khan said.

He also hinted a possible Sino-Pak play, which would prove an important role in prohibiting any activities by New Delhi in PoK. 

“Pakistan fears of Indian adventure, they will certainly try to have strong control over Baluchistan and take help from China as required. Thus, we cannot rule out a possible Beijing hand in plotting the play in Baluchistan as well,” Khan opined.