|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Senator Sana Baloch |
Baloch says China poses a threat to Asian region.
2005-09-21 / Taiwan News, Staff Reporter / by Crystal Hsu.
Located southwest of China, Pakistan has looked on the neighbor as a big brother and
backed its claim of governance over Taiwan. Pakistani Senator Sana ullah Baloch, however,
has voiced sympathy for Taiwan and panned the Islamabad regime as a proxy for China
which he said is scheming to achieve world hegemony. A longtime advocate of greater
autonomy for his home province of Balochistan, the senator shared his opinions on issues
ranging from China's rise to regional security during a recent interview with Taiwan News
reporter Crystal Hsu. Baloch was in Taipei last week to attend the just-concluded biannual
World Forum for Democratization in Asia.
Pakistani Senator Sana ullah Baloch makes a point during an interview with the Taiwan
News./RICK YI, TAIWAN NEWS
Taiwan News: Pakistan has been a big defender of the "one China" policy but you have
spoken in support of Taiwan's independence. Why is that?
Sana Baloch: I come from a place where its people are oppressed by military dictators. I
know the preciousness of freedom and think that Taiwan has the right to become an
independent nation. Taiwan has a different geography and a political culture from that of
China. Taiwan can play a significant role in promoting democracy in South Asia but has been
completely denied this by the countries in the region.
2005-09-21 / Taiwan News, Staff Reporter / by Crystal Hsu.
Located southwest of China, Pakistan has looked on the neighbor as a big brother and
backed its claim of governance over Taiwan. Pakistani Senator Sana ullah Baloch, however,
has voiced sympathy for Taiwan and panned the Islamabad regime as a proxy for China
which he said is scheming to achieve world hegemony. A longtime advocate of greater
autonomy for his home province of Balochistan, the senator shared his opinions on issues
ranging from China's rise to regional security during a recent interview with Taiwan News
reporter Crystal Hsu. Baloch was in Taipei last week to attend the just-concluded biannual
World Forum for Democratization in Asia.
Pakistani Senator Sana ullah Baloch makes a point during an interview with the Taiwan
News./RICK YI, TAIWAN NEWS
Taiwan News: Pakistan has been a big defender of the "one China" policy but you have
spoken in support of Taiwan's independence. Why is that?
Sana Baloch: I come from a place where its people are oppressed by military dictators. I
know the preciousness of freedom and think that Taiwan has the right to become an
independent nation. Taiwan has a different geography and a political culture from that of
China. Taiwan can play a significant role in promoting democracy in South Asia but has been
completely denied this by the countries in the region.
I myself think the imperialist design of big countries does not work. Rather, I believe a country where the feelings and opinions of the people
are respected and heeded will thrive and prosper. I respect Taiwan and recognize it is an independent country because its people enjoy
complete freedom.
When a country is enslaved, its people suffer the most. For instance, when Pakistan tested nuclear bombs, it did so in my home province of
Balochistan. For years after the test, there was a cloud over the region and thousands of people were killed. To date, some still die from
starvation.
Also, I have sympathy for Taiwan because I think there are similarities between Taiwan and Balochistan. We're both located in a
strategically important area and are seeking to determine the destiny of our own land.
TN: Can you elaborate on how the people in Balochistan suffer?
Baloch: The province is the poorest in all of Pakistan, with a per capita income of US$250 a year. The overall per capita income for Pakistan
is about US$600 a year, although different institutions have put forth different estimations. Some 80 percent of the Baloch are illiterate,
purposely kept so by the central government. Almost 85 percent of our region does not have electricity. But there are more than 280,000
military and paramilitary troops in our region to keep the people under control.
Balochistan is rich in mineral resources. It has the world's third largest gold and copper reserves. That is why China and Pakistan have
some joint ventures in the region over which our people have little say.
To protest (the province's) unfair treatment, I recently resigned from the parliamentary committee on Balochistan because the government
refused to pay attention to our grievances. The Baloch want a respectable and a prestigious position in Pakistan but they are being denied
that. Islamabad is dealing with us on the basis of our population whereas we want to be treated on the basis of our geography. Balochistan
constitutes 43 percent of Pakistan, although its people account for only eight percent of the population.
We were forcefully brought into Pakistan's fold in the first place. The province fought to break away and succeeded in 1948 but the
independence lasted for only a year. If necessary, we'll go to any extent in the pursuit of greater freedom.
TN: Countries like the United States and Japan have voiced concern over China's aggressive military build-up. From the perspective of a
neighboring country of the giant communist state, do you share this apprehension?
Baloch: China's rapid military build-up definitely poses a threat to regional stability. China's new leadership has indicated a strong interest
in the region and has aggressively modernized the country's army. I'm afraid the purpose for this trend is not friendly or peaceful. It was
China that provided Pakistan with nuclear systems.
Despite its economic takeoff, China remains a poor country with a large number of peasants. There are many poor farmers. The country
has quite a few other internal problems as well. Unemployment in rural areas is high and labor unrest is simmering. Still, the country has
pumped huge sums of money into expanding its military arsenal. The phenomenon surely creates a security threat for the entire region.
In my home province, Chinese are just there to exploit its oil, gas and gold reserves. They have been doing so without regard for our people
and the environment. The human cost is huge, if it can be measured at all. China obviously wants hegemony in South Asia. That is why it is
paying greater attention to countries in Southwest Asia. The Chinese leaders are shrewd guys, you know.
TN: How close are the ties between China and Pakistan?
Baloch: Pakistan and China share a similar psyche. Both regimes keep power with a tiny group of elites. There is a small amount of trade
between China and Pakistan. But mostly, the establishment of Pakistan is acting as an agent for China in the region. That explains why
China wields great influence over Pakistan's internal and external politics.
TN: Is there room for Taiwan and Pakistan to improve their ties then?
Baloch: Yes, if Pakistan is ruled by politicians, rather than by military dictators. Then we can learn from Taiwan's democratic reform and
economic development. Taiwan also can teach Pakistan how to solve the problem of poverty. The two sides will have great political,
economical, and agricultural interactions.
But presently, military leaders dominate Pakistan's domestic and foreign policy. Those rulers like China and are not encouraging any
Pakistan-Taiwan exchanges. But one day when political parties come into power, we'll surely promote relations with Taiwan.
TN: A longtime freedom activist, what would you recommend Taiwan do to break China's economic and political isolation on the world
stage?
Baloch: It is a pity that international organizations have turned their backs on Taiwan whose economy is vibrant and whose people are
highly educated. I think Taiwan's soft diplomacy is the best approach, both to counter China's military threat and preserve stability in the
region. The United Nations and other international bodies will be forced to come and help, if China dares to attack Taiwan by force. The
international community is highly concerned about the cross-strait situation.
Most intellectual people in Pakistan know of the cross-strait issue and understand Taiwan's diplomatic predicament. Many of us don't think
Taiwan is part of China because the two places have distinct political, economic and social systems. We always refer to Taiwan as an
independent country and we have many made-in-Taiwan goods.
In addition, I suggest Taiwan should set up study centers on nationality. Because in a highly educated society like Taiwan, many of its
people still don't know the regional problems in South Asia. By establishing nationality study centers, Taiwanese students can learn where
Punjabi is and what its positions are on regional issues, etc. The study centers should also provide scholarships for foreign students to
come and learn about Taiwan, its historic evolution, political freedom, and economic progress. People from my home region would like to
come and study if such institutes were available.
TN: What do you think is the most urgent for the Baloch -literacy, better living standards or freedom?
Baloch: In my opinion, literacy should come first. In an information age, people have to be literate to surf the Internet and link up with the
outside world. The military regime in Pakistan intentionally keeps my people illiterate and backward partly to prevent them from pursuing
greater economic liberty. Pakistan's military budget (for the next fiscal year) should be curtailed and part of the money should be used on
education in my region instead. With more education, our people would stand a better chance of improving their lives. They would know how
to explore our gas, oil, gold and other natural resources. We want a democratic and free society. Denied that, we're suffering.
are respected and heeded will thrive and prosper. I respect Taiwan and recognize it is an independent country because its people enjoy
complete freedom.
When a country is enslaved, its people suffer the most. For instance, when Pakistan tested nuclear bombs, it did so in my home province of
Balochistan. For years after the test, there was a cloud over the region and thousands of people were killed. To date, some still die from
starvation.
Also, I have sympathy for Taiwan because I think there are similarities between Taiwan and Balochistan. We're both located in a
strategically important area and are seeking to determine the destiny of our own land.
TN: Can you elaborate on how the people in Balochistan suffer?
Baloch: The province is the poorest in all of Pakistan, with a per capita income of US$250 a year. The overall per capita income for Pakistan
is about US$600 a year, although different institutions have put forth different estimations. Some 80 percent of the Baloch are illiterate,
purposely kept so by the central government. Almost 85 percent of our region does not have electricity. But there are more than 280,000
military and paramilitary troops in our region to keep the people under control.
Balochistan is rich in mineral resources. It has the world's third largest gold and copper reserves. That is why China and Pakistan have
some joint ventures in the region over which our people have little say.
To protest (the province's) unfair treatment, I recently resigned from the parliamentary committee on Balochistan because the government
refused to pay attention to our grievances. The Baloch want a respectable and a prestigious position in Pakistan but they are being denied
that. Islamabad is dealing with us on the basis of our population whereas we want to be treated on the basis of our geography. Balochistan
constitutes 43 percent of Pakistan, although its people account for only eight percent of the population.
We were forcefully brought into Pakistan's fold in the first place. The province fought to break away and succeeded in 1948 but the
independence lasted for only a year. If necessary, we'll go to any extent in the pursuit of greater freedom.
TN: Countries like the United States and Japan have voiced concern over China's aggressive military build-up. From the perspective of a
neighboring country of the giant communist state, do you share this apprehension?
Baloch: China's rapid military build-up definitely poses a threat to regional stability. China's new leadership has indicated a strong interest
in the region and has aggressively modernized the country's army. I'm afraid the purpose for this trend is not friendly or peaceful. It was
China that provided Pakistan with nuclear systems.
Despite its economic takeoff, China remains a poor country with a large number of peasants. There are many poor farmers. The country
has quite a few other internal problems as well. Unemployment in rural areas is high and labor unrest is simmering. Still, the country has
pumped huge sums of money into expanding its military arsenal. The phenomenon surely creates a security threat for the entire region.
In my home province, Chinese are just there to exploit its oil, gas and gold reserves. They have been doing so without regard for our people
and the environment. The human cost is huge, if it can be measured at all. China obviously wants hegemony in South Asia. That is why it is
paying greater attention to countries in Southwest Asia. The Chinese leaders are shrewd guys, you know.
TN: How close are the ties between China and Pakistan?
Baloch: Pakistan and China share a similar psyche. Both regimes keep power with a tiny group of elites. There is a small amount of trade
between China and Pakistan. But mostly, the establishment of Pakistan is acting as an agent for China in the region. That explains why
China wields great influence over Pakistan's internal and external politics.
TN: Is there room for Taiwan and Pakistan to improve their ties then?
Baloch: Yes, if Pakistan is ruled by politicians, rather than by military dictators. Then we can learn from Taiwan's democratic reform and
economic development. Taiwan also can teach Pakistan how to solve the problem of poverty. The two sides will have great political,
economical, and agricultural interactions.
But presently, military leaders dominate Pakistan's domestic and foreign policy. Those rulers like China and are not encouraging any
Pakistan-Taiwan exchanges. But one day when political parties come into power, we'll surely promote relations with Taiwan.
TN: A longtime freedom activist, what would you recommend Taiwan do to break China's economic and political isolation on the world
stage?
Baloch: It is a pity that international organizations have turned their backs on Taiwan whose economy is vibrant and whose people are
highly educated. I think Taiwan's soft diplomacy is the best approach, both to counter China's military threat and preserve stability in the
region. The United Nations and other international bodies will be forced to come and help, if China dares to attack Taiwan by force. The
international community is highly concerned about the cross-strait situation.
Most intellectual people in Pakistan know of the cross-strait issue and understand Taiwan's diplomatic predicament. Many of us don't think
Taiwan is part of China because the two places have distinct political, economic and social systems. We always refer to Taiwan as an
independent country and we have many made-in-Taiwan goods.
In addition, I suggest Taiwan should set up study centers on nationality. Because in a highly educated society like Taiwan, many of its
people still don't know the regional problems in South Asia. By establishing nationality study centers, Taiwanese students can learn where
Punjabi is and what its positions are on regional issues, etc. The study centers should also provide scholarships for foreign students to
come and learn about Taiwan, its historic evolution, political freedom, and economic progress. People from my home region would like to
come and study if such institutes were available.
TN: What do you think is the most urgent for the Baloch -literacy, better living standards or freedom?
Baloch: In my opinion, literacy should come first. In an information age, people have to be literate to surf the Internet and link up with the
outside world. The military regime in Pakistan intentionally keeps my people illiterate and backward partly to prevent them from pursuing
greater economic liberty. Pakistan's military budget (for the next fiscal year) should be curtailed and part of the money should be used on
education in my region instead. With more education, our people would stand a better chance of improving their lives. They would know how
to explore our gas, oil, gold and other natural resources. We want a democratic and free society. Denied that, we're suffering.
Baloch Society Of North America (BSO_NA) is Non-Profit Organization, working to unite and Organize all Baloch in North America, to expose the Occupation and Oppressive policies of Pakistani and Iranian Governments against Baloch people and our Baloch land (Balochistan), and to bring their Human Rights Violations in Balochistan into the world’s Notice. |
