CSS Current Affairs | NGOs Contribution to Peacebuilding in Baluchistan
The following question of CSS Current Affairs is solved by Aliza Ashraf under the supervision of Howfiv’s Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs Coaches. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved past paper question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years, and uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- Background and current situation of the Balochistan conflict
3- Role of local and international NGOs in building peace in Balochistan
- ✓Role in initiating conflict resolution
- ✓Contributing to socioeconomic development
- ✓Providing education and awareness
- ✓Advocating human rights
- ✓Role in capacity building and governance
- ✓Providing health facilities as a peacebuilding tool
4- Critical analysis
5- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The local and international non-governmental organizations have been playing a significant role in peacebuilding in Balochistan. The history of conflict in Balochistan, with the ongoing protests in the region, has been disturbing the peace of Balochistan. Moreover, citizens have grievances against the state for being neglected. However, NGOs have been working across the region in various sectors for the betterment of Balochistan and its people. They contributed to the socio-economic development through various programs. Moreover, these organizations have been putting efforts into conflict resolution by peaceful talks. Their services in education, public health and human rights activism are tremendous. In conclusion, local and international non-governmental organization’s participation is considerable; however, their involvement is not a long-term solution for the prosperity of the region.
Background and current situation of the Balochistan conflict
Before understanding the current situation, it is pertinent to know its history. Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province, consisting of 44% of the total land and only 5 % of the population. This region is rich in natural resources like natural gas, granite, copper and gold. It is situated on the southwest side of Pakistan and shares a border with Iran and Afghanistan. Currently, despite being the largest province, the peace situation in the region is very bad. There are several reasons for this, like lack of educational opportunities, less political representation, absence of socio-economic development and violation of human rights. Additionally, the insurgent groups have been continuously targeting civilians and military groups, disturbing the peace.
Role of local and international NGOs in building peace in Balochistan
- Role in initiating conflict resolution
The local and international non-governmental organizations have been playing a significant role in initiating peace talks and resolving conflict between government and tribal leaders to build peace in Balochistan. The lack of communication between insurgent groups and local political leaders has been a critical reason behind the dire situation of peace in the region. NGOs tried to initiate conversations to resolve the issue of resource distribution and political marginalization. For example, the Institute for Peace and Secular Studies (IPSS) has worked towards initiating dialogue between local communities and government bodies. Additionally, international NGOs like the International Crisis Group (ICG) have analyzed Balochistan’s conflicts and suggested pathways for peaceful resolution through inclusive dialogue. conclusively, NGOs can be very helpful in establishing peace in the regions through peace talks.
- Contributing to socioeconomic development
Many local and international NGOs have been putting efforts for social and economic development in the region through various programs. As the lack of economic development and unemployment are very basic reasons behind the sorry situation of Balochistan. These have played an essential role in promoting programs that have worked for job creation, skill development and poverty alleviation in the region. For instance, the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP) is a notable local NGO that works to empower rural communities by providing them with livelihoods through microfinancing and much more. These efforts to make the province economically inclusive have been helpful in building peace in Balochistan.
- Providing education and awareness
NGOs have established various programs to promote education, especially for women and marginalized groups, to create a more inclusive society socially and economically. The lack of educational opportunities and illiteracy are the main factors causing instability in the region. Organizations like the Taraqee Foundation and international actors like Save the Children have developed educational and vocational training centres across Balochistan. They work to equip youth with education and save them from becoming victims of insurgent groups in the regions.
- Advocating human rights
NGOs have been at the forefront of advocating for human rights violations in Balochistan for years by providing legal assistance and documenting abuses. Human rights violations and enforced disappearances of the masses are the issues that have fueled instability in the region. The work of NGOs in this regard is commendable. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International have highlighted human rights violations in Balochistan and successfully raised the voice for the poor situation of the public on national and international levels.
- Role in capacity building and governance
International NGOs have contributed to enhancing local governance structures by providing civilians with training on conflict management, governance, and civic responsibility. Organizations like USAID and The Asia Foundation have implemented capacity-building programs for local civil society organizations (CSOs) to improve governance and conflict management skills. These efforts have led to the establishment of better relations between the government and citizens. Consequently, it strengthens peace in the community.
- Providing health facilities as a peacebuilding tool
International and local NGOs have been providing health facilities in the conflict areas, which help reduce the tension of lack of basic life necessities. Citizens experience extreme frustration as they lack basic needs. These initiatives serve as buffers between locals and the government. For instance, Médecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) has been working in Balochistan for decades, offering maternal healthcare and combating malnutrition, helping to reduce grievances of the public against the state.
Critical analysis
Critically analyzing, many local and international NGOs have been working in Balochistan, serving people and promoting peace in the region. However, many non-state actors enter conflict zones in the name of non-governmental organizations, destroying community and peace and promoting anti-state sentiments. To protect the country from enemies, the state needs to realize that Balochistan and its citizens are her responsibility. The government should take serious steps to develop peace in Balochistan and utilize its full potential for the country’s progress. Hence, the state cannot neglect Balochistan, especially with the ongoing CPEC project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the role of the international and local non-governmental organizations is non-negligible. From mediating conflict between government and locals to providing them with health and education facilities, these have served the public of Balochistan tremendously. Moreover, they have been raising their voices for their problems on national and international levels. Their efforts have helped in addressing the underlying causes of conflict. Hence, although challenges are significant, their role in building peace in the region remains essential.
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