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The holding of a Grand Baloch Jiga in Qalat on Thursday has clearly sent out the signal for a new social contract with the rest of Pakistan, claims a Daily Times editorial. According to the editorial, the jirga not only reflects the widespread alienation of the Baloch in the wake of the August 26 killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in a military operation in Kohlu area of Baluchistan, but its decision to refer their cause to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), speaks volumes about the lack of faith in the country's largest province. What is of more significance is that this jirga has been held after 126 years and was attended by 85 tribal chiefs and about 300 elders. "The jirga declared that Baloch land is under the colonial occupation of Punjab in violation of the accord signed by the State of Qalat and the Government of Pakistan in 1948, and described the military operation in Baluchistan as state terrorism. While demanding the sanctity of tribal customs, the Qalat jirga's demand for Baloch sovereignty is important not because it amounts to much in real terms, power being the basis of its own law, but because it shows "a growing demand within a federating unit for a new social contract." According to the editorial, the Baloch know that the ICJ cannot intervene and adjudicate on their behalf because such interventions are not in its charter. However, by referring to an international institution of justice, the Baloch are saying that there is no overarching framework of constitutionality or legitimate institution available to them within this country that can be called upon to address their grievances.
Article Source: http://www.share.onlypunjab.com
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