Blast in Quetta
By the Editor

BRINGING a shocking news to the nation, a blast has killed at least ten persons and injured 30 others in Quetta on Friday. It is reported that the device, strapped to a bicycle by some suspected terrorists, tore through the crowded Mezaan Chowk in the city killing passers-by, vendors and a soldier.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have condemned the explosion and vowed to bring the culprits to justice.

A host of elements have seemingly become active in Balochistan at the behest of the external forces inimical to Pakistan in the wake of implementation of several mega projects especially Gwadar Port.

Bomb blasts, sectarian violence and acts of sabotage and disruption are being resorted to periodically for destabilizing the province in order to scare away foreign experts, engineers and technicians working on the great and grand projects.

A clandestine group calling itself ‘Balochistan Liberation Army’ has claimed that Friday’s explosion was carried out by it for securing ‘rights’ of the Baloch people.

In fact it’s not because of the ‘rights’ of the Baloch people, but the motivating factor for such terrorist activity is the heinous designs of the hostile forces to impede the process of Balochistan becoming the hub of massive trade and business activity in the region with Gwadar Port in place.

If the ‘rights’ of Balochistan are really dear to these so-called ‘well-wishers’ of Baloch people, they should contribute towards early implementation of the gigantic projects to bring consequential benefits to the Baloch masses rather than impeding them through such heinous, vicious and wicked acts.

It’s a crucial time for Balochistan since the completion of mega projects is bound to usher in an era of progress and prosperity in the province.

The situation, in fact, enjoins upon the people to be vigilant to foil the evil designs of the disruptive and terrorist elements. Balochistan needs peace, stability and order to ensure smooth progress on the magnificent projects in the public interest.

It will be appropriate to appreciate the stand taken by Maulana Muhammad Khan Shirani, President of provincial JUI(F) that Balochistan should be spared of the MMA’s current protest campaign against President Musharraf.

We feel that’s the right approach to discourage the clusters of destabilization and anarchy from disrupting peace, tranquillity and harmony in the country. It’s hoped that NWFP will also follow suit to ensure sustained development process in the province.●