January 18, 2006

President George W. Bush
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Bush:

We write to you on the occasion of the visit to the United States of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz of Pakistan.  We would like to express our grave concerns about a military operation going on in the country’s Balochistan province during the past month. 

Starting last December 17^th, the military has mounted an all-out assault in district Kohlu and Dera Bugti.  At first denying the action, then calling it a “law and order” operation to root out criminals, security forces have used troops, helicopter gunships and jet fighters in their attacks, which have caused many civilian casualties.

Following a recent visit to the area by the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the mission “expressed serious alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in and around Dera Bugti and reiterated its demand that all armed conflict cease immediately and a process of negotiation begun.”  According to the Commission, the area has been effectively sealed off and most of the inhabitants have left. The mission itself came under attack when it was trying to cross the border into Balochistan.

The Baloch have long opposed the central government’s treatment of its people and resources. The province provides the majority of the country’s gas resources, yet it receives only 12.4% of the profits.  The literacy rate is an appalling 25% for men and 5% for women.  What development does take place mainly benefits non Baloch.  Resorting to force to subdue the protests of its citizens for their rights has not worked in the past and is not likely to work now.  What is needed is a dialogue with the Baloch people and a sincere effort to resolve their grievances. Without this, there will not be an end to the bloodshed.

We urge you to discuss this matter with Prime Minister Aziz when you meet with him and to make clear that the U.S. strongly supports dialogue and negotiation between a government and its citizens as a means to resolve conflict, not airstrikes.

Yours sincerely, 

Munawar Laghari

World Sindhi Institute