CrisisBalochistan | January 16, 2012

Left: Mr. Christophe Alexandre Paillard, a lecturer at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris and ENA

Balochistan has a very important geo-strategic location as it is situated between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan and what makes it even more valuable is its extreme richness in mineral resources - Christophe-Alexandre Paillard

The Balochistan issue is a test case for the international community - Munir Mengal

(compiled from Paris-France Asia Reporter, The News and other sources)
On January 10, 2012, a conference-debate titled "Raw Materials and International Relations" was held at Kiron Espace, Paris, on the occasion of the publication of issue No. 84 "La Revue internationale et stratégique (Quarterly International and Strategic Review)" by IRIS/Armand Colin (Institute Des Relations Internationales Et Strategiques). IRIS is regarded as one of the top think tank institutes in both France and Europe.

During the debate, Munir Mengal, president of the Baloch Voice Association, drew attention to the fact that mineral-rich Balochistan is located in a very important geo-strategic region, finding itself distributed between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. "By capitalizing on this given opportunity, I am directing your attention towards Balochistan, South Asia," Mr. Mengal said. He noted that in relation to raw materials, there are two issues that affect Balochistan and the region: 1) the availability and exploration of raw materials within Balochistan and 2) the transportation of raw materials across Baloch land. Mr. Mengal added that "Balochistan has a coastal belt of more than 700 nautical miles and the port of Gwadar is one of the deepest natural ports of the world. Gwadar Port lies on the straits of Hurmoz, through which nearly 20% of the world's oil passes. China has already consulted with Pakistan over plans to build a naval base at Gwadar."

Mr. Mengal said that international experts and think tanks have termed Balochistan a "mouth-watering" piece of land and that the Geological survey of Pakistan (GSP) 2007 report states that Pakistan is exploring 40 out of 50 of its minerals from Balochistan. Additionally, plans for regional and international energy pipelines to cross Balochistan have already been drawn up, i.e., TAPI, IPI and the extension of those to China etc. "China has already started implementing her designs and is heavily involved in the exploration of mineral resources from Balochistan, i.e., gold and copper projects."

Mr. Mengal took the opportunity to address the political conflict in Balochistan, as well. "Balochistan was annexed to Pakistan on 27th March, 1948, by force. Since then its people have suffered under continuous military operations, suppression, subjugation and are being marginalized economically, socially, and culturally by Pakistan. The greed for land and for resources has led Pakistan to commit a systematic genocide of the Baloch people. The condition of the Baloch people under Iran also presents a worst case picture of neo-colonization. The Baloch on either side of the Pakistan/Iran border have never accepted the illegal occupation of their land and are resisting the occupation to gain their sovereignty."

Mr. Mengal closed his statement by calling for a response from the international community, "I would like to say that the issue of Balochistan is a test case for the International community."

Mr. Christophe Alexandre Paillard, a lecturer at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris and ENA, added that Balochistan has a very important geo-strategic location and is rich in mineral resources. He said that with respect to international relations, right now, at this time, "There are no immediate plans for Balochistan right now, but in 20 years time it will certainly be on the table."

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Excerpt from TheNews, January 13, 2012, London edition (print version):

PARIS: Balochistan has become a very important region internationally mainly because of its geo-strategic location and mouth-watering natural resources, scholars and political experts have said.

They told a conference organized by the Institute Des Relations Internationales Et Strategiques (IRIS) in the French capital that... "There are no immediate plans for Balochistan right now, but in 20 years time it will certainly be on the table," said Christopher Alexander Paillard, a lecturer at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris...

"Balochistan has a very important geo-strategic location as it is situated between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan and what makes it even more valuable is its extreme richness in mineral resources," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Baloch Voice Association president Munir Mengal said that Balochistan had been termed a "mouth-watering" piece of land by international experts, therefore, the province is of "so much importance."

"The Geological Survey of Pakistan 2007 report states that Pakistan is exploring 40 out of 50 of its minerals in Balochistan," he said. However, he laments that the Baloch people had continuously been marginalised by the authorities there.