On 13 September, US Ambassador Donald Bloom visited the coastal city of Gwadar in the Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan district. On this occasion, he stated that the relationship between the United States and Balochistan has a long history of successful cooperation. Last year, following devastating floods, the United States provided assistance to over 830,000 individuals and delivered food to mitigate the risk of hunger for 90,000 children.
Ambassador Bloom mentioned that the American aid during the past year resulted in the successful renewal of eighteen health centers. In the field of education, American aid contributed to the development of programs at BUITEMS (Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences) and Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University. This effort aimed to enhance the teaching of Balochi and other languages, as well as educational materials, ultimately empowering the youth of future generations. These initiatives are important, however, USA failed to criticise the actions of Pak Army in the region.
During his visit, Ambassador Bloom engaged in constructive discussions with political leaders, representatives of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as various government and private sector leaders. In his meetings with political leaders, he emphasized the potential for economic growth, disaster preparedness and recovery, security, and trade and investment between the United States and Balochistan through American assistance. He highlighted how these initiatives could create a more favorable environment for investment in Pakistan. But, he didn’t address the atrocities committed by the Paki ‘establishment’ in various areas. Pak Army has time and again committed daily home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, humiliation at checkpoints, and kidnappings for ransom. The rally of the victims’ families for the recovery of their loved ones is at an all-time high; however, the ambassador didn’t even mention this fact once.
The Ambassador focused on areas such as business, transportation, tourism, and fisheries, suggesting ways to promote American trade and investment in the region. He also discussed the U.S.-Pakistan Green Partnership Framework, which addresses environmental issues, energy, water, and economic necessities, benefitting all of Pakistan, with a special focus on enhancing the ability to cope with environmental challenges.
Ambassador Bloom stated that the United States is providing assistance to increase the capacity to address environmental issues, boost alternative energy efforts, and promote economic growth for all, particularly in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. Under the Green Partnership, twelve thousand farmers received American aid, with most of them hailing from Balochistan. Advanced technology and administrative methods were introduced, resulting in increased production and reduced post-harvest losses. Ambassador Bloom also visited Gwadar Port and met with Chairman Pasand Khan Buledi to discuss port operations, development prospects, the potential to become a regional commercial hub, and avenues to connect it with Pakistan’s largest market, the United States.
This visit makes one thing clear, that is the international communities have continued to neglect the plight of Baloch. They are trapped and are enduring inhumane conditions and violence by the Pakistan Army in their own homeland. Following the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochistan has been fighting the war of its existence. Be it the peaceful way of protests or the armed resistance, against the inhumane authoritarian rule of Pakistan Army, Balochs are fighting an all-front war.