Mounting extremism, editorial Daily Times
A delegation of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), with its
chairperson Zohra Yusuf addressed a press conference in Quetta, expressed its
concern regarding the existing security conditions of Balochistan. The HRCP
chief brought up the issue of religious minorities living in Balochistan, who
are victims of the growing terrorism that is being spread by armed extremist
religious organisations. The result of this persistent insecurity and
government’s inability to protect the victims is forcing these minorities to
emigrate. As many as 300,000 people, including Shias, Hindus and Zikris, have
migrated either to other parts of the country or have managed to obtain asylum
abroad. Zohra Yusuf claimed that the real motive of these religious
organisations is to weaken the Baloch nationalist movement but alongside the
targeted prey of their atrocities, other innocent citizens who belong to different
religions are falling victim to this mounting religious extremism. The state on
the other hand, which is still dealing with the Baloch insurgents with its
kill-and-dump policy, has given carte blanche to these militants. These groups
forcibly shut down many private schools in Panjgur. The HRCP delegation also
visited the Quetta Press Club where it discussed the dismal condition of the
journalist community. A province where 40 journalists have been assassinated
over the last few years remains one of the most dangerous places for media
personnel in the world, squeezed as they are between state and non-state
actors. As many as 10 editors and journalists are facing anti-terrorism cases
registered by the ex-Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court for publishing
statements of the banned organisations on pain of death.
The government it seems is not willing to solve these long standing
problems of Balochistan peacefully. A situation where the Shia Hazaras are
being massacred and journalists and members of religious minorities are being
assassinated is worsening day by day and not a single culprit has been brought
to justice. The Baloch insurgency and the state’s response seem to be an
unending tale of violence where the obvious victim and the loser is the common
citizen. The provincial government, even under the leadership of moderate
nationalists, has its hands tied and has failed to provide the promised peace.
Zohra Yusuf on this occasion urged the government to adopt a dialogue process
with the insurgents to end this civil war. That no doubt is the best solution.
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