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. *