It is one thing for the aggrieved mothers, daughters and sisters of the country to turn their faces towards those who are responsible for their welfare and stability and demand answers. But to make a sheer mockery of their pain, their suffering just because one person wishes to make a name for themselves is just as unforgivable sin. Dr Mahrang Baloch has become an international icon ever since she led a protest demonstration all the way from Turbat to Islamabad. However, like a long list of so-called leaders fanning the flames of discord to pursue their own agendas, she too seemed quick in jumping on the bandwagon of tooting her own horn.
Every organic leader knows how sitting at the deliberations table calls for sacrifices and accommodation from both sides. Although no one in their right mind could justify the unwelcoming environment the demonstrators received upon entering Islamabad, apologies from the PM Committee should have been taken as an ideal opportunity to strike while the iron was hot. It is evident from the news reports that the PM office has apologised for police action and even offered to accept the legitimate demand by deciding upon a time frame. But by refusing to give up ground on this phenomenon, Dr Baloch has shown her preference for chaos over stability. Similarly, the Balochistan Governor’s intervention to get the demands accepted within a suitable time frame was dismissed as Dr Mahrang made it clear that she was not ready to step back.
It goes without saying that the whole of Pakistan will pay the price if the plight of the oppressed province continues and the anti-state rants bask in galore.
However, this blow of hot and cold winds begins to make sense if taken from a historical perspective. Dr Baloch is the daughter of AbdulGhaffar Lango who had shot to fame over his advocacy of Baloch nationalism. His so-called abduction, murder and the discovery of his mutilated corpse played a phenomenal role in adding to the appeal factor of Dr Baloch. However, a leaked conversation with Mama Qadeer hints at how Mr Lango lost his life not at the altar of fundamental liberties but due to the internal difference brewing within the Balochistan Liberation Army. Hidden from the public eye, a grand intra-gang war gaining traction within the ranks of the notorious separatist organisation, most noticeably between the Harbiyar Marri, Javed Maingal and the UBA, had resulted in the murder.
So when people like Dr Baloch dismiss scathing evidence of surging terrorism in Balochistan and make the state responsible for all that goes rotten in the state of Denmark, they are giving terrorist outlets a free hand to twist the writ of the land in whatsoever manner they wish. There’s little to no mention of the targeted attacks against non-Baloch civilians. As the Baloch are made to feel more and more vulnerable, they are clearly becoming defensive and lashing out against those who belong to other ethnic groups.
Today, when the entire house is on fire, grilling one institution of the state to protect the enemies reeks of being on the payroll of foreign-sponsored organisations. Only by accepting the olive branch extended by Islamabad can the protestors ensure their loved ones finally find their way back and peace can return to their homes. It goes without saying that the whole of Pakistan will pay the price if the plight of the oppressed province continues and the anti-state rants bask in galore.
The writer is a freelance columnist.