Pakistan assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for July. However, as expected, the announcement was met with hue and cry from the hostile elements like Harbiyar Marri. Marri took to social media and questioned Pakistan’s eligibility to preside over the council by throwing accusations at Pakistan regarding human rights abuses against the Baloch, Bengali and religious minorities. Pakistan is one of the largest contributors to the United Nations’ Peacekeeping Missions and has participated in more than 46 UN missions since 1960. Not only this, but over 170 Pakistani peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Owing to its sacrifices and dedication to peacekeeping, Pakistan truly deserved this position. It is important to mention that Marri’s rant ignores the fact that the presidency of the UNSC is no favour since it rotates monthly among the member states in alphabetical order.
Marri’s rant ignores the fact that the presidency of the UNSC is no favour since it rotates monthly among the member states in alphabetical order.
Marri has also accused the Pakistani state of preaching and practising hatred against the religious minorities. While Marri is quick to point fingers at Pakistan, he has never uttered a word of condemnation on the unimaginable atrocities committed by the Indian state against Muslims, especially Kashmiris. Additionally, while accusing Pakistan of committing genocide against the Bengalis and the Balochis, his argument completely ignores the destructive role of Mukti Bahini and the Indian-backed terrorists in fuelling violence against the innocents. Pakistan has, time and again, given the world the undeniable evidence of Indian involvement in destroying developmental projects in Balochistan and killing innocent civilians. The selective criticism by Marri, whose disinformation campaigns have repeatedly been amplified by Indian media, is quite telling.
Marris’s narrative of the Pakistani state being dominated by the Punjabi elite clearly helps one draw a connection between Marri’s remarks and the several incidents of innocent Punjabi labourers cold-bloodedly killed in Balochistan. Such statements only sow seeds of hatred between ethnic groups in a diverse country like Pakistan. Moreover, the luxurious lifestyle of Marri abroad and his feudal background make his statements quite ironic. The Baloch people have long been living in abject poverty and facing exploitation at the hands of the feudal lords. If Marri truly empathises with the poor Baloch, he should relinquish his privileges abroad and return to selflessly serve his people.
Additionally, Marri cites examples of Prince Abdul Karim and Nawab Nauroz Khan from history to portray the state as untrustworthy. However, these incidents in no way justify the present-day militancy. There have been cases in the recent past where individuals, once involved in insurgency, who willingly surrendered to the writ of the state, were welcomed with open arms. In contrast, figures like Harbiyar Marri have repeatedly turned down the prospects of negotiations with the state. It is clear that Harbiyar Marri and his like do not intend to play a constructive role in the development of Balochistan; their only agenda is to fan the flames of hatred, violence and instability in the province.
The writer is a freelance columnist.