We in Pakistan do not celebrate diversity. We fear and abhor it. This hypothesis is firmly supported by the recent spate of persecution of the Hazara community. Hazaras trace their roots back to the Mongols and, undoubtedly, contribute to the diversity of Pakistan. In addition to this, it is one of the most educated communities not only in Baluchistan but also in the whole country. They are not only serving in the civil administration but a large number is a part of our armed forces. One of the first Pakistani girls to join the Pakistan Air Force belongs to this community. General Muhammad Musa, who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the army from 1958 to 1966 was a Hazara. However, in spite of so many contributions, this community is facing the worst form of violence and persecution at the hands of extremist factions present in the country.
However, regardless of all the discrimination, Hazaras have offered one of the most needed lessons to Pakistanis during these hard times. The four days long sit-in in January by the Hazaras and the refusal to bury their dead was an eye-opener for the whole world. It particularly sent a loud and clear message to those who believe in destruction and violence. A similar but relatively short-lived sit-in was observed after the February 16, 2013 attack on the Hazaras, which claimed more than 90 lives.
Violent protests have become a part of our daily lives. It seems everyone is protesting. Lawyers, doctors, nurses, and even teachers are protesting. Protests are not illegal, but sadly, the destruction and loss of life caused by them is unacceptable. One of the most violent protests was witnessed during September 2012 when the ‘Ishq-e-Rasool’ Day was observed throughout Pakistan. It claimed the lives of more than 20 people including security personnel and wounded more than 200. Banks, markets, vehicles and fuel stations were torched and destroyed by raging mobs. Sadly, this protest was against an anti-Islam movie made outside Pakistan but property worth millions of rupees was destroyed here.
The Hazara community has set an all-new precedent in the country. They have certainly used their right to protest but without destroying anything. They are aggrieved, yet they did not choose violence. The show of discipline, courage and endurance was exemplary.
Among other demands, the Hazaras put forth the demand of putting Quetta under the army’s control. This particular demand was not fulfilled, yet they agreed to bury their dead and call off the protest. However, we have to look into the reasons why they demanded to call in the army and did not go for an alternative.
The Hazaras wanted the army to take over. The articulation of this demand reflects not only their alignment to the different power brokers of the country but also the chasm that is prevalent between the Baloch, Pakhtuns and Hazaras. The Hazaras want the army to take over. The Baloch chooses death over army involvement. The Pakhtuns, for now, are determined to sit on the sidelines. The Hazara community’s demand for an army takeover is perplexing. Either they really erroneously believe that the army is the solution or they have forgotten the support given by state institutions — the army included — to the LeJ. Also, may I ask, aren’t the boots in control of the province? Sacking the head of police is merely looking for a scapegoat. The city is already under the virtual control of the Frontier Corps (FC), which is being accused of kidnapping and persecuting civilians.
The Baloch insurgency is spreading due to the presence of the FC in the region. In case the army is called in and asked to conduct an operation, it will only make the already volatile situation much worse. The Baloch and Pashtuns have existed peacefully over the years; however, the situation started deteriorating under General Musharraf’s rule.
It is important that we learn from history. Calling in the army in Balochistan will start a new wave of violence, and perhaps it will be worse than before. The Hazaras are definitely suffering at the hands of the terrorists, but if the government and security forces conduct a neutral operation, the extremists can be dealt with within no time. The Hazaras are definitely part of this country and deserve to be embraced with arms wide open. But it would not be wise to put an end to one problem at the cost of another. What is needed the most is political will on the part of the government. The province is already under Governor’s rule and the rightful representatives of the Baloch and other communities are unable to perform their functions. The situation in Balochistan is definitely volatile. The upcoming elections, if conducted freely and fairly, will provide a chance to different ethnic communities living in the province to decide their fate and all of us need to be patient until that time.
The writer is a development consultant. She tweets at @GulminaBilal and can be reached at [email protected]