Condemning Quetta tragedy: Nawaz blasts govt for not curbing militancy

To stem the wave of sectarianism, Nawaz says, concerted efforts need to be taken.

LAHORE:

Top opposition leader Nawaz Sharif on Saturday denounced the government for its muddled response to growing militancy while condemning this week’s horrific bomb blasts in Quetta and Swat.

In his statement, the head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz voiced sympathy over the deaths. “Our heads are bowed in utter shame, as such dastardly and indiscriminate killings are not resorted to even in the jungle.” He added, “Our great religion terms the killing of even one person as killing of the whole humanity.”

He said that it was “a matter of grave concern” that innocent people’s blood was being spilled day and night, yet the state was doing nothing. To stem the wave of sectarianism, Nawaz said, concerted efforts need to be taken.

He called the indifference of the Balochistan government over the attacks as a great tragedy. “If the government’s administration becomes so indifferent, who will protect the lives and properties of the people? asked Nawaz.

Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Tariq Azim said such targeted attacks against the Hazara community had gone on unchecked for far too long. The senator also took a pot shot at Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani and his cabinet for not having made any effort to speak to the mourners.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2013.