KARACHI:
The article ‘Balochistan’ published in your newspaper on July 16 touches the very heart of the problem in Balochistan. It was very heartening to read Dr Pervez Tahir’s excellent analysis on the matter. I hope his message reaches our policymakers. It is about time that people were put at the centre of all decision-making activities.
We need to respect the people of Balochistan by treating them with dignity and honesty. Our history is replete with examples of horrific instances of oppression that have led to an environment of distrust between the Baloch people and the state. Balochistan is our province and the Baloch are our brothers; we cannot dehumanise our own people. We must respect their dignity by giving them a voice and letting them come up with their own solutions.
Our Prime Minister’s stance is encouraging but too many stakeholders are involved and any real change might require a lot of patience. We have many examples when Imran Khan has made possible something that was seemingly impossible. Let us not lose hope just yet.
Mariam Khan
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2021.
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