KARACHI:
As a nation, we must recognise the importance of treating each other with respect and kindness. Unfortunately, the recent turmoil in Balochistan paints a disturbing picture of division and hatred among our own citizens, leaving us at a crossroads. How can we claim to be one nation when we harbour animosity towards our neighbours, simply due to differences in caste or creed, which have become a bone of contention?
The caste system and religious affiliations should unite us, not drive us apart at the seams. Our independence was hard-earned, but its true purpose is often lost in translation. We didn’t fight for freedom to spread hatred, but to build a society founded on love, empathy and understanding. Yet, we witness people from different provinces and backgrounds holding deep-seated prejudices against one another, creating a rift that’s hard to bridge. The rift between Punjabis and Baloch is a stark example, with each side harbouring resentment towards the other, fueling a vicious cycle.
This mindset is a poison that threatens to destroy our social fabric, thread by thread. We’ve become a society obsessed with “my authority” or “my business”, where individual interests trump collective well-being, and the bigger picture is lost in the haze. Our priorities are skewed, and it’s a recipe for disaster. We need to recognise that our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. By embracing our differences, we can forge a more resilient and harmonious society.
The brotherhood that once defined our nation is slowly disintegrating, leaving us in a state of limbo. We’re leaving behind the values of compassion, tolerance and unity that our forefathers fought for. It’s time to reclaim our heritage and work towards a Pakistan where every citizen feels valued and respected, regardless of caste, creed or provincial roots. We must rise above petty differences and forge a nation that celebrates its diversity, strengthens its brotherhood and shines as a beacon of hope.
Mohammed Saleem
Hub
