DUBAI: This is with reference to Imtiaz Gul’s article of December 22 titled “Mengal’s timely warning”.
Even though the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan is responsible for murdering close to 40,0000 Pakistani civilians and armed forces personnel, yet we have no qualms in demanding negotiations and a peaceful settlement with these terrorists. But in the case of Balochistan, we have no such proposals for dialogue. Why are there such double standards when it comes to Balochistan? The Baloch have not attacked GHQ, PNS Mehran, or targeted army, air force and navy officers, or destroyed schools. All they have done is shown the temerity to ask for their rights and it is about time that we treated them with respect.
We, the people of Pakistan, are selective in our outrage. Nothing was said when our military unleashed itself on the people of East Pakistan, and many say the same is happening today in Balochistan. If tomorrow Balochistan decides to assert a demand for independence, we should not complain since we did not bother to share its pain.
Arif Qadri
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2011.
