Whose lives matter?

All the attacks in Parachinar city have a similar pattern which points towards a security failure

Even after successful military operations across Fata to flush out the Taliban, Kurram Agency remains at the heart of the conflict. A predominantly Shia population that is surrounded by a turbulent Afghan border from three sides has witnessed much bloodshed this year alone even if the decade-old sectarian conflict is kept aside. Around 133 people have been killed and 555 injured in the first six months of the year. Almost all the attacks in Parachinar city, that has faced the brunt of these attacks, have had a similar pattern which points towards a security failure despite the presence of a large number of security personnel and extensive measures adopted. The city resembles a war zone even in normal days with the trade hub designated as the Red Zone with limited access, while a 28kms long trench encircles the city after bomb attacks last March and January this year.

However, a twin bombing just before Eid has triggered a protest, a sit-in that has lasted for eight days now. The demands of the protestors are that of justice and to be treated like the rest of Pakistan. Even the compensation package announced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that came a week after the incident was rejected. Why was the government absent for so long that the citizens of the state had to ask to be treated as equal citizens of the country?

On social media, comparisons have been drawn between three tragic incidents of Quetta, Parachinar and Bahawalpur. Even those that have previously rejected such comparisons have questioned the motives of the political government and asked why are some lives treated more important than others?

The Army Chief’s visit to Parachinar will provide some relief to the mourners who have been waiting for authorities to visit and listen to their plight. The move to declare Parachinar a safe city is a welcome move. But what is important is to build trust among the people of Parachinar and the state, only then can lasting peace be a practical reality. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2017.

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