Treating Rohingyas right

Granting status to Rohingyas, Biharis, and Bengalis would be synonymous with bestowing them with basic human rights

Pakistan is usually nimble in responding to popular current issues, speaking right into the ears of those it wants to please. Congruously, its stance on the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar was to oppose Aung San Suu Kyi’s government. However, it has seemingly forgotten its own Rohingya community which resides in poverty and without national identity. Even though recent news to legitimise the status of our Bengali and Bihari community is a refreshing move, it would have been more productive had it encompassed converting the legal status of Rohingyas in the country so that thousands could utilise educational, health and employment opportunities.

It is one thing that such marginalised communities remain neglected, but it is another that they are abused at will by law-enforcement agencies. The authorities know that members of these communities are helpless, because they have been blocked by the home ministry, and knowingly proceed to harass and exploit them. That is injustice, regardless of what citizenship status anyone has.

The earlier atrocities committed by both sides cannot be forgotten, nor can the fact that members of other communities are here because of fear of persecution in their countries of origin. A humanitarian approach should be taken under such circumstances. Furthermore, the introduction of members of other communities has a positive aspect where the exchange of ideas and learning can take place.

Granting status to the Rohingyas, Biharis, and Bengalis would be synonymous with bestowing them with basic human rights. Although they may have been a misplaced community at one point, it is time to treat them with respect and recognise them for their contributions to our society. By granting legal status to Rohingyas, the government would galvanise its stance against the genocide in Myanmar. Mere words will not do; more action is required.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2017.

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