Journo returns award over Baloch ‘violence’

Renowned Pakistani author and journalist Mohammed Hanif announced on Saturday that he is returning the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the third-highest civilian award in Pakistan, as a protest against the violence inflicted upon Baloch marchers.

Hanif, celebrated for his works such as "A Case of Exploding Mangoes," expressed his dismay over a video featuring a Baloch girl pleading for the "right to live." In a statement on his social media account, he criticised authorities for the mistreatment of Baloch protesters, stating his shame at witnessing a new generation denied basic dignity.

"In protest, returning my Sitara-e-Imtiaz, given to me by a state that continues to abduct and torture Baloch citizens. Journalists of my generation have seen @SammiBaluch and @MahrangBaloch_ grow up in protest camps. Ashamed to witness a new generation being denied basic dignity," wrote Hanif on his X handle.