Crime against innocence

At least six lives, including those of three innocent children, were snatched in a harrowing act of terrorism on Wednesday morning in Khuzdar district of Balochistan. A school bus — perhaps the most non-threatening of vehicles, carrying hopes, dreams and little lives — was targeted with a bomb laced with over 30 kilograms of explosives. The sheer magnitude of the blast, and the intent behind it, leaves no room for ambiguity. This is more than just terrorism. This is jet-black, unredeemable evil.

There is no cause in the world — political, religious or ideological — that can justify the deliberate targeting of civilians, especially children. This barbaric act stands as a gruelling reminder that we are up against forces that have no regard for human life and no sense of humanity whatsoever.

Whether the perpetrators are known groups or faceless elements hiding behind radical slogans, the sheer barbarity of crime remains the same. In times like these, the nation must put aside its divisions and rally together against this depravity. There can be no selective condemnation. The attack in Khuzdar is not an isolated incident and previous such attacks have constantly targeted innocent civilians.

Silence is complicity. Ambiguity is dangerous. The state must respond with clarity and strength. It must investigate swiftly, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that such attacks are not just mourned but prevented. To the families who have lost their loved ones, there are no words. But there must be action. The lives of these children must not be washed away by empty statements. Let us unite resolutely, unconditionally to ensure such barbarism never happens again.