Looking at these appalling conditions, govt needs to take meaningful measures for the purpose of maintaining peace
TURBAT: It gives pain to describe the state of affairs in Balochistan — the land of one of the oldest civilisations in the world, of highly valued natural resources and the largest province of Pakistan. The recent reports of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) show shocking statistics stating that 200,000 Hazaras, 100,000 settlers, 10,000 Hindus and hundreds of Christians have migrated from Balochistan. A number of Baloch families, from different regions, most specifically from Makran, have also migrated. It is clear that religious intolerance is rife in the province. On top of this is the issue of missing persons, with the current government having done little to keep its promise of resolving this issue.
The Pakistani media needs to play its due role in highlighting the various crises plaguing Balochistan although this is no easy task as several media persons have been killed in the province and their killers have not been brought to justice. It is quite risky to perform journalistic duties under such dismal circumstances. Even in major cities, like Turbat and Panjgur, there is little media presence. Looking at these appalling conditions, the government needs to take meaningful measures for the purpose of maintaining peace, tolerance and mutual understanding between people of different religions and ethnicities.
Noor Ahmed Baloch
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2014.
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