THE country already stands highly polarized on different accounts and regrettably the problem is being complicated due to short-sighted approach of the politicians. The KP Government has launched a full-fledged campaign accusing the Federal and the Punjab governments of unduly arresting Pakhtuns and registering FIRs against them in relation to the recent violent protest in Islamabad. KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gundapur, in a letter to the Prime Minister, described it racial discrimination while KP spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif claimed that Pakhtuns are being subjected to oppression and violence in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
No one would differ with the Chief Minister when he says Pakistan as a federation is built on the principles of equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity or province of origin. However, one must differentiate between rights, responsibilities and negative activities. No doubt, arrests have been made but according to the Federal Government spokespersons and Islamabad Police, these were made on the basis of clear evidence and not generality. In a statement, Islamabad Capital Territory police rubbished the ‘negative propaganda’ explaining that during the recent law and order situation, no ordinary and peaceful Pakhtun was ever arrested. It added that legal action has been taken against miscreants and not on the basis of nationality or region. The situation would become clear whether the arrests were discriminatory in nature or based on facts when those arrested will face trial in the courts of law. There is also an unfortunate impression that the Federal Capital and the Punjab are frequently ‘invaded’ by armed protestors from KP. This impression gained currency when, in the recent march, participants from the KP outnumbered those from all other provinces and regions. It is also a reality that some elements from amongst the protestors inflicted damage on public and private properties and they must be held accountable for their actions. No attempt should be made to shield such elements on the basis of venomous propaganda – giving parochial colour to the grave issue.
