THE Baloch protesters, who had been camping outside the NPC since December, called off their sit-in on Tuesday. This decision followed a letter from National Press Club (NPC) to the Islamabad police, requesting the removal of the Baloch rights camp. The letter faced swift and widespread criticism, leading to its withdrawal the very next day. The NPC clarified that its intention was not to take a particular stance against the protesters but to address concerns related to public safety and the well-being of the demonstrators.
The fact of the matter is that the NPC has always provided place and platform to the various groups to raise voice for their rights. It was in the same spirit that it provided space to the Baloch protestors. But the prolonged presence of the Baloch protestors outside the NPC was also hindering their routine affair and impacting their revenue stream coming from the holding of press conferences and seminars, and as also stated by the NPC in its clarification, their letter was meant for the safety and security of the demonstrators. Hence we believe that the Baloch protestors should not have seen the NPC letter to the police with an eye of suspicion. Anyway, the decision to call off the strike is a practical one, considering the challenging weather conditions. In the broader context, it is imperative for the government to engage with the Baloch people and address their genuine grievances. Balochistan, being a strategically important province, deserves attention and investment in its uplift and development. The cessation of the protest provides an opportunity for constructive dialogue and collaboration between the government and the Baloch community. It is crucial to understand that external actors are already trying to exploit grievances in Balochistan to stoke instability. The government, in collaboration with the Baloch people, must thwart such conspiracies. Baloch are patriotic people and a message should go that the state is fully standing by them. Addressing the legitimate concerns of the Baloch population becomes a pivotal step towards ensuring the province’s stability and, consequently, the overall development of Pakistan.
