Prominent pro-democracy Pakistani intellectuals, politicians, journalists, and activists have called on the new government in Pakistan to play a constructive role in diffusing ethnic and religious conflicts, ensuring the rule of law, upholding the constitution, and ending tensions in the region.
At a virtual conference organized by South Asians Against Terrorism and for Humand Rights (SAATH), former Senator Farhatullah Babar, who is also the secretary General of the Pakistan Peoples Party, expressed concern at reports of a split within the security establishment. “When one group accumulates too much power then it starts fighting amongst itself,” he said.
Several speakers stressed that the current government, which was formed after the ex-PM threw the country into political limbo for more than a week, must immediately engage with Baloch nationalists to find an “amicable” solution to the violence and issue of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Pakistan’s restive southwestern Balochistan province.
They also declared that relations with neighbouring countries particulary India and Afghanistan should be improved. Former Senator Afrasiab Khattak called for an end to “General Shahi,” which had brought Imran Khan to power and was now having to deal with consequences of that decision. “The hybrid regime has failed,” Khattak said, adding that democratic forces in Pakistan still have a long way to go in ensuring that the rights of dissenting voices, religious minorities, and nationalities in the country are protected.
Mohsin Dawar, member of the National Assembly and leader of National Democratic Movement (NDM) warned that while people of Pakistan have high hopes, they willlose faith in democratic forces if the newly elected government fails to deliver. Dawar is still placed on Pakistan’s Exit Control List and not allowed to travel abroad. Ali Wazir another Pashtun nationalist member of parliament has spent more than 16 months in prison over charges of sedition.
Baloch activist Kiyya Baloch and Zain Shah of the Sindh United Party stressed the need for ending military operations and enforced disappearances targeting Baloch and Sindhi nationalists.—Agencies
