In a horrific incident on Saturday night, seven labourers from Multan were brutally gunned down in Panjgur. Sadly, this is not the first time that labourers or people from other provinces have been targeted in Balochistan. This points to a deliberate and sinister strategy by elements that seek to ignite social disorder and foment ethnic strife.
It is important to remember that these heinous acts do not reflect values of the Baloch people, who are known for their warmth, hospitality and generosity. These attacks are not random acts of violence but rather calculated moves aimed at fracturing the social fabric, pitting one province against another.
These acts are clearly the work of those who wish to see Pakistan destabilised. These terrorist elements, backed and financed by hostile external actors, thrive on creating divisions within our society. The key to preventing further incidents lies in proactive measures — specifically, better intelligence gathering and coordination between law enforcement agencies. Such nefarious acts must be pre-empted before they can cause further harm.
Those behind the killing of labourers must be brought to justice at the earliest. Beyond security measures, it is equally important to promote social cohesion and national unity. The government must invest in programmes that encourage inter-provincial harmony and address socio-economic disparities that allow divisive narratives to take root. The murder of seven innocent labourers is a grim testament to the fact that Pakistan’s enemies can go to any extent in their attempts to create discord.
But it is also a call to action. We must not allow these terrorists to achieve their aims. Instead, we must unite in the face of adversity, strengthening the bonds that tie us together as a nation.
