Hazaras Are Pawns In A Bloody Game That Brutalises Baloch And Pashtuns in Pakistan
By NDT Special Bureau
January 18,
2021
The
gruesome murder of Baloch coal miners by the cruel Islamic practice of throat-slitting
has caused unrest not only in Balochistan but throughout Pakistan. The innocent
Hazaras-a sub-sect of Shia Muslims victimised and persecuted since Pakistan’s
birth-bleed again. The unending episodes of brutality against Hazaras show no
signs yet of abating.
In
December, 2020, Karima Baloch was killed by Pakistani intelligence agency, ISI,
in Canada. The Pashtuns regularly get killed in Afghanistan by the
fundamentalist Islamic outfit Taliban-the blue-eyed boys of Pakistani
establishment.
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Hazaras
have been brutalised many times before. In 2013, Hazaras’ plight had provoked
Imran Khan-the current Prime Minister and the then leader of an opposition
political party-to agitate against the government. Then the messiah of
downtrodden is now the partner in crime! Hazaras had another sit-in in 2018
when the Army Chief had to personally assure the protestors that erring
officials would be punished, the killers identified, and future security
guaranteed.
Sectarian
conflicts from political Islam kill Hazaras in dozens with government’s
complicity. After every massacre Pakistan blames the ‘enemy’ of fomenting
‘terrorism’ and boasts that ‘sovereignty’ will not be compromised! This time
also fundamentalist ideologues resorted to similar sloganeering after the Mach
attack. That insults Hazaras and Balochistan’s other ethnic groups. Pakistan is
extracting copper from Saindak, gold from Reko Diq, gas from Sui, coal and
innumerable other minerals too. Gwadar’s coastline, and virgin lands are real
estate bonanzas. Punjabis are the most dominant and exploiting community that
is happy in Pakistan.
Activist Karima Baloch |
Twitter | @KarimaBaloch
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The
Balochis resist atrocities hence are viewed with suspicion. The Pashtuns are
considered a little more loyal. Mach massacre has deepened the sense of
alienation. Hazaras are citizens just in name. The ill-fated miners were
butchered to death for their Shia faith. Failed Pakistani state has used past
protests to unleash indiscriminate military force. In Balochistan, Hazaras are
bracketed along with the ‘Sunni’ Baloch and Pakhtuns.
Pakistan
blames Afghanistan and India as ‘conspirators’ but there are Muslims aplenty in
those countries. Hazaras are routinely butchered in Afghanistan by Pakistani
‘ally’ Taliban. Protecting Hazaras and other vulnerable sects is public
interest and Pakistan should never mix that with ‘strategic interests.’
Hazaras are
pawns in a bloody game that brutalises Baloch and Pashtuns. Pakistani
authorities are spreading sectarianism even outside Balochistan e.g.,
Gilgit-Baltistan, when the Shia, Sunni and Ismaili masses unite demanding
citizenship. In Kurram, agency two decades of ‘war on terror’ has disrupted
peace among the majority Shia or minority Sunni. In Punjab, Christians and low
caste-Muslims are considered as sub-human.
Pakistan’s
borders across Afghanistan and India are ‘enemy lines’ dotted with innumerable
killing fields. Bomb blasts kill Tajiks and Uzbeks (mostly Shias) and Pashtuns
(mostly Sunni) almost daily across Afghan border.
The PM
refused to visit Quetta to pacify the agitating Hazaras until the bodies were
buried. The government and the opposition never identify the killers of the
Hazaras. These brutalised subjects are kept divided and ruled and never
upgraded into equal citizens. Hazaras’ killings help to spread political Islam.
Only Punjabis are safe in Pakistan.
Pakistani
state has failed miserably to promote religious harmony. Islamic supremacy on
the ‘Kafirs” promotes a mind-set that segregates Sunnis, Shias, Shia Hazaras
and Ahmedias. It prevents dealing humanely with different sects. Similar
arrogance cost Pakistan its erstwhile East Pakistan. Balochistan could be a
repeat.
Any
important and sensitive debate in Pakistan cannot be completed without blaming
third countries, namely India and Afghanistan. Pakistani writers customarily
include a negative para on India even on unrelated subject matter. While
criticizing the government/ establishment, India-bashing is a must to exercise
‘balance.’ Pakistan cannot control its people but continues meddling in
Kashmir.
Hazaras’
protests grab attention of local and international media, hence is irksome for
the Pakistani state. It locks Shia Hazaras in ghettos. Pakistan cannot manage
its religious and ethnic diversity and the more educated and politically
awakened Hazaras in Quetta.
Religious
fundamentalism and majoritarian mind-set of Islamic societies has decimated
diversity. The Islamic supremacy and ideological superiority complex triggers
massive hatred, violence, disorder, chaos, and geographical divisions.
Pakistan
has complex relations with Shia and Sunni states in the Gulf which has scaled
back on political Islam but Islamabad still resides in the seventh century
desert culture. It has allowed the Sunni majority full superiority.
India’s
minorities are pampered and privileged while Pakistan is a hell for them.
Pakistan has prioritised Sunni sect over all other religions which has dangerous
ramifications.
Original Headline: Hazaras Are Victims Of
Pakistan-Promoted Political Islam
Source: The New Delhi Times
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/hazaras-pawns-bloody-game-that/d/124098
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