The caretaker government in Pakistan is perceived to be influenced by powerful entities, accused of executing policies dictated by these forces. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar Kakar and Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti consistently assert the state’s sole authority to use violence, seemingly justifying state actions.
Notably concerning is Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s statement advocating the suppression of dissenting voices in Pakistan’s parliament, politics, and media that oppose the ruling forces or military policies. Individuals championing national and human rights in Pakistan already face state repression.
Despite being a member of the National Assembly, Ali Wazir endured two years in Karachi jail, lacking proper medical care, while his political associates faced baseless charges. Rather than addressing the fundamental needs of the Pashtun people, attempts are made to link the Pashtun Protection Movement to foreign agencies.
Balochistan’s Caretaker Information Minister erroneously linking national rights movements to Afghanistan and terrorism does not alter the reality. Pashtuns and Baloch have coexisted on both sides of the Durand Line for centuries, but Manzur Pashteen was arrested when he attempted to become part of the long march. Instead of addressing the constitutional demands expressed in the Turbat to Quetta Long March, the caretaker government resorted to filing cases against the participants using terrorism acts, further escalating public dissatisfaction.
Ignoring these facts will not alter the objective situation under the caretaker government of Pakistan. The use of violence cannot strip nations of their rights. Suppressing those advocating for national and human rights through state power will only complicate the existing problems. Blocking peaceful political resistance may push political organizations and parties toward violent paths if no alternative is provided in Pakistan.