The Deputy Commissioner of Kalat has issued notices to several district officers who failed to attend Pakistan’s “Independence Day” celebrations on August 14.
Senior officials from various departments including Public Health, Education, and Livestock have been asked to explain their absence within three days.
In a letter, the Deputy Commissioner warned that their absence could be seen as a “lack of commitment to national pride” and “disrespectful to the country and its citizens.” The letter added that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation might lead to disciplinary action.
The Deputy Commissioner said the officers’ absence on such a “significant day” suggested they did not “prioritize national unity and loyalty.”
Balochistan has long been a region of conflict and human rights abuses. Despite its rich natural resources, the region remains underdeveloped, with its population facing extreme poverty.
The Baloch people have consistently demanded greater autonomy, control over their resources, and independence, leading to ongoing tensions with the state. These strained relations often result in low participation in national events like Pakistan’s “Independence Day.”
Civil servants in Balochistan face particular challenges during Pakistan’s national events, where participation in celebrations can attract local criticism, while non-participation may lead to repercussions from the state.