The media is flooded with the news of a woman killed in the name of honour. But before we proceed, let’s pause and ask, what is the actual root cause of this barbaric act called honour killing? The answer, quite obviously, lies in the tribal system. And then comes the next question: who protects this rotten system? Here comes the twist, and perhaps many don’t know the answer, but let’s make it clear, the answer is the State.
There is nothing wrong with the media spotlight on that innocent woman. But did anyone talk about Hoori Baloch and Naeem Baloch, residents of Awaran, who were killed during a raid conducted by Pakistani military forces? Or how they critically injured Dadi Baloch, who was left without medical aid for the entire night?
Did anyone mention Mahjabeen Baloch? It has been 52 days, and her whereabouts remain unknown. Mahjabeen, a 24-year-old student, was forcibly disappeared during a joint operation by the police, CTD, and LEAs at the Civil Hospital Hostel in Quetta. No one knows where she is or what condition she’s in.
Does anyone talk about the Islamabad police blocking all roads leading to the Press Club, preventing Baloch women from entering the area? These women hold nothing but the pictures of their missing loved ones in their hands, and pain in their heart — pain that brought them all the way from Balochistan to the capital in search of justice. And what did they receive in response? A bus, forcefully filled and sent back to the very place they came from, with nothing but shattered hope.
Why is the world blind when Mahrang Baloch, Bebow Baloch, Gull Zadi Baloch, and other BYC leaders have been behind bars for over five months — not for committing any crime, but simply for speaking the truth and standing against injustice?
Why doesn’t the state take action against the sitting Chief Minister of Balochistan, who has been charged with the abduction of a young girl? Why are ministers accused of brutal murders being granted bail in non-bailable offences, despite multiple FIRs of a similar nature registered against them?
Why are the abductors of Asma Baloch still roaming freely? Because this is all about power dynamics. There will be no media outrage, no accountability, and no one will ever be questioned as long as the perpetrators hold power.
Maybe the world has already ended, and we are living in hell.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.