The head of Balochistan National Party – Mengal (BNP-M), Akhtar Mengal said in a tweet that punishing Hayat Baloch’s murderer will not live up to the criteria of justice, but eradicating the mentality that fuels such killings will.
Mengal said that the mourning of Hayat Baloch’s parents beside his dead body was witnessed not only by the human eyes but also by cameras. It was subsequently circulated on the social media which is why the distressing photo is accessible to everyone.
The BNP-Mengal chief said that many souls have been buried in the Baloch soil without a trace, depriving their parents of the opportunity of lamenting their deaths. He said that only punishing the culprit will not live up to the criteria of justice, but eradicating the mentality that fuels such killings will.
It is pertinent to mention that the extrajudicial killing of Hayat Baloch by the Pakistani paramilitary forces has engendered a massive outcry not only in Balochistan but beyond the borders as well. Activists, politicians and student organizations are expressing solidarity with Hayat Baloch’s family and demanding justice. This incident also came into the attention of the Human Rights Minister of Pakistan, Shireen Mazari, who said in a tweet: “Absolutely unacceptable – the killing by FC of a young boy Hayat Baloch in Aabsir Turbat, in front of his family. While the personnel responsible have been handed to the police & FIR registered, an inquiry must be held to find out how this brazen killing was allowed to happen.”
In the past couple of days, demonstrations and protests have been organized throughout Balochistan against the killing of Hayat Baloch. In various cities of Balochistan, demonstrators paid homage to Hayat Baloch by organizing candlelight vigils.