There is no doubt that Quetta is burning from sectarian killings.

The deposed provincial assembly had an astonishing 64 out of 65 members as the treasury, while only one unlucky person missed out, and that too because of a decades-old family feud between him and the chief minister.

Despite this absolute majority, none of the parties have been able to find a solution to this madness.

Not once have the PPP, JUI (F) and the PML (Q) teamed up and spoken collectively about the issues confronting this province.

Perhaps none of them are really concerned about the gravity of the situation in the province.

They have already cemented their vote banks in particular areas and do not care about the rest. When it comes to their own objectives, they teamed up and in the blink of an eye impeached the provincial speaker, who just was trying to follow the orders of the Supreme Court.

Most of the ministers, far from showing up in the assembly, do not even live in Quetta for long.

Take the case of former chief minister Aslam Raisani. He spent most of his time residing in Islamabad without realising how much his presence is needed back in the province.

Whenever he used visit Quetta, he would issue illogical and mind-boggling statements.

Although the army is in control for the time being, this is not a permanent solution.

The control has to be in the hands of political parties since they are the genuine representatives of the people.

A collective will and effort by all parties involved has to be enforced.

The parties have to start thinking about this province before we lose anything. Balochistan is steering rapidly downwards into a pit and chances of survival are very limited now. Something has to be done. At least the power-hungry politicians owe Balochistan this much.

DANIYAL ZAHID
Lahore