THIS is with reference to the report ‘Punjab-bound travellers gunned down in Barkhan’ (Feb 19). This was yet another heinous, bloody incident in Balochistan in which several passengers from Punjab were killed only because of their ethnicity. This targeted killing is not an isolated incident. It is a rather disturbing trend of ethnic and provincial violence that has claimed the lives of many people belonging to Punjab in the past; both recent and distant.

These utterly senseless killings are a stark reminder of the divisions that are prevalent within our society. It is crucial that we acknowledge the gravity of the situation. The provincial and federal governments must work actively together to establish and strengthen people-to-people contact, as well as government-to-government contact at the federal and provincial levels.

If we fail to address the issue, it will inevitably create a schism between the people of Punjab and Balochistan, exacerbating the already fragile social fabric of the nation. At a time when our institutions are struggling to cope with numerous challenges, it is essential that we cooperate with one another, and foster unity among ourselves.

We must realise that our diversity is our strength, not weakness. By celebrating our differences and promoting inclusivity, we can build a more harmonious as well as resilient society.

The civil society and all human rights activists must use their influence collectively to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote national integration and social cohesion, ensuring inclusivity across all domains and institutions.

Abdul Noor Khan
Sargodha

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2025