THE attack and destruction of the Quaid’s residence in Ziarat (Balochistan) is outrageous and condemnable. Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation of neighbouring India, was shot dead by Nathuram Godse, an activist of the Hindu Mahasabha.

Even though nationalist Hindu parties have governed India as well as several provinces, including Gandhiji's home province, Gujarat, in the past six decades, no one has ever thought of destroying his Samadhi, the Mahatma-haters like  Gowalkar, Bal Thakaray, Narender Modi and other revivalists, notwithstanding.

If security forces in India can control terrorism on their soil while we are unable to do so, there must be some reason. Perhaps, the inability of our LEAs to prevent death and destruction in Pakistan is because banned outfits have political patronage and tacit support from a vast spectrum of the public, besides an impregnable umbrella of religious support?

ANWAR ABBAS Karachi

Significance THE social media and news channels have shown strong reaction to the burning down of the Quaid's Ziarat Residency by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) supporters. We hardly tend to learn from our mistakes.

How many shows or documentaries have been made on the significance of this place?

Many people on the social media have never even bothered about the place or know what lies inside, material regarding which is available on the Internet.

I condemn this act and hope that the government would punish those responsible for the despicable act.

AKBAR ALI KHALIQDINA Karachi

Writ challenged THE attack on the Quaid’s residency is a matter of utter embarrassment for the entire nation. BLA supporters attacked the Quaid’s residency with hand-grenades in the wee hours of Saturday, destroying the historical monument where the founder of Pakistan spent his last days.

If building is the symbol of power, then it now stands destroyed. How helpless a nation we are that we can’t even save our citizens or heritage?

According to news reports, the BLA supporters removed the Pakistani flag and replaced it with the BLA flag. The BLA was declared a terrorist organisation in April 2006. The leader of the BLA, Hyrbyair Marri, stays in England. He made ambiguous efforts to introduce the Baloch separatist movement at the international level.

He met members of the British parliament, sent memorandums to EU member-countries, and organised a number of seminars. What if Pakistan supports some terrorists who violate British laws or harm British property? A serious probe should be demanded into this matter of national importance. The writ of the government has been challenged. Attack on the Quaid’s residency is the first test for the newly- formed government.

FARAH IQBAL LODHI Karachi

Media’s role Burning down Ziarat Residency is an attack on the core of the sentiments of the Pakistani nation. Destruction of symbols of nationalism is a manifestation of extremity of the Balochistan problem. The failure of the state to secure the historic site shows lack of capacity and coordination within the security regime of the country.

Responsibility has been claimed by ultra nationalists of Balochistan. The province has a long history of troubled relations with establishment where both sides have accused each other of foul play.

The other incident which shook the minds and hearts of all Pakistanis took place at a women’s university.

Apparently the attacks have been carried out against ethnic Hazara community. The perpetrators are far right anarchists who operate in Balochistan under the tutelage of different power brokers.

Irrespective of internal ideological war going on in the country, the impact of such incidents is extremely harmful for the international image of Pakistan. The hollow warnings to the rabid right with inaction on the part of authorities has emboldened such elements and exposed dual standards of administration in the province.

Targeting of Shia hazaras and the Pakistani electronic media’s negligence in highlighting the truth is not helping at all. Some obscurantists in the Pakistani media seem to be hatching a conspiracy theories for domestic consumption.

The media’s sacrifices in making Pakistan a fair society are appreciable but it should not invite experts of compromised bureaucratic backgrounds to mislead the masses on issues threatening the integrity of the country.

All eyes and hopes are now on the new right-leaning government which has got good representation in Balochistan in the shape of pro-establishment sardars to restore peace to Balochistan.

ATIF MAHMOOD MAJOKA Melbourne, Australia