News about the killing of members of the Zikri community is heart-wrenching. The history of violence in Balochistan against the Shia community is known to everyone. Earlier there were killings of Hazara people. Now another minority is targeted.

Although the government has repeatedly condemned these targeted killings, it has not taken effective steps to eliminate the safe havens of militants in Balochistan.

Such killings are weakening the state from within, and sabotaging the process of education and development in the province.

Besides the targeted minorities, the killing of journalists is also an eye-opener regarding the strength of the militants.

The tribal chieftains must cooperate with the government to make the province a terror-free zone. As long as the government does not eradicate this menace in the province, no one can hope for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.

Khadeejah Jawed
Lahore

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2014