Renowned author and journalist Mohammed Hanif has announced his decision to return the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award, in protest against the violence directed at Baloch marchers.
Hanif expressed his dismay over the mistreatment of Baloch protesters, particularly highlighting a video of a Baloch girl pleading for the “right to live.”
He emphasized his protest by returning the award received in 2018, stating his discontent with a state that continues to engage in the abduction and torture of Baloch citizens.
The Baloch march, led by women and organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC), faced police crackdown and mass arrests upon reaching Islamabad.
The incident drew condemnation from human rights bodies and political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamat-e-Islami (JI).
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) warned the police against hindering the protesters, affirming their constitutional right to protest.
The court ordered the police to release the detainees to the march organizers, and the protesters have planned a peaceful rally at the Islamabad Press Club.
PPP’s Farhtaullah Babar and JI’s Senator Mushtaq expressed support for the marchers, emphasizing the protection of fundamental human rights and the recovery of missing persons.
Despite a government committee formed to address the issues of the Baloch marchers, progress remains elusive.
