EDITORIAL: Baloch students in the national capital feel so harassed on account of what they describe as racial profiling — actually ethnic profiling — that they have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek redress. To say the least, it is sad, indeed, that that people should be subjected to discriminatory treatment in their own country merely on the basis of ethnic identity, and even forced disappearances — an illegal and immoral practice. Notably, the petitioners have also sought the recovery of a Quaid-i-Azam University student, Hafeez Baloch.
During hearings of the case presided over by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, the petitioners informed the court that they had met with the Interior Minister which proved unproductive. According to their counsel, the minister claimed that he was unable to help since he may not hold the office by next week.
This is as lame an excuse as can be. For, whilst he is in charge he cannot absolve himself of the responsibilities of his office. He may not see it through, but he could have at least initiated investigations into complaints of a grave nature.
Surprised at that reasoning, Justice Minallah aptly observed that such a response was unexpected from a chosen representative holding one of the most important public offices. “The Federal government”, he added, “has, regrettably, ignored the serious grievances of the students and the Minister for Interior was expected not only to hear the students but take prompt action in order to ensure that there is no harassment or feeling of racial profiling in future.
” The minister has been directed to look into the grievances of Baloch students and submit a report, inter alia, highlighting the actions taken to dispel the perception of racial profiling. At a previous hearing also the court had issued a similar order, saying: “the Minister for Interior is, therefore, directed to meet the aggrieved students from Balochistan tomorrow, i.e., 31-03-22, and hear their grievances.” Yet the minister came up with a flimsy justification for inaction, apparently, not to ruffle certain sensitive feathers.
Unfortunately, the students are being targeted for suspicion due to the deeds of Baloch insurgents. Which should be unacceptable under any circumstances, all the more so when the tormenters are fellow citizens. The feeling of being wronged because of who they are can further aggravate the prevailing sense of alienation in that restive province, and may even turn these students hostile towards the federation, causing more harm to national peace and harmony. It is imperative that racial profiling-based harassment is effectively and efficiently addressed. As for the concern about elements creating trouble, there surely are other ways to deal with the problem. After all, what are the intelligence agencies for?
Copyright Business Recorder, 2022
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