Balochistan’s wounds
THE state’s usual response to grievances from Balochistan is either to ignore them, or crack down on those raising voices for their rights. This unfortunate formula has only fostered alienation and resentment in Pakistan’s biggest province. The handling of the protests triggered by the controversial death of Balaach Mola Baksh last month is a classic example of this failed approach. The slain man was killed under mysterious circumstances in Turbat allegedly by the CTD in an ‘encounter’. His family have disputed the official version, saying that he had been in custody since October, and in fact had been presented in court a few days before his killing. The CTD insists Balaach was killed by ‘insurgents’ during a raid. The protests around the man’s killing have been continuing in Makran since late November, with political activists and human rights bodies supporting the family’s call for justice. Last week, the demonstrators entered Quetta and from the provincial capital it was decided to march to Islamabad to highlight their cause. From Quetta, under the banner of the Baloch Yakjehti Council, the marchers had been passing through different towns of the province. However, on Sunday, the protesters were stopped in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab. Numerous marchers were reportedly detained, including women, though the administration says they were later released. The marchers were apparently stopped due to ‘violation’ of Section 144.
If the marchers are peacefully exercising their right to protest, the state has no business detaining them. Either the demands of the protesters — a transparent investigation into the case and an end to the arbitrary detention of Baloch youth — should be satisfactorily met, or the marchers allowed to proceed to the Supreme Court to express their plaints. The protest in question is sadly following the same trajectory as others before it, namely the Haq Do Tehreek, and movements calling for an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan. When these demands are ignored, or the protesters are given empty promises, it only adds to the distance between the people of Balochistan and the state. This sense of deprivation and helplessness is often exploited by separatist militants. The people of Balochistan must be assured that the state cares for them, and that the Constitution’s fundamental rights apply to them just as they are supposed to apply to the rest of Pakistan.
Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2023
Balanced ballots
THE latest voter data by the ECP is a harbinger of progress. The electoral gender gap in Pakistan has notably shrunk to below 10m. With the overall voter count soaring beyond 128m, women now represent 46.13pc of the electorate. This shift, while heartening, underscores an ongoing challenge: the need for sustained efforts to further reduce this gap and enhance women’s participation in our democratic processes.
The reduced gender gap, albeit significant, is unevenly distributed across the provinces. Punjab, with a disparity of over 5m, leads in gender disparity among voters, followed by Sindh, KP, and Balochistan. While Punjab boasts districts with more than 48pc female voters, areas like South Waziristan (Lower) in KP report considerably low female voter percentages, as little as 34.54pc.
This contrast not only reflects the varied sociopolitical landscapes of these provinces but also signals where targeted interventions are most needed. The responsibility to further narrow this gap rests significantly on the shoulders of political parties.
Their role extends beyond mere competition in elections; they are, in essence, the stewards of our democracy and must lead the charge in initiatives aimed at encouraging and facilitating women’s voting. This duty encompasses a range of actions, from awareness campaigns to the implementation of measures such as ensuring the availability of safe and accessible polling stations, and addressing the sociocultural barriers that impede women’s political participation.
In addition, the role of communities in shaping attitudes towards women’s voting rights cannot be overstated. Comprehensive efforts to educate and engage communities, especially in regions marked by pronounced gender disparities, are of utmost importance.
This engagement needs to transcend tokenistic approaches and strive to genuinely empower women, dismantling the entrenched patriarchal norms that restrict their political agency. Reflecting on the history of past elections, the gender gap has been a persistent issue, reaching its peak at 13.17m in 2016.
The current reduction is a clear indication of the concerted efforts by various stakeholders, including the ECP. However, the objective extends beyond merely decreasing numbers; it aims for the achievement of gender parity in voter participation.
As we approach future elections, the narrowing of this gap marks an important milestone, signalling progress yet reminding us that there is a considerable journey ahead. It is crucial to recognise that the true strength of a democracy is reflected in the inclusivity of its processes.
Political parties, civic groups, and communities must persist in their collaborative work to ensure that every citizen’s voice, regardless of gender, is heard and valued at the ballot box. This journey towards an inclusive, equitable democracy demands unwavering commitment and concerted action from all sectors of society. Let this be the legacy we aspire to create and solidify for future generations.
Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2023