https://ift.tt/dRSX5hZ Renowned Pakistani author and journalist Mohammed Hanif announced on Saturday that he is returning the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the third-highest civilian award in Pakistan, as a protest against the violence inflicted upon Baloch marchers. Hanif, celebrated for his works such as "A Case of Exploding Mangoes," expressed his dismay over a video featuring a Baloch girl pleading for the "right to live." In a statement on his social media account, he criticised authorities for the mistreatment of Baloch protesters, stating his shame at witnessing a new generation denied basic dignity. "In protest, returning my Sitara-e-Imtiaz, given to me by a state that continues to abduct and torture Baloch citizens. Journalists of my generation have seen @SammiBaluch and @MahrangBaloch_ grow up in protest camps. Ashamed to witness a new generation being denied basic dignity," wrote Hanif on his X handle. In protest, returning my Sitara e Imtiaz, given to me by a state that continues to abduct and torture Baloch citizens. Journalists of my generation have seen @SammiBaluch and @MahrangBaloch_ grow up in protest camps. Ashamed to witness a new generation being denied basic dignity. https://t.co/yrw4STuzKk — Mohammed Hanif (@mohammedhanif) December 23, 2023 Hanif was bestowed with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2018 for his significant contributions as a journalist, novelist, and playwright. His decision to return the award follows the recent march by Baloch protesters, primarily led by women, against the enforced disappearances of Baloch persons. The march, organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC), reached Islamabad on Wednesday and faced baton charges and mass arrests by the Islamabad Police. The crackdown prompted condemnations from human rights bodies, political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamat-e-Islami (JI). The government later clarified that force was used to prevent a potential "catastrophe." The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also weighed in, warning the police against obstructing the Baloch protesters' constitutional right to protest. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated during a hearing that the protesters should be allowed to exercise their constitutional right. Also read: Undeterred, Baloch women to hold sit-in On Friday, the court directed the police to release the detainees to the organisers of the long march. The marchers have announced a "peaceful rally" at the Islamabad Press Club on Sunday at 10am. Supporting the marchers' calls for the protection of fundamental human rights, PPP's Farhatullah Babar, who attended the protesters' sit-in outside Islamabad's press club, labeled enforced disappearances as a violation of basic human rights. He urged those involved in illegal activities to be presented in courts. Similarly, JI's Senator Mushtaq condemned the actions of Islamabad police and called for the recovery of all missing persons. Despite the formation of a five-member government committee to address the issues raised by the protesting Baloch marchers, there appears to be no significant progress as of now.
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