Parachinar: Demonstrations in favor of oppressed and questions on the military statement

Shiite News: Demonstrations and sit-ins are ongoing in various cities of the country in favor of the oppressed peoples of Parachinar, where protesters are asking tough questions to the government and the army.

Statement of a military official

Declaring the Parachinar conflict as a mere “land issue” by a senior military official was unacceptable to the public. Protesters say:

“This issue is not just about land, but about our lives, property, honor and peace. Such a statement is not only ignoring the issue but also rubbing salt in the wounds of the oppressed.”

Protesters’ questions

1. State weakness?

“Pakistan’s army is among the strongest in the world, which can end sit-ins in big cities like Islamabad in half an hour. So why there is no action being taken against a few Takfiri elements in Parachinar?”

2. Punishment for being patriotic?

“We have always respected and supported our army, but are we being punished for our loyalty ? Elements like the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Sahaba, who rebel against the state, are roaming free, while the oppressed people are being ignored.”

3. Reservations on the military statement

“Are the military officials who kept quiet by calling this issue a land dispute, admitting that the army will not play any effective role in this matter? If this issue is so simple, why is it not being resolved?”

Demands

1. Immediate action against Takfiri elements

The protesters demand that those elements who are inciting violence and sectarianism in Parachinar be severely crushed.

2. Restoration of peace in Parachinar

The protesters demanded that the state should provide protection to the oppressed people and resolve the issue seriously.

3. Stand with the oppressed

The state institutions are demanded to clearly stand with the oppressed people of Parachinar and restore their trust.

Question

“Are the state and the army afraid of these mischievous elements, or is there any other reason to ignore them? It is our right to raise our voice for the oppressed people and we will not remain silent without justice.”

These demonstrations and questions indicate that the people of Parachinar and their supporters are waiting for practical steps and real justice from the state.