Why did Pakistan's Defence Minister make 'shameful' remarks about the murdered Baloch couple?

Quetta, July 21 (NationPress) Human rights advocates from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have voiced strong criticism against Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for his disturbing remarks regarding the Baloch community. This backlash follows a disturbing viral video depicting a couple being murdered in Balochistan in what is believed to be an 'honour killing' due to their marriage against familial wishes.

The couple, whose identities remain undisclosed, was brutally executed last month on the directive of a local tribal council, with the video circulating widely on social media. In response, the Defence Minister attributed the blame to the Baloch community itself, asserting that "the ones responsible for this oppression are your own brothers."

Baloch activists have condemned Khawaja Asif's comments as a source of shame and regret. They argue that instead of acknowledging the failures of the Sharif government regarding this incident and holding the administration accountable for the rampant lawlessness, public distrust in the judiciary, and the unchecked spread of weapons, the Minister is attempting to shift blame onto others.

“Consider the hypocrisy: had this incident occurred during the term of an opposition government, these very individuals would have been the first to criticize. Yet, now that they are in power, there appears to be no remorse or accountability. If you claim that ‘Balochistan is under your control,’ how do such outrages occur in broad daylight? You are driving people to lose faith in the state, pushing them towards armed groups,” expressed BYC’s Sammi Deen Baloch.

Sammi further questioned whether the Pakistani government understands the perilous trend they are fostering. She recounted a recent incident in Awaran district, where a victim's family sought assistance from an armed group rather than state institutions, highlighting the lack of faith in government bodies.

She raised a critical point about the government's lack of action regarding numerous past allegations against Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), emphasizing that justice remains elusive.

“Six months ago, a girl was abducted in Khuzdar district. The family protested independently to secure her release, yet the perpetrators remain free with no legal repercussions,” she noted.

Sammi also mentioned a severe allegation against a current minister, who was implicated in the murder of a mother and her two innocent children. Despite such grave charges, he received state support and was later integrated into the government.

“While flaws may exist within Baloch society, the focus should be on your own actions. In your province, which isn’t even war-torn, far more women are killed annually in the name of honour compared to Balochistan,” she stated.

The BYC condemned the horrific murder of the couple, identified as Bano Baloch and Ehsan, labeling it a deep and permanent scar on the conscience of Balochistan. They declared, “No self-respecting society can tolerate such barbaric and inhumane acts. In a region where women face systemic oppression and violence, this tragedy underscores the unchecked power of tribal and feudal forces, often protected by the state. These acts are not isolated incidents but reflect a pervasive culture of complicity and silence.”