July 14, 2025
Lahore — Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has launched a scathing critique of human rights organizations for what she described as their “deafening silence” on the recent targeted killings of Punjabis in Balochistan. Her remarks, delivered during a press briefing on Saturday, have reignited debate over the role of advocacy groups in addressing ethnic violence in Pakistan’s restive southwestern province.
“The militants continue to target the people of Punjab in Balochistan, but the so-called human rights defenders are quiet,” Bukhari said, urging immediate and decisive action to curb the rising wave of terrorism. She accused rights groups of selective outrage, highlighting their vocal stance on other issues while allegedly ignoring attacks on Punjabi civilians.
The minister’s comments come amid a surge in violence in Balochistan, where several incidents have involved the killing of laborers and settlers from Punjab. In November 2024, six Punjabi workers were shot dead in Turbat, an attack that drew limited public condemnation from major rights organizations.
Bukhari also reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to transparency and public welfare, stating that the Health Card facility remains operational in government hospitals. She promised that an audit report on the program would be released soon.
In a separate swipe at the opposition, Bukhari dismissed upcoming protests planned by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), calling them “habitual theatrics.” Reports suggest that PTI founder Imran Khan’s sons, Suleman and Qasim, may join the demonstrations, potentially energizing party supporters. However, Bukhari maintained that the provincial government is unfazed by the opposition’s mobilization.
The escalating violence in Balochistan — coupled with political tensions in Punjab — underscores the volatile landscape facing Pakistan’s leadership. As calls for accountability grow louder, the silence of human rights groups on ethnic killings may become a focal point in the broader discourse on justice and advocacy.
