Hazara Marginalization and Balochistan’s Youth Crisis
- Maha Shahid
- Oct 25, 2024
- 3 min read
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by area and has much untapped potential in providing the youth with adequate education amid conflicts. Ethnic marginalization of the Hazara community and security threats by separatist groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army, alongside the resurgence of Taliban in Afghanistan, restrict access to education. Government’s temporary closure of schools provides no long-term solution. With frequent enforced disappearances of Baloch people, many families have no choice but to migrate while others pull children out of schools.
The Hazara community in Balochistan, specifically in Quetta, faces violence and persecution, and their mobility is confined to areas such as Hazara town and Mariabad. They are isolated from the rest of the population and do not enjoy the same freedom. Targeted due to their Shia faith, many lost family members in terrorist attacks. “Over 600 Hazaras have been killed since 2000,” said Abdul Qayuum Changezi, head of the Hazara Jarga. Previously, they contributed to the region’s development with roles in bureaucracy, military, education, health, and other administrative departments. The women are also educated and work as teachers, while others have businesses such as carpet weaving. Over time, with the increasing violence and discrimination, the employment opportunities of the community have declined. “I don’t understand much about politics, but I worry constantly for my grown children, and their children,” said Zareen Bibi, 60, a Hazara resident of Quetta. “Too many Hazaras have died for no reason- and this inhumanity has to end. We all deserve dignity and the right to life.”
The youth of the Hazara community are passionate about learning and education. However, this fundamental right is not as accessible owing to the circumstances of transgression towards their community, which limits educational progress. Educational institutions in Quetta do not protect; therefore, many leave the country seeking refuge, and about 90% use illegal means to do this. This makes them vulnerable to exploitation and falling prey to human trafficking. A boat carrying over 90 illegal settlers to Australia capsized off the Indonesian coast in December 2011, killing 55 Hazaras. Ali, who has lost close relatives including his brother in targeted killings of Hazaras, said: “We can expect nothing from the government; so we act for ourselves. I personally went to Indonesia to bring back the bodies of the young Hazara men who had died in the boat tragedy. They were fleeing because of the security situation and in search of a chance to gain an education.”
To improve the situation, joint government and society-led efforts are required. The right to life and education are at stake; therefore, the government should implement laws to protect the lives of the marginalized and help the aggrieved families. Arif, a former academic at the University of Balochistan, said the government needed to avoid a heavy-handed response. “In my opinion, Balochistan is set on fire,” he said. “The leadership must adopt sane and pragmatic policies before it’s too late. This bloodshed will devour the people here. They must realise that, in the end, war serves nobody.” Building institutions such as schools and health care facilities near the towns would improve their well-being. Providing the Hazara youth the same access to resources such as educational institutions can lead the province on the path to progress, as the youth are aware of issues and are likely to focus on structural changes. Community involvement and NGOs can help navigate the sectarian divide and raise more awareness about issues faced by the Hazara community and how their lives are endangered. There can also be efforts on the relocation or migration of those impacted by the violence so safe passage can be provided for them.
By highlighting these stories of injustices, we can bring change for the youth in Balochistan and help them contribute to their province and the country’s growth.