QUETTA: Fresh talks between the government and Hazara community to end the latter’s sit-in following the Machh massacre ended inconclusively, with the protestors saying that they would not bury the dead till Prime Minister Imran Khan arrives at their camp.
At least 11 Hazara miners were shot dead by the Islamic State in Mach, Bolan, on Sunday. After the killings, the mourners have been staging a sit-in in Quetta for the past four days.
The talks were led by federal minister Ali Zaidi and, who was sent along with Special Assistant to Prime Minister Zulfi Bukhari as the government’s envoys to persuade the Hazaras to end their demonstration.
During the visit, Zulfi Bukhari assured the protesters that Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit them soon. In this regard, the Hazara leaders said that the PM’s visit will be beneficial for the entire country.
At this, Zulfi Bukhari asks, “How is the premier going to benefit from this visit?” The protestors said, “We want the PM to visit Quetta and meet these families on this stage, in front of all these mourners.”
Zulfi Bukhari further said, “If another such incident takes place the victims will also start making demands like these. Their families will start by saying that we want this, not that, and so on.”
A video of Zulfi Bukhari and the protest organisers negotiating started making rounds on social media, with social media users criticizing the special assistant for his statements.
Unbelievable! Do these ppl really have no heart?? I am ashamed today and heartbroken for the ppl of Hazara and the ppl of Pakistan! Adding insult to injury! He sends zulfi bukhari who asks them what will they do for Imran khan if he comes
👇pic.twitter.com/mvDkMuGACA— Maiza Hameed Gujjar (@MaizaHameed) January 6, 2021
Come on Zulfi Bukhari , their hearts are broken and the protestors are in pain. Least you can do is to act indifferen But insisting on PM to come instead of them getting justice is hazara community is playing sheer politics. I heard one of the girls speak infront of camera https://t.co/odmRMoWHvm
— Ayesha Khan (@khan_ash1) January 6, 2021
