National Party Spokesperson’s Remarks on Blocking Hazara CNICs Are Irresponsible, Says HDP

QUETTA: The Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) has criticised remarks by the National Party’s provincial spokesperson regarding the blocking of Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) belonging to members of the Hazara community, describing the statement as irresponsible and insensitive.

In a central statement, the HDP expressed deep concern over what it called anti-Hazara remarks concerning the blocking of CNICs.

The party said such statements were highly irresponsible given the current situation in Balochistan and amounted to an attempt to promote hatred among different communities.

The HDP said the Hazara community had made countless sacrifices for the development of Balochistan and Pakistan and had faced severe terrorism and targeted violence over the past two decades.

It said celebrating the blocking of Hazara citizens’ identity cards and demanding that the restrictions continue was tantamount to adding to the suffering of a community that had already endured immense hardships.

The party said the Hazara community would continue contributing to the development of Balochistan and the country despite facing difficult circumstances.

The HDP also condemned what it described as the unnecessary blocking of CNICs.

It welcomed the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) decision under a new policy to unblock millions of identity cards, describing the move as positive and in line with public aspirations.

The party urged political forces to avoid statements that could deepen divisions and promote hatred among communities in Balochistan.