National Party’s Support for Blocking Hazara CNICs Is an Attempt to Promote Hatred, Says HDP

QUETTA: The Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) has strongly 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, calling the stance an irresponsible attempt to promote hatred among different communities.

In a central statement, the HDP expressed deep concern and regret over what it described as anti-Hazara remarks by the National Party spokesperson concerning CNICs.

The party said such statements were highly irresponsible and inappropriate given the current situation in Balochistan and amounted to a deliberate attempt to fuel hatred among different ethnic communities.

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

It said celebrating the blocking of Hazara citizens’ identity cards and demanding that the restrictions remain in place 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 Pakistan despite all challenges.

The HDP also condemned what it described as the unnecessary blocking of identity cards. It welcomed the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) move under a new policy to unblock millions of identity cards, calling the decision in line with public aspirations.

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