ISLAMABAD: Renowned analyst Babar Khajak, speaking on Buraq Digital’s podcast, expressed concern over how certain elements have violated the deeply rooted tribal traditions of Balochistan.
He emphasized that just as religion has its own principles, so do Baloch cultural values—values that are universally respected within the Baloch society.
In particular, he noted that women have historically held the highest social respect in Baloch culture.
Unfortunately, he said, some groups have disrespected these traditions, using women in suicide attacks, placing them at protest camps, in long marches, and at sit-ins, while the men themselves stayed hidden.
Referring to a recent incident, Khajak highlighted the bravery of a woman who reportedly said, “You can shoot me, but you can’t touch me.”
He questioned the intent behind filming such an act and publicly executing her, asking what message the perpetrators were trying to send.
He pointed out that this incident is now being used to spread misinformation and disinformation, with false narratives tying the act to the state.
Babar Khajak explained that the perpetrators were from the family of Wadood Satakzai, a known terrorist, and not linked to the state.
Yet, when some individuals involved in the murder were arrested, the same social media users who had blamed the state for the killing began accusing the state of arresting those “protecting traditions.”
He noted a dangerous contradiction: First, the killers were labeled as agents of the state, and then, when arrested, their supporters claimed the state was targeting people defending cultural values.
Khajak further questioned the legitimacy of the so-called “jirga” that led to the incident.
The location, he said, was a mountainous area under strong influence of terrorist groups like the BLA.
He asked: who represented the man’s side, who spoke for the woman, and how many were actually part of the jirga?
He stated that true tribal councils (jirgas) have the power to resolve century-old feuds in minutes, but this so-called jirga lacked all credibility.
ALSO READ: The samples of the killed woman and man obtained
In conclusion, he warned that such incidents are being weaponized to create conflict and confrontation in society, undermining both the state’s role and Baloch traditions.
