Finally, Balochistan Voices Online Newspaper has been officially launched. It’s a new beginning not only for the team of Balochistan Voices but also for all those who keenly follow social media and online news in Balochistan.
Balochistan Voices has been launched at a time when there is still uncertainty on different fronts. Balochistan is still an insurgency wrecked restive province where government is not sure whether to solve the problem though use of force or dialogue. Incumbent coalition government has not settled down so far due to law and order problems and internal difference among coalition members. Corruption within provincial bureaucracy and politicians is at all time high. Kickbacks and Commission taking have become an accepted norm in Balochistan.
All of these problems have taken its toll on the people of Balochistan. There are negligible employment opportunities for the youth. Standard of education is abysmal and same is the case with Health infrastructure in the province. Ongoing drought in several districts of Balochistan is further aggravating the situation and this problem is compounded due to the state of denial mode switched on by provincial government and its aiding departments.
In any democratic society, existence of a vibrant and vocal opposition is must for the functioning of the system. There can’t be any functional government system without an active opposition. Currently, there is no active opposition who can challenge and question government on issues related to governance. So-called opposition parties in and out of assemblies only do politics on the issues which serve their political interests.
Together we all can make a difference. Let the journey begin
When Dr. Malik Baloch was in power, Social Media and the online media were the main opposition for his government. Traditional media was friendly to government of Dr. Malik due to financial incentives that they were getting in different forms. Social Media was the only platform which vehemently questioned the governance of Dr. Malik and held him accountable to an extent.
Balochistan Voices aims to be a platform which will be used to question the governance and policy decisions of both federal and provincial government. It will highlight different mistakes made by these governments and sensitizes the public on such issues. There are quite a few examples where online news medium coupled with social media made a difference. Cases of Ameerullah Kakar, Hajira and HEC issue are just a few examples. Balochistan Voices hopes to continue the tradition in future.
We also realize the importance of civil society and the difference that citizens can make when they unite on an issue. Keeping that in mind, Balochistan Voices will always be there to support the genuine issues picked up by civil society. At the same time it also expects civil society to highlight genuine issues picked up by Balochistan Voices.
As an online newspaper, Balochistan Voices can only highlight issues. We can bring an issue to attention and sensitize public about that issue. We do need the help of responsible citizens in every walk of life to take action on the issues that we have brought to attention. Together we all can make a difference.
Let the journey begin!
Editor
Balochistan Voices
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