Abdul Qadeer Hassani
Quetta valley is the capital city of Balochistan covered by beautiful hills. It is the valley of charm, heaven for tourism, the little Paris of Asia, the canyon of illuminating sceneries and inhabitants of this city are simple and hospitable.
History of Quetta traced back to the 19th century when British troops captured the region during the Anglo-Afghan war of 1879. The historical name of Quetta was “Shalkot”. When British occupied this area that time it was not a well-developed city, but after, they started reconstruction and development works here. They expanded transportation means, built railway tracks, roads and invested in promoting education. That changed the scenario and made it an important gateway from Central Asia to South Asia.
Quetta is the populous city of Balochistan province. According to a survey report, conducted at 2011, its population was approximate, 1.9 million. It is the city of diverse communities, sects, and religious groups. Most of its population belongs to Shia and Sunni sects. Brelvi, Hindus, and Christians are also included in its population.
For the many years, Quetta suffering from the menace of sectarian quarrels, target killings, terrorist attacks, bomb blasts, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, snatching, dacoity and house robberies. That cracked the fame and beauty of this magnificent valley of Balochistan. Terrorists, extremists, and sectarian groups are busy to acquire their objectives, by ruining the peace and increasing the fear, that cause to escalate insecurity of life, wealth, businesses and compel the natives to migrate for the search of peaceful land. That further mounted the misery of shattered province of Balochistan.
Law and order bad situation affected the mantle condition of masses. Thieves and robbers walking on roads like kings but innocents and peace loving citizens, always are in fear. Walking on roads or driving and at houses without private security, escalated the chance to be the next target of these cruel and appalling groups. In police stations many cases filed against these culprits but on practical grounds, results are not satisfactory.
Security of life, movement, wealth, and businesses are the fundamental rights of every citizen, without any discrimination. It is the state’s responsibility to provide it and maintain it. Without the existence of peace and stability, economic viability, technological advancement and state’s prosperity, are the pipe dreams.
The incumbent government must take rapid and efficient actions to bring the city on the road to peace and progress again. Quetta is demanding its due share of attention, security for all without any discrimination. It’s again waiting to make her image as to be the heaven of tourism, city of peace and attraction for foreigners.
Mutual efforts by government and civil society would change the fate of this beautiful valley and would again make it a source of proud for us and mount the goodwill of country internationally. From journey to the city of “No-Entry” to city of “charm and comfort” our serious and sincere efforts are needed.
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