Parachinar’s Plight: A Mirror to Pakistan’s Governance Challenges
- Sectarian Violence and Government Inaction: The Parachinar massacre highlights over 3,000 sectarian-related killings since 2007, exacerbated by inadequate government response and lack of justice.
- Mental Health Crisis: Sectarian violence and societal challenges have led to rising mental health issues, with millions suffering in silence due to stigma, poverty, and inadequate facilities.
- Urgent Need for Reform: Accountability, societal tolerance, justice for victims, and prioritization of mental health are essential to address the generational trauma and restore peace in Parachinar.
The tragic loss of over 100 children and countless others in a series of targeted killings and bombings highlights the devastating impact of sectarian violence and governmental inaction. Since 2007, the Kurram Agency has recorded over 3,000 sectarian-related killings, as reported by the South Asia Terrorism Portal. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for accountability and collective action. Mental health issues, exacerbated by such violence, are rising at an alarming rate in Pakistan. A lack of awareness, inadequate facilities, and societal stigma leave millions suffering in silence. Studies reveal that between 15% and 35% of Pakistan’s population faces mental health challenges, with healthcare workers also grappling with stress and burnout.
The fact that every tragedy goes down in the annals of history as remorse, while the enemy dares to bounce back, is disgusting. This raises serious questions about Pakistan’s anti-terror strategy. Parachinar, a small town in the Kurram Agency of Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), has long been a hub of sectarian tensions. The region’s strategic location, nestled between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has made it a focal point for various militant groups, including the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). The Pakistani government has allocated a mere Rs—100 million (approximately USD 670,000) for the rehabilitation of affected families.
In an Islamic democratic republic like Pakistan, there is neither democracy nor an Islamic state. Instead, Pakistan operates as an autocracy—an autocratic republic of Pakistan. Autocracy, derived from the Greek words “self” and “Kratos,” meaning “power,” is a fitting description of Pakistan’s governance, which serves as a prime example of autocratic rule.
The Pakistani government’s response to the Parachinar massacre has been woefully inadequate. Despite repeated calls for action, the government has failed to provide sufficient security, investigate the attacks, or bring the perpetrators to justice. This inaction has emboldened militant groups, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity.
Millions in Pakistan are experiencing widespread depression, yet the state remains unwilling to address this critical issue. Rates of anxiety and depression are significantly higher in rural and underdeveloped urban regions. Many people in Pakistan with mental health issues suffer in silence, which often exacerbates their symptoms. The nation’s high rates of poverty, unemployment, inflation, violence, and illiteracy contribute to the stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by its citizens. This has created generational trauma for children, stemming from the deteriorating law and order situation.
The Parachinar massacre is not just a governmental failure; it also reflects societal complicity. The lack of outrage and action from the general public has further contributed to the perpetuation of sectarian violence. Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of affected communities and drawing attention to this incident. Hashtags such as #ParachinarMassacre and #JusticeForParachinar have trended on Twitter, with many users expressing outrage and solidarity with the victims.
Peace in Parachinar cannot be restored unless state officials are held accountable. The biggest question remains whether the state will take decisive action against its entrenched interests in Parachinar. It is a cauldron of criminality in Pakistan that dreadfully drives life into hopelessness. Can you visualize the body of an infant with shattered bones? It is notoriously painful to imagine the harsh reality faced by the citizens of Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who endure dreadful ignorance, injustice, systematic subjugation, and substantial threats.
The escalating crisis in Parachinar is one of Pakistan’s most significant humanitarian disasters, one that its helpless citizens are forced to witness. The Sharif government has completely failed to ensure checks and balances and also seemed ineffective in bringinmg negotiation.
Due to the state’s behavior, 25% of Pakistanis may suffer from mental illnesses at some point, according to WHO. Between 1990 and 2019, Pakistan saw a significant rise in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 10 major disorders, including depressive disorder (depression), conduct disorder, anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, idiopathic developmental intellectual disability (IDD), eating disorders, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and others. Globally, 1 in 8 people live with DALYs, yet access to effective care in Pakistan is limited due to the state’s violent and neglectful behavior.
The Parachinar massacre is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sectarian violence and government inaction. The Pakistani government must take immediate action to provide security, investigate the attacks, and bring the perpetrators to justice. Destigmatizing mental health concerns requires raising public awareness. Campaigns in communities, mosques, imambargahs, churches, temples, universities, companies, and other institutions must emphasize that mental illness is a health issue, not a personal failure. Media campaigns run by government and non-government organizations can promote a more accepting and supportive perspective on mental health.
Furthermore, society must acknowledge its complicity and take collective action to promote tolerance, understanding, and justice. The Pakistani government must ensure the security of the people of Parachinar and protect minority communities. A thorough investigation into the Parachinar massacre must be conducted, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. The government must allocate sufficient funds for the rehabilitation of affected families and provide compensation for the victims. Society must recognize its role in perpetuating sectarian violence and take action to foster tolerance, understanding, and justice.
The author is a columnist and a CSS mentor.
