Protection first

The suffering of religious minorities knows no bounds in Pakistan. We have come to this horrific state because of decades of misrule and bad governance. One can easily judge how difficult it is for religious minorities to practice their faith without fear.
Having said, it seems the Punjab chief minister has one remedy in mind to all such attacks: a compensation package. After Sunday’s attack, Shehbaz Sharif wasted no time in announcing a compensation of Rs500,000 for the dead and Rs75,000 for the injured as if this compensation would assuage the sufferings of the grieving families and absolve him of his constitutional duties. Someone should tell the respected CM that his first responsibility is to provide people protection. The money he is doling out as compensation is taxpayers’ money for which he is answerable to the people. The provincial government should investigate any lapse in the security arrangements and bring to justice the culprits without delay.
Siraj Umrani
Turbat