Quetta, May 12: The pain of defeat from Operation Sindoor still lingers in Pakistan. On the first anniversary of this military operation, a statement reflecting outdated views on gender equality has sparked controversy. The Baluch National Movement (BNM) has strongly condemned the remarks made by the Pakistani military.
BNM President Naseem Baloch criticized the statement from the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), which mocked the name “Operation Sindoor.” According to Baloch, the comments reveal a regressive mindset towards women in Pakistan, showcasing deep-seated discrimination.
The DG ISPR suggested that “Sindoor is associated with women, and a military operation should have a masculine name.” In response, Baloch stated that this reflects the status of women in Pakistani society and their treatment.
“This statement is not just about a word; it reveals a deeper mentality where anything associated with women is seen as weak or unworthy,” Baloch emphasized. He pointed out that women in Pakistan are often undervalued compared to men, leading to movements like the “Aurta March” being ridiculed or met with hostility.
Contrasting this patriarchal view, Baloch noted that women in Baluchistan have historically held respected and influential roles in society, actively participating in battles and protests for centuries.
“From history to the present, Baluch women have stood shoulder to shoulder with men, proving that strength and respect are not determined by gender,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, the human rights organization Baluch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) criticized the Sindh government for preventing them from participating in the Aurta March program. This action was deemed “government fascism” against the people of Baluchistan.
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