In yet another alarming example of Pakistan’s deepening authoritarianism, the residence of veteran politician Javed Hashmi was reportedly raided by the military after he subtly criticized the establishment’s policies in Balochistan. The raid reflects a disturbing pattern of silencing dissent through fear and force.
Shocking details have emerged that Hashmi’s grandchildren were assaulted during the raid, leaving children hurt and injured in an operation clearly aimed at intimidation rather than law enforcement. Targeting a senior political figure—and harming children in the process underscores the extent to which the fascist regime and the establishment are willing to go to crush even mild criticism.
This incident sends a chilling message to society: no voice is too senior, and no household too sacred, to be spared from repression. Pakistan continues to slide into lawlessness, where dissent is met with violence and basic human dignity is trampled.
For many, this is yet another painful reminder that Pakistan is becoming increasingly unlivable, as fear replaces freedom and brute force replaces the rule of law.