Renowned Pakistani author and journalist Mohammed Hanif announced on Saturday that he is returning the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the third-highest civilian award in Pakistan, as a protest against the violence inflicted upon Baloch marchers. "In protest, returning my Sitara-e-Imtiaz, given to me by a state that continues to abduct and torture Baloch citizens. In protest, returning my Sitara e Imtiaz, given to me by a state that continues to abduct and torture Baloch citizens. His decision to return the award follows the recent march by Baloch protesters, primarily led by women, against the enforced disappearances of Baloch persons. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also weighed in, warning the police against obstructing the Baloch protesters' constitutional right to protest.

Source: The Express Tribune December 23, 2023 19:04 UTC