Sindh’s Literature Festival’s session on Balochistan cancelled hours before schedule

A session on Balochistan called “Balochistan Ek Mukalima” (Balochistan: A Dialogue) was set to take place on the third day of the fourth edition of Sindh Literature Festival, was cancelled just hours before and the auditorium shut.  Reason for cancellation: The organizers claimed that the cancellation of the session was due to the absence of Zahoor Buledi, Yousuf Mustikhan and other participants.  Participants: The session was to be moderated by Abid Mir and participants were to include the Minister for Finance for Balochistan’s provincial government Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, veteran political leader Yousuf Mustikhan, Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Sanaullah Baloch, writer Dr. Shah Mohammad Marri and student leader Mahrang Baloch.  Mahrang Baloch, in comments circulating on social media, opined that this episode suggests a lack of freedom of expression when it comes to Balochistan and its issues.  A large number of students, including many from Balochistan, had also gathered to attend the session.