Activists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have raised the issue of worsening human rights situation in their provinces during the 43rd session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Fazal-ur Rehman Afridi, a Pashtun political activist told the Council, "In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistani Army has unleashed a reign of terror against innocent civilians with impunity."

"Two protest sit-ins have been in progress -- by Mehsood tribe in Waziristan and Utmanzai tribe in front of provincial assembly of KPK -- for the last 44 days. The protestors have been demanding for compensation of more than 90,000 destroyed houses and 8,000 shops and markets in Miranshah during the so-called war on terror," he added.

Despite receiving billions of dollars in aid, Pakistan has not spent a single dollar for the rehabilitation and construction of destroyed homes, markets, schools, and other infrastructures. Afridi said, "We express our concern and condemn the illegal arrest and arbitrary detention for 30 days of Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, a leader of PTM, a well-known human rights activist and hero of millions of Pashtuns around the world on false charges of sedition."

Human rights activists Idrees Khattak and Hazrat Naeem Abdul Qayum, alias Gilaman Pashteen, have allegedly been abducted and forcibly disappeared by the ISI, while Ehsanullah Ehsan has been allegedly released after the VIP hospitality of Pakistan Army.

At present, several PTM activists like Hanif Pashteen, Zulqarnain Bacha, Ovais Abdal, Alamgir Wazir, and Ghafoor Utmankhel are in illegal custody.

"We demand a Truth and Reconciliation Commission under the UN to investigate the human rights violations war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Pakistan Army in the former FATA," Afridi said.

Munir Mengal, a Baloch political activist, showed concern about the ongoing military operations in Balochistan.

"People of Balochistan are seen living in a military garrison and facing elimination on a daily basis," said Munir Mengal.

The systematic suppression, and involuntary disappearances have been declared by many HR organisations, local political parties, and analysts as the slow-motion genocide of the Baloch people, being done under as per the strategic policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The Baloch political activist urged the Council to conduct an independent investigation of human rights violations in Balochistan. "The Islamic State of Pakistan is so eager to curb the voice of Baloch people that thousands have disappeared involuntarily. The perpetrators are doing it with impunity and (it) is being done on a daily basis," he said.

"Years have passed, but we do not see any concrete and effective steps taken for the safe recovery of missing persons," he concluded.

(with inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Activists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have raised the issue of worsening human rights situation in their provinces during the 43rd session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

Activists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have raised the issue of worsening human rights situation in their provinces during the 43rd session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Fazal-ur Rehman Afridi, a Pashtun political activist told the Council, "In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistani Army has unleashed a reign of terror against innocent civilians with impunity." "Two protest sit-ins have been in progress -- by Mehsood tribe in Waziristan and Utmanzai tribe in front of provincial assembly of KPK -- for the last 44 days. The protestors have been demanding for compensation of more than 90,000 destroyed houses and 8,000 shops and markets in Miranshah during the so-called war on terror," he added. Despite receiving billions of dollars in aid, Pakistan has not spent a single dollar for the rehabilitation and construction of destroyed homes, markets, schools, and other infrastructures. Afridi said, "We express our concern and condemn the illegal arrest and arbitrary detention for 30 days of Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, a leader of PTM, a well-known human rights activist and hero of millions of Pashtuns around the world on false charges of sedition." Human rights activists Idrees Khattak and Hazrat Naeem Abdul Qayum, alias Gilaman Pashteen, have allegedly been abducted and forcibly disappeared by the ISI, while Ehsanullah Ehsan has been allegedly released after the VIP hospitality of Pakistan Army. At present, several PTM activists like Hanif Pashteen, Zulqarnain Bacha, Ovais Abdal, Alamgir Wazir, and Ghafoor Utmankhel are in illegal custody. "We demand a Truth and Reconciliation Commission under the UN to investigate the human rights violations war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Pakistan Army in the former FATA," Afridi said. Munir Mengal, a Baloch political activist, showed concern about the ongoing military operations in Balochistan. "People of Balochistan are seen living in a military garrison and facing elimination on a daily basis," said Munir Mengal. The systematic suppression, and involuntary disappearances have been declared by many HR organisations, local political parties, and analysts as the slow-motion genocide of the Baloch people, being done under as per the strategic policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Baloch political activist urged the Council to conduct an independent investigation of human rights violations in Balochistan. "The Islamic State of Pakistan is so eager to curb the voice of Baloch people that thousands have disappeared involuntarily. The perpetrators are doing it with impunity and (it) is being done on a daily basis," he said. "Years have passed, but we do not see any concrete and effective steps taken for the safe recovery of missing persons," he concluded. (with inputs from ANI)

Baloch, Pashtun facing worst human rights crisis, say activists at UNHRC

&nbsp;Activists and supporters of the Sindhi, Baloch and Pashtun ethnic groups on Tuesday held a protest, condemning Pakistan`s atrocities against minorities and crimes against humanity, outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) headquarters in Geneva.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-policeman-killed-as-blast-hits-polio-vaccine-team-281386">Pakistan policeman killed as blast hits polio vaccine team</a>

Protestors gathered at the iconic Broken Chair sculpture in front of the UN Office amidst the ongoing 41st session of the UNHRC to urge the world body to take immediate action against worst forms of rights violations by the Pakistani Army in the Sindh, Balochistan and Pashtun region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/sindhis-celebrate-116th-birth-anniversary-of-late-gm-syed-with-fervour-275038">Sindhis celebrate 116th birth anniversary of late GM Syed with fervour</a>

Activists also held up huge posters stating "Pakistan Army Stop Atrocities Against Sindh, Baloch and Pashtun". In the past decade, many mass graves with more than 100 bodies were discovered in Balochistan. Almost 7000 people have been faced with enforced disappearances by the Pakistan Army.

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Dozens of villages have been destroyed by the security forces and thousands have been forcibly displaced in Makkuran, Jhalawan, Dera, Bugti, and Kohlu regions of Balochistan. Moreover, the perpetrators have been given immunity by the Pakistani government. Similarly, in Sindh and Pashtun, the Pakistani Army held arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearance, torture, extra-judicial killing, and political repression as a tool to silence their voice and struggle.

Last month, the leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) Manzoor Pashteen was arrested due to its critiques against the Pakistani government.

Meanwhile, Pakistan refuses to comply with UN Conventions.

According to Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Article 5 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 7 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance the violent acts of Pakistan constitute a crime.&nbsp;

Activists and supporters of the Sindhi, Baloch and Pashtun ethnic groups on Tuesday held a protest, condemning Pakistan`s atrocities against minorities and crimes against humanity, outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) headquarters in Geneva.

Activists and supporters of the Sindhi, Baloch and Pashtun ethnic groups on Tuesday held a protest, condemning Pakistan`s atrocities against minorities and crimes against humanity, outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) headquarters in Geneva. Also read: Pakistan policeman killed as blast hits polio vaccine team Protestors gathered at the iconic Broken Chair sculpture in front of the UN Office amidst the ongoing 41st session of the UNHRC to urge the world body to take immediate action against worst forms of rights violations by the Pakistani Army in the Sindh, Balochistan and Pashtun region. Also read: Sindhis celebrate 116th birth anniversary of late GM Syed with fervour Activists also held up huge posters stating "Pakistan Army Stop Atrocities Against Sindh, Baloch and Pashtun". In the past decade, many mass graves with more than 100 bodies were discovered in Balochistan. Almost 7000 people have been faced with enforced disappearances by the Pakistan Army. × Dozens of villages have been destroyed by the security forces and thousands have been forcibly displaced in Makkuran, Jhalawan, Dera, Bugti, and Kohlu regions of Balochistan. Moreover, the perpetrators have been given immunity by the Pakistani government. Similarly, in Sindh and Pashtun, the Pakistani Army held arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearance, torture, extra-judicial killing, and political repression as a tool to silence their voice and struggle. Last month, the leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) Manzoor Pashteen was arrested due to its critiques against the Pakistani government. Meanwhile, Pakistan refuses to comply with UN Conventions. According to Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Article 5 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 7 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance the violent acts of Pakistan constitute a crime.

Sindh, Baloch and Pashtuns protest against Pakistan Army atrocities outside UNHRC

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/us-re-designates-pakistan-china-as-countries-curbing-religious-freedom-269447">US State Department report </a>which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms.

"Pakistan rejects the US State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on December 20, 2019. This pronouncement is not only detached from ground realities of Pakistan but also raises questions about the credibility and transparency of the entire exercise," read a release by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> rejects the U.S. State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on 20 December 2019. 
 
Press Release by <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ForeignOfficePk</a> <a href="https://t.co/zM8cUsPsY2">pic.twitter.com/zM8cUsPsY2</a>
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1209544159889182722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The designation is reflective of selective targeting of countries and thus unlikely to be helpful to the professed cause of advanced religious freedom," it added.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The US State Department on December 18 designated Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as ''Countries of Particular Concern'' under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom."

Blasphemy laws are extremely stringent in Pakistan. The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty.

And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province.

Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them.

Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. 
Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china.

Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the US State Department report which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms.

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the US State Department report which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms. "Pakistan rejects the US State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on December 20, 2019. This pronouncement is not only detached from ground realities of Pakistan but also raises questions about the credibility and transparency of the entire exercise," read a release by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. #Pakistan rejects the U.S. State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on 20 December 2019. Press Release by @ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/zM8cUsPsY2 — Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 24, 2019 × "The designation is reflective of selective targeting of countries and thus unlikely to be helpful to the professed cause of advanced religious freedom," it added. Watch: The US State Department on December 18 designated Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as ''Countries of Particular Concern'' under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom." Blasphemy laws are extremely stringent in Pakistan. The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty. And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province. Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them. Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china. Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan raises questions over credibility of US report on religious freedom, calls the process 'suspicious'

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom."&nbsp;

The United States releases a&nbsp;list of countries with a dubious record on religious freedoms every year.

Nine countries remain on the list and they can be sanctioned by the US government if they do not protect religious freedoms better.

And that's exactly what China and Pakistan have been accused of.

In 2018, Pakistan was designated after a lot of international pressure.

Blasphemy laws, for example, are extremely stringent in Pakistan.The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty.

And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province.

Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them.

Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year.

Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china.

Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom." The United States releases a list of countries with a dubious record on religious freedoms every year. Nine countries remain on the list and they can be sanctioned by the US government if they do not protect religious freedoms better. And that's exactly what China and Pakistan have been accused of. In 2018, Pakistan was designated after a lot of international pressure. Blasphemy laws, for example, are extremely stringent in Pakistan.The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty. And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province. Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them. Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china. Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

US re-designates Pakistan, China as countries curbing religious freedom

Pakistan opposition's PPP Chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-bail-plea-to-be-submitted-for-zardaris-release-on-medical-grounds-265853">Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a> has accused Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-visit-bahrain-on-monday-268412">Imran Khan</a>-led government of modifying the route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to deprive&nbsp;people of Balochistan of their share of benefits from the projects.

"We brought revolutionary programmes such as CPEC for you, the people of Balochistan the vision of former president [<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-day-after-release-from-sub-jail-asif-ali-zardari-to-be-shifted-to-karachi-hospital-268059">Asif Ali</a>] Zardari was for the route, to begin with, the most backward areas of Pakistan, namely Fata and Balochistan, but I regret to say the route was changed and instead, the project began from Lahore and Sindh," DAWN quoted Bilawal as saying.

Bilawal was addressing a PPP workers' convention in Quetta. "We want the people of Balochistan to benefit from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cpec-a-project-that-turns-into-a-roadblock-for-pakistan-economy-264876"> CPEC</a> but this incompetent, unqualified puppet government has failed in providing you the benefits. Only PPP is capable and it is the only party to have ever strived to deliver the benefits of a project to the residents of the area it is launched in," he added.

The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar development project, with a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/east-china-province-helps-xinjiang-make-great-e-commerce-progress-268160">Xinjiang</a> Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.

Bilawal also alleged that "selected prime minister" Imran Khan was not only "stealing" the share of resources that should go to the provinces, but was also "placing the burden of his incompetence" onto the people.

"He who promised 10 million jobs and 5 million homes is not only stealing existing jobs but the roof over people's heads in the name of encroachment," said the PPP chairman.&nbsp;

Pakistan opposition's PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government of modifying the route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to deprive people of Balochistan of their share of benefits from the projects.

Pakistan opposition's PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government of modifying the route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to deprive people of Balochistan of their share of benefits from the projects. "We brought revolutionary programmes such as CPEC for you, the people of Balochistan the vision of former president [Asif Ali] Zardari was for the route, to begin with, the most backward areas of Pakistan, namely Fata and Balochistan, but I regret to say the route was changed and instead, the project began from Lahore and Sindh," DAWN quoted Bilawal as saying. Bilawal was addressing a PPP workers' convention in Quetta. "We want the people of Balochistan to benefit from CPEC but this incompetent, unqualified puppet government has failed in providing you the benefits. Only PPP is capable and it is the only party to have ever strived to deliver the benefits of a project to the residents of the area it is launched in," he added. The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar development project, with a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Bilawal also alleged that "selected prime minister" Imran Khan was not only "stealing" the share of resources that should go to the provinces, but was also "placing the burden of his incompetence" onto the people. "He who promised 10 million jobs and 5 million homes is not only stealing existing jobs but the roof over people's heads in the name of encroachment," said the PPP chairman.

Bilawal accuses Pak govt of changing CPEC route to deprive Baloch people of benefits

Baloch leader Allah Nizar Baloch has condemned the ongoing military offence by Turkey on the Kurdish population living in north-east Syria, saying that the Ankara has invaded the territory of peace-loving Kurds.

The leader said that the Baloch people can "feel the pain of our Kurdish sisters and brothers", and like them, the Baloch land too has been invaded and occupied by several countries.

He said that it is not surprising that Pakistan has supported the unilateral military offence that has already claimed the lives of dozens of people and displaced hundreds of thousands.

"The irony of the latest assault on the Kurds is that all this is being done in the name of countering terrorism, while at the same time it is providing ISIS space to recoup that was otherwise denied to it by the brave Kurdish people who have sacrificed more than anyone else to combat radical jihadists undermining the very basis of our shared humanity," Nizar said.

Nizar said Turkey`s schemes to suppress Kurdish people and the betrayal by the world powers notwithstanding, the brave Kurds will once again rise to the occasion and protect not only their homeland and culture but also our shared humanity.

"They have lived through a lot and they will overcome this too."

The Baloch leader added that not coincidentally, world powers recently banned a Baloch resistance group too.

"The pattern is clear. The people and secular resistance groups on the ground who really fight Islamic extremism are abandoned to wolves by airborne champions of human rights and secular values who cut deals with radical jihadists in the name of world peace."

He said the Baloch people will always stand by their Kurdish sisters and brothers irrespective of what the so-called world powers think or do "because they understand what it means to fight for one`s basic rights as a human being."

Turkey on October 9 began its long-threatened military operation in north-east Syria to remove Kurdish-led forces from the border area. The move came days after the US announced it was withdrawing its troops from the region, leaving the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), without American military support.

India had expressed deep concerns over the unilateral military offensive by Turkey, saying that Ankara`s actions can undermine "stability in the region" and has the potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress.

New Delhi has called upon Ankara to exercise restraint, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and urged for the peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and discussion.

Baloch leader Allah Nizar Baloch has condemned the ongoing military offence by Turkey on the Kurdish population living in north-east Syria, saying that the Ankara has invaded the territory of peace-loving Kurds.

Baloch leader Allah Nizar Baloch has condemned the ongoing military offence by Turkey on the Kurdish population living in north-east Syria, saying that the Ankara has invaded the territory of peace-loving Kurds. The leader said that the Baloch people can "feel the pain of our Kurdish sisters and brothers", and like them, the Baloch land too has been invaded and occupied by several countries. He said that it is not surprising that Pakistan has supported the unilateral military offence that has already claimed the lives of dozens of people and displaced hundreds of thousands. "The irony of the latest assault on the Kurds is that all this is being done in the name of countering terrorism, while at the same time it is providing ISIS space to recoup that was otherwise denied to it by the brave Kurdish people who have sacrificed more than anyone else to combat radical jihadists undermining the very basis of our shared humanity," Nizar said. Nizar said Turkey`s schemes to suppress Kurdish people and the betrayal by the world powers notwithstanding, the brave Kurds will once again rise to the occasion and protect not only their homeland and culture but also our shared humanity. "They have lived through a lot and they will overcome this too." The Baloch leader added that not coincidentally, world powers recently banned a Baloch resistance group too. "The pattern is clear. The people and secular resistance groups on the ground who really fight Islamic extremism are abandoned to wolves by airborne champions of human rights and secular values who cut deals with radical jihadists in the name of world peace." He said the Baloch people will always stand by their Kurdish sisters and brothers irrespective of what the so-called world powers think or do "because they understand what it means to fight for one`s basic rights as a human being." Turkey on October 9 began its long-threatened military operation in north-east Syria to remove Kurdish-led forces from the border area. The move came days after the US announced it was withdrawing its troops from the region, leaving the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), without American military support. India had expressed deep concerns over the unilateral military offensive by Turkey, saying that Ankara`s actions can undermine "stability in the region" and has the potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress. New Delhi has called upon Ankara to exercise restraint, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and urged for the peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and discussion.

Baloch leader vows support for Kurdish people

While Imran Khan remained busy looking for as many avenues as possible to target India raising claims of oppression and human rights <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-avoids-wions-question-walks-away-251959">abuses in Kashmir at UNGA</a>, Pakistan’s human rights commission in its latest report has observed that Balochistan continues to be short-changed politically.&nbsp;

The report said incidents of disappearance and disproportionate use of force against dissidents remain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-hold-protest-in-london-against-enforced-disappearances-of-women-in-balochistan-252910">Balochistan is the largest</a> province of Pakistan in terms of land area, where ethnic groups like Pashtuns and Baloch have&nbsp;faced regular human rights violations attracting concerns from the international community.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;Balochistan, at least 52 per cent population follow Balouch with Pashtuns at 36 per cent. Many ethnic and religious minorities also live in the area comprising twelve per cent of the population. It is again in the spotlight in the international arena because of the new report titled - &nbsp;Balochistan: Neglected still, which has been published after extensive fact-finding missions conducted in the Balochistan province.&nbsp;

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Pakistan's human&nbsp;rights organization alleged&nbsp;routine disappearances of suspected dissidents’ of distraught families of victims with nowhere to go. Besides violations of operational standards in the mines of coal-rich Balochistan, the mission also found that Pakistan's&nbsp;security agencies extort unofficial "protection"&nbsp;money from the poor miners based on per tonne production.

The stain of enforced disappearances and missing persons, military and paramilitary abuses, religious persecution of minorities, presence of Pakistan&nbsp;frontier corps in civil administration and agriculture, energy and the climate crisis in the province are the few of the issues but the list of atrocities committed against the locals is incessant in the fact-finding mission's report.&nbsp;

The report&nbsp;also observed&nbsp;"off-the-book"&nbsp;presence of Pakistani frontier corps in civil administration which undermines the provincial government. The rights commission called for an end to what it called "the unwarranted involvement and permanent presence of security personnel."

The Pakistani human rights commission’s report is being seen as a strong indictment&nbsp;against the duplicity and hypocrisy of the Imran Khan-led administration. The report has revealed chronic systemic discrimination and political isolation in its largest, most resource-rich province.&nbsp;

In the report, the commission recommended a law that criminalises enforced disappearances, punishes the perpetrators and compensates the victims'&nbsp;families&nbsp;which can be enacted expeditiously in Balochistan. 
&nbsp;

While Imran Khan remained busy looking for as many avenues as possible to target India raising claims of oppression and human rights abuses in Kashmir at UNGA, Pakistan’s human rights commission in its latest report has observed that Balochistan continues to be short-changed politically.

While Imran Khan remained busy looking for as many avenues as possible to target India raising claims of oppression and human rights abuses in Kashmir at UNGA, Pakistan’s human rights commission in its latest report has observed that Balochistan continues to be short-changed politically. The report said incidents of disappearance and disproportionate use of force against dissidents remain. Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of land area, where ethnic groups like Pashtuns and Baloch have faced regular human rights violations attracting concerns from the international community. In Balochistan, at least 52 per cent population follow Balouch with Pashtuns at 36 per cent. Many ethnic and religious minorities also live in the area comprising twelve per cent of the population. It is again in the spotlight in the international arena because of the new report titled - Balochistan: Neglected still, which has been published after extensive fact-finding missions conducted in the Balochistan province. https://t.co/Smqi9Pmhl6 #Balochistan #JustReleased pic.twitter.com/ABESKwX9ih — Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) October 2, 2019 × Pakistan's human rights organization alleged routine disappearances of suspected dissidents’ of distraught families of victims with nowhere to go. Besides violations of operational standards in the mines of coal-rich Balochistan, the mission also found that Pakistan's security agencies extort unofficial "protection" money from the poor miners based on per tonne production. The stain of enforced disappearances and missing persons, military and paramilitary abuses, religious persecution of minorities, presence of Pakistan frontier corps in civil administration and agriculture, energy and the climate crisis in the province are the few of the issues but the list of atrocities committed against the locals is incessant in the fact-finding mission's report. The report also observed "off-the-book" presence of Pakistani frontier corps in civil administration which undermines the provincial government. The rights commission called for an end to what it called "the unwarranted involvement and permanent presence of security personnel." The Pakistani human rights commission’s report is being seen as a strong indictment against the duplicity and hypocrisy of the Imran Khan-led administration. The report has revealed chronic systemic discrimination and political isolation in its largest, most resource-rich province. In the report, the commission recommended a law that criminalises enforced disappearances, punishes the perpetrators and compensates the victims' families which can be enacted expeditiously in Balochistan.

Balochistan continues to be short-changed politically: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

Baloch political activists on Friday gathered outside British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's house at 10 Downing Street to seek his immediate intervention for the release of thousands of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/history-of-the-war-in-balochistan-242939"> Baloch activists</a> languishing in detention centres in Pakistan.

The protests were organised by Baloch National Movement (BNM) (UK-zone) on the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared.&nbsp;

Demonstrators raised slogans against Pakistani Army for abducting, torturing and killing Baloch political activists. Shouts of Pakistani Army a "terrorist army" were heard during the protests.

"Baloch activists are facing the worst kind of brutality by the Pakistan forces. They are abducted, tortured, and killed. We are here today to let the world know what is happening with the Baloch people," said BNM leader Hakeem Baloch.

The BNM submitted a memorandum to British PM, urging the UK government to halt any financial aid to Pakistan and pressurise the country for the safe release of Baloch people, who have been forcibly disappeared at the hands of the Pakistani Army.

The memorandum noted that more than 20,000 human rights campaigners, educationists, journalists, students, lawyers, and political activists have disappeared in Pakistan, while another 6,000 have been tortured/murdered in custody.

"UN working groups, various local and international human rights organisations and even Pakistani judiciary believe Pakistani military and their secret services are directly involved in these disappearances. However, to this date, neither a single culprit has been tried by the judicial courts nor any form of international pressure has been exerted to halt these crimes," the memorandum read.&nbsp;

Baloch political activists on Friday gathered outside British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's house at 10 Downing Street to seek his immediate intervention for the release of thousands of Baloch activists languishing in detention centres in Pakistan.

Baloch political activists on Friday gathered outside British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's house at 10 Downing Street to seek his immediate intervention for the release of thousands of Baloch activists languishing in detention centres in Pakistan. The protests were organised by Baloch National Movement (BNM) (UK-zone) on the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared. Demonstrators raised slogans against Pakistani Army for abducting, torturing and killing Baloch political activists. Shouts of Pakistani Army a "terrorist army" were heard during the protests. "Baloch activists are facing the worst kind of brutality by the Pakistan forces. They are abducted, tortured, and killed. We are here today to let the world know what is happening with the Baloch people," said BNM leader Hakeem Baloch. The BNM submitted a memorandum to British PM, urging the UK government to halt any financial aid to Pakistan and pressurise the country for the safe release of Baloch people, who have been forcibly disappeared at the hands of the Pakistani Army. The memorandum noted that more than 20,000 human rights campaigners, educationists, journalists, students, lawyers, and political activists have disappeared in Pakistan, while another 6,000 have been tortured/murdered in custody. "UN working groups, various local and international human rights organisations and even Pakistani judiciary believe Pakistani military and their secret services are directly involved in these disappearances. However, to this date, neither a single culprit has been tried by the judicial courts nor any form of international pressure has been exerted to halt these crimes," the memorandum read.

Baloch hold anti-Pakistan protest to demand release of disappeared activists

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan.

The demand came in soon after India moved to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-now-a-union-territory-ladakh-to-be-administered-from-delhi-as-ut-240769">end Kashmir`s special status</a>.&nbsp;

The group seeks for complete autonomy to all<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-disrupt-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khans-speech-in-us-237564"> ethnic entities </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-been-changing-demography-of-pok-gilgit-baltistan-activists-240014">regions</a> that are part of Pakistan`s own territory.

"Until Pakistan affords the same rights it is demanding for Kashmiris to its own Mohajir, Baloch, Pashtuns and Hazarah citizens, it has no moral right to speak on behalf of Kashmiris," Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman Nadeem Nusrat told ANI.

As India revoked Kashmir`s special status, in anticipation of the announcement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry condemned the Indian announcement as a violation of United Nations resolutions, saying in a statement on Monday that "Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps."

Nadeem Nusrat, who is in self-exile in the US, said Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmiris case at any regional or international forum if it is depriving its own citizens of their fundamental human rights.

"While Pakistan demands right to a referendum in Kashmir, is it willing to grant the same right to its own disgruntled ethnic minorities?", asked Nadeem Nusrat.

"For decades, Pakistani ministers have been publicly conducting meetings with Kashmiri separatist leaders overseas. How would Pakistan react to Indian minister`s meetings with exiled Mohajir, Baloch and representatives of other persecuted ethnic or religious minorities of Pakistan?," the Mohajir leader further added.

Nusrat asserted that a global campaign will soon be launched to intensify its efforts in demanding the restructuring of Pakistan.

The campaign will be in accordance with the true spirit of the 1940 Lahore Resolution and as per the aspirations of Mohajirs, Baloch, Pashtuns and people of Gilgit Baltistan.

The Voice of Karachi chairman said that his organisation has already published the proposed map of the Greater Karachi and will soon issue the chief articles of its proposed constitution a day before Pakistan`s Independence Day.

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan. The demand came in soon after India moved to end Kashmir`s special status.

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan. The demand came in soon after India moved to end Kashmir`s special status. The group seeks for complete autonomy to all ethnic entities and regions that are part of Pakistan`s own territory. "Until Pakistan affords the same rights it is demanding for Kashmiris to its own Mohajir, Baloch, Pashtuns and Hazarah citizens, it has no moral right to speak on behalf of Kashmiris," Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman Nadeem Nusrat told ANI. As India revoked Kashmir`s special status, in anticipation of the announcement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry condemned the Indian announcement as a violation of United Nations resolutions, saying in a statement on Monday that "Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps." Nadeem Nusrat, who is in self-exile in the US, said Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmiris case at any regional or international forum if it is depriving its own citizens of their fundamental human rights. "While Pakistan demands right to a referendum in Kashmir, is it willing to grant the same right to its own disgruntled ethnic minorities?", asked Nadeem Nusrat. "For decades, Pakistani ministers have been publicly conducting meetings with Kashmiri separatist leaders overseas. How would Pakistan react to Indian minister`s meetings with exiled Mohajir, Baloch and representatives of other persecuted ethnic or religious minorities of Pakistan?," the Mohajir leader further added. Nusrat asserted that a global campaign will soon be launched to intensify its efforts in demanding the restructuring of Pakistan. The campaign will be in accordance with the true spirit of the 1940 Lahore Resolution and as per the aspirations of Mohajirs, Baloch, Pashtuns and people of Gilgit Baltistan. The Voice of Karachi chairman said that his organisation has already published the proposed map of the Greater Karachi and will soon issue the chief articles of its proposed constitution a day before Pakistan`s Independence Day.

Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmir's case if it is depriving own citizens': Mohajir leader

Baloch Republican Party and World Baloch Organisation on Sunday organised a protest outside Lords in London to highlight the pathetic human rights condition in Pakistan.

Protestors distributed leaflets outside the stadium to raise awareness about enforced disappearances of Baloch and other ethnic/religious minorities in Pakistan.

Bhawal Mengal of World Baloch Organisation told ANI, "Our protest outside Lord`s stadium is to inform Pakistanis attending the event but more importantly Pakistani officials at the event that abducting, torturing, killing people who speak out for their rights has never and will never work, you cannot silence us all.&nbsp;

The international community must speak up for justice and help End enforced disappearances of ethnic Baloch, Sindhi, Pashtun, Mohajir and religious minorities in Pakistan.

"Earlier, roadside billboards appeared around the city of London with slogans "Help end enforced disappearances in Pakistan" drawing the world`s attention towards the grave issue.

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014.

Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organizations put the numbers much higher. 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Teenage Ali Haider Baloch, who started protesting for the release of his missing father as a child 10 years ago, himself became a victim of enforced disappearances on Wednesday at the hands of state authorities.

"The cases of enforced disappearances continue unabated as we campaign for an end to this heinous crime against humanity," said a spokesman of the BRP, adding "there is hardly any household in Balochistan which has not lost a member as a result of enforced disappearances."

Earlier in January 2014, a mass grave was discovered in Tootak area of Khuzdar. As many as 167 bodies were recovered from the site.&nbsp;

Human rights organisations believed the bodies belonged to previously abducted individuals, who were killed and dumped.&nbsp;

However, the recovered bodies were later buried by authorities without any DNA testing.

Pakistan`s establishment has been long criticized over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by International bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue.

Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple TV interviews the involvement of Pakistan`s intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Families of the abducted victims have long been protesting for the safe recovery of their loved ones in the provincial capital Quetta, and their protest camp has now completed more than 3,500 days.

The organisers of the campaign have long been engaged in efforts to highlight the worsening human rights situation in Balochistan at international platforms, organising events around Europe and in the United States, focusing on advocacy activities in the European Parliament, the US parliamentary houses, and the United Nations.

Baloch Republican Party and World Baloch Organisation on Sunday organised a protest outside Lords in London to highlight the pathetic human rights condition in Pakistan.

Baloch Republican Party and World Baloch Organisation on Sunday organised a protest outside Lords in London to highlight the pathetic human rights condition in Pakistan. Protestors distributed leaflets outside the stadium to raise awareness about enforced disappearances of Baloch and other ethnic/religious minorities in Pakistan. Bhawal Mengal of World Baloch Organisation told ANI, "Our protest outside Lord`s stadium is to inform Pakistanis attending the event but more importantly Pakistani officials at the event that abducting, torturing, killing people who speak out for their rights has never and will never work, you cannot silence us all. The international community must speak up for justice and help End enforced disappearances of ethnic Baloch, Sindhi, Pashtun, Mohajir and religious minorities in Pakistan. "Earlier, roadside billboards appeared around the city of London with slogans "Help end enforced disappearances in Pakistan" drawing the world`s attention towards the grave issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organizations put the numbers much higher. 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Teenage Ali Haider Baloch, who started protesting for the release of his missing father as a child 10 years ago, himself became a victim of enforced disappearances on Wednesday at the hands of state authorities. "The cases of enforced disappearances continue unabated as we campaign for an end to this heinous crime against humanity," said a spokesman of the BRP, adding "there is hardly any household in Balochistan which has not lost a member as a result of enforced disappearances." Earlier in January 2014, a mass grave was discovered in Tootak area of Khuzdar. As many as 167 bodies were recovered from the site. Human rights organisations believed the bodies belonged to previously abducted individuals, who were killed and dumped. However, the recovered bodies were later buried by authorities without any DNA testing. Pakistan`s establishment has been long criticized over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by International bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple TV interviews the involvement of Pakistan`s intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible. Families of the abducted victims have long been protesting for the safe recovery of their loved ones in the provincial capital Quetta, and their protest camp has now completed more than 3,500 days. The organisers of the campaign have long been engaged in efforts to highlight the worsening human rights situation in Balochistan at international platforms, organising events around Europe and in the United States, focusing on advocacy activities in the European Parliament, the US parliamentary houses, and the United Nations.

Baloch Republican Party protests outside Lords against human rights condition in Pakistan

In a pre-emptive strike to stop the Pashtuns from backing the Baloch cause of freedom from Pakistan, the Pakistani security forces heckled, harassed and arrested a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-police-arrest-pashtun-rights-activist-amnesty-calls-for-release-192075">group of Pashtun leaders</a>, when they were going to attend the funeral of Arman Loni.

A local <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-council-canada-holds-protest-to-condemn-killing-of-prominent-activist-by-pakistan-195017">Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Arman Loni </a>died after Pakistani forces opened fire when he and his supporters were peacefully protesting against the growing forced evictions in the region.

It is pertinent to mention here that this is not the only incident which sheds light on Pakistan’s brutality that uses military high-handedness to keep control over the people and the resources of the region.

This incident has sparked a widespread rage on social media as well.

People are demanding authorities to bring the culprits to justice.

Pakistan has also been carrying out a similar oppressive agenda against ethnic Pashtuns.

Islamabad leadership, which largely works at the commands of army Generals sitting in Rawalpindi, has been committing human rights violations of the highest degree to keep people of the region at bay from the mainstream.

The Pashtun community has been regularly protesting and seeking justice for the atrocities committed by security forces in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

However, a new liaison between Sindhis and Balochs is set to pose a bigger challenge to authoritarian leadership of Pakistan which has separately and systematically been carrying out its oppression in the region.&nbsp;

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) - a political movement, which has been campaigning extensively against the Pakistani military’s cruelty has been rapidly gaining ground in Balochistan and have been successful at gathering traction amongst the masses of Balochistan, who have been seeking freedom from Pakistani clutches for decades now.

 
&nbsp;

In a pre-emptive strike to stop the Pashtuns from backing the Baloch cause of freedom from Pakistan, the Pakistani security forces heckled, harassed and arrested a group of Pashtun leaders, when they were going to attend the funeral of Arman Loni.

In a pre-emptive strike to stop the Pashtuns from backing the Baloch cause of freedom from Pakistan, the Pakistani security forces heckled, harassed and arrested a group of Pashtun leaders, when they were going to attend the funeral of Arman Loni. A local Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Arman Loni died after Pakistani forces opened fire when he and his supporters were peacefully protesting against the growing forced evictions in the region. It is pertinent to mention here that this is not the only incident which sheds light on Pakistan’s brutality that uses military high-handedness to keep control over the people and the resources of the region. This incident has sparked a widespread rage on social media as well. People are demanding authorities to bring the culprits to justice. Pakistan has also been carrying out a similar oppressive agenda against ethnic Pashtuns. Islamabad leadership, which largely works at the commands of army Generals sitting in Rawalpindi, has been committing human rights violations of the highest degree to keep people of the region at bay from the mainstream. The Pashtun community has been regularly protesting and seeking justice for the atrocities committed by security forces in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas. However, a new liaison between Sindhis and Balochs is set to pose a bigger challenge to authoritarian leadership of Pakistan which has separately and systematically been carrying out its oppression in the region. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) - a political movement, which has been campaigning extensively against the Pakistani military’s cruelty has been rapidly gaining ground in Balochistan and have been successful at gathering traction amongst the masses of Balochistan, who have been seeking freedom from Pakistani clutches for decades now.

Pak security forces arrest Pashtun leaders backing Baloch freedom

Republican Congressmen Thomas Garrett has claimed that the leadership in Pakistan is responsible for the human rights violation in the country.

While addressing a US-based advocacy group "South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation" he said, "There is no single community in Pakistan that I'm critical of, it is the leadership that denies individuals their rights, not by constitution or law but by nature and so things aren't operating as they were designed to operate".

The advocacy group represents ethnic minorities&nbsp;Mohajirs, Baloch, Gilgit and Hazara from Pakistan.

The platform is formed to address the "massive human rights violation by security forces and the ruling establishment of the country".

The advocacy group received support from two Republican Congressmen Thomas Garrett from Virginia and Scott Perry from Pennsylvania.

While Thomas Garrett claimed that the human rights violation in the country is because of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Scott Perry spoke against the US funding to Pakistan.

Scott Perry, who has voted in the House of Representative against the funding for Pakistan said, "You don't take American money and oppress your people with our money. That's not good".

Thomas Garrett said, "If you look at the constitution what some might say is controlled by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), it's the leadership of the nation that denies individuals the rights that they are entitled to".

The oppressed in Pakistan are expecting the intervention of US and the international community to step in and take measures against the atrocities being committed by Pakistani security forces and ISI, Nadeem Nusrat, Chairman of the Voice of Karachi said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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The oppression of ethnic minorities, to include Mohajirs etc, has existed for along time (in Pakistan): Republican Congressmen Thomas Garrett in Washington DC at an event by 'South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation,' an advocacy group against human rights violation in Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/PdJxujFVhl">pic.twitter.com/PdJxujFVhl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999663609008435200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from ANI)

While addressing a US-based advocacy group "South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation" he said, 'There is no single community in Pakistan that I'm critical of, it is the leadership that denies individuals their rights, not by constitution or law but by nature and so things aren't operating as they were designed to operate'

Republican Congressmen Thomas Garrett has claimed that the leadership in Pakistan is responsible for the human rights violation in the country. While addressing a US-based advocacy group "South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation" he said, "There is no single community in Pakistan that I'm critical of, it is the leadership that denies individuals their rights, not by constitution or law but by nature and so things aren't operating as they were designed to operate". The advocacy group represents ethnic minorities Mohajirs, Baloch, Gilgit and Hazara from Pakistan. The platform is formed to address the "massive human rights violation by security forces and the ruling establishment of the country". The advocacy group received support from two Republican Congressmen Thomas Garrett from Virginia and Scott Perry from Pennsylvania. While Thomas Garrett claimed that the human rights violation in the country is because of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Scott Perry spoke against the US funding to Pakistan. Scott Perry, who has voted in the House of Representative against the funding for Pakistan said, "You don't take American money and oppress your people with our money. That's not good". Thomas Garrett said, "If you look at the constitution what some might say is controlled by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), it's the leadership of the nation that denies individuals the rights that they are entitled to". The oppressed in Pakistan are expecting the intervention of US and the international community to step in and take measures against the atrocities being committed by Pakistani security forces and ISI, Nadeem Nusrat, Chairman of the Voice of Karachi said. The oppression of ethnic minorities, to include Mohajirs etc, has existed for along time (in Pakistan): Republican Congressmen Thomas Garrett in Washington DC at an event by 'South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation,' an advocacy group against human rights violation in Pakistan pic.twitter.com/PdJxujFVhl — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2018 × (With inputs from ANI)

Leadership in Pakistan responsible for human rights violation: US lawmaker

Activists from Baloch Republican Party (BRP) and Baloch Republican Student Organisation (BRSO) on Sunday jointly held a protest demonstration outside Busan Station in South Korea to highlight war crimes and state atrocities allegedly being committed by the Pakistani military forces in Balochistan.

The party workers distributed informative pamphlets to the public and shouted slogans such as - "We want Freedom" and "Stop Killing Baloch" during the protest.

The President of BRP South Korea Chapter, Ameer Baloch, said, "We want to tell the world that in Balochistan, atrocities are being carried out by Pakistani military forces. We are not safe even inside the four walls of the house. Balochs are getting kidnapped and their bodies are found dumped after months."

He urged international organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) to take note of the human rights violations in Balochistan and to raise their voices against the alleged atrocities committed on its people.

Ameer added that those who believed in humanity and freedom should support the Baloch people in their independence movement and called on for strict action against the Pakistani military forces.

"I request all to participate in our freedom movement. We want to tell the world that whatever atrocities are being committed against our people, we will continue to raise our voice against it until we achieve complete independence from Pakistan. Strict action should be taken against the Pakistani forces," he asserted.

Further highlighting the human rights violations in Balochistan, Ameer said around 15,000 people were dead in extrajudicial killings, while 25,000 others were kidnapped by the Pakistani forces.&nbsp;

The President of BRP South Korea Chapter, Ameer Baloch, urged international organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) to take note of the human rights violations in Balochistan and to raise their voices against the alleged atrocities committed on its people

Activists from Baloch Republican Party (BRP) and Baloch Republican Student Organisation (BRSO) on Sunday jointly held a protest demonstration outside Busan Station in South Korea to highlight war crimes and state atrocities allegedly being committed by the Pakistani military forces in Balochistan. The party workers distributed informative pamphlets to the public and shouted slogans such as - "We want Freedom" and "Stop Killing Baloch" during the protest. The President of BRP South Korea Chapter, Ameer Baloch, said, "We want to tell the world that in Balochistan, atrocities are being carried out by Pakistani military forces. We are not safe even inside the four walls of the house. Balochs are getting kidnapped and their bodies are found dumped after months." He urged international organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) to take note of the human rights violations in Balochistan and to raise their voices against the alleged atrocities committed on its people. Ameer added that those who believed in humanity and freedom should support the Baloch people in their independence movement and called on for strict action against the Pakistani military forces. "I request all to participate in our freedom movement. We want to tell the world that whatever atrocities are being committed against our people, we will continue to raise our voice against it until we achieve complete independence from Pakistan. Strict action should be taken against the Pakistani forces," he asserted. Further highlighting the human rights violations in Balochistan, Ameer said around 15,000 people were dead in extrajudicial killings, while 25,000 others were kidnapped by the Pakistani forces.

Baloch activists protest in South Korea against Pak atrocities

Pro-freedom groups in Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan have agreed upon United and joint efforts.

The Baloch Republican Army (BRA), the United Baloch Army (UBA) and the Lashkar-e-Balochistan (LB), after a few meetings and gatherings, have agreed upon United and joint efforts, according to BRA spokesperson Sarbaz Baloch.

Sarbaz, in a policy statement, underscored that the organisations will help one another, unitedly in all possible ways.

Looking at the &quot;current situation of Balochistan, in which the Baloch nation is faced with a brutal enemy such as Pakistan, unity and united efforts for our motherland is the need of the hour.&quot;

He further noted that the parties are hopeful of extending this process further and get the rest of the organisations involved as well.&nbsp;

Sarbaz, in a policy statement, underscored that the organisations will help one another, unitedly in all possible ways

Pro-freedom groups in Pakistan's Balochistan have agreed upon United and joint efforts. The Baloch Republican Army (BRA), the United Baloch Army (UBA) and the Lashkar-e-Balochistan (LB), after a few meetings and gatherings, have agreed upon United and joint efforts, according to BRA spokesperson Sarbaz Baloch. Sarbaz, in a policy statement, underscored that the organisations will help one another, unitedly in all possible ways. Looking at the "current situation of Balochistan, in which the Baloch nation is faced with a brutal enemy such as Pakistan, unity and united efforts for our motherland is the need of the hour." He further noted that the parties are hopeful of extending this process further and get the rest of the organisations involved as well.

Baloch pro-freedom groups to work unitedly

Baloch activist Mama Qadeer has revealed that<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jadhav-parroted-script-given-by-pakistan-during-meeting-with-family-mother-foils-attempt-reports-27934" target="_blank"> Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav</a> was kidnapped&nbsp;from Iran by Mullah Omar&nbsp;and&nbsp;that the pro-Pakistan statements made by him are due to&nbsp;the force and torture.

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He said that the kidnapping was directed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-i-am-disgusted-at-the-unethical-way-pakistan-treated-jadhavs-family-27949" target="_blank">Pakistan </a>which paid large sums of money to Mullah.

The activist added that Jadhav was taken to Islamabad via Quetta.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a> was abducted form Iran by Mullah Omar on being given directions &amp; huge sums of money by Pakistan. Jadhav was then taken to Islamabad via Quetta, through force &amp; torture he was made to give pro-Pakistan statements: Mama Qadeer Baloch, Baloch activist <a href="https://t.co/odI2NgG43Z">pic.twitter.com/odI2NgG43Z</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954550459649282049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Citing the strict security checking in Gwadar where the China Pakistan Economic Border is being constructed, he said &quot; While visiting Gwadar, where the so-called&nbsp;CPEC is being constructed, even a local has to cross four checkpoints how can you expect an outsider to stay there?&quot;

He added that Pakistan does not have any proof against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-military-court-sentences-spy-kulbhushan-jadhav-to-death-india-calls-it-a-farce-14382" target="_blank">Jadhav</a>.&nbsp;

Qadeer also held the terror outfits in Pakistan responsible for every murder and&nbsp;kidnapping in Balochistan.

He said &quot; Whoever goes missing or is murdered in Balochistan, Pakistan and its agencies like ISI are responsible for it. Pakistan is running a terror&nbsp;factory, they have produced Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin&quot;.

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Whoever goes missing or is murdered in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a>, Pakistan &amp; its agencies like ISI are responsible for it. Pakistan is running a terror factory, they have produced Hafiz Saeed &amp; Syed Salahuddin: Mama Qadeer Baloch, Baloch activist <a href="https://t.co/INXDdy44Hg">pic.twitter.com/INXDdy44Hg</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954550456616935424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There is a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-parties-hold-anti-pak-protest-in-london-23593" target="_blank">constant protest by the people of Balochistan</a> against Pakistan.

They have been revolting against the various atrocities inflicted on them.

&nbsp;

Baloch activist Mama Qadeer has revealed that Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran by Mullah Omar

Baloch activist Mama Qadeer has revealed that Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran by Mullah Omar and that the pro-Pakistan statements made by him are due to the force and torture. × He said that the kidnapping was directed by Pakistan which paid large sums of money to Mullah. The activist added that Jadhav was taken to Islamabad via Quetta. #KulbhushanJadhav was abducted form Iran by Mullah Omar on being given directions & huge sums of money by Pakistan. Jadhav was then taken to Islamabad via Quetta, through force & torture he was made to give pro-Pakistan statements: Mama Qadeer Baloch, Baloch activist pic.twitter.com/odI2NgG43Z — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2018 × Citing the strict security checking in Gwadar where the China Pakistan Economic Border is being constructed, he said " While visiting Gwadar, where the so-called CPEC is being constructed, even a local has to cross four checkpoints how can you expect an outsider to stay there?" He added that Pakistan does not have any proof against Jadhav. Qadeer also held the terror outfits in Pakistan responsible for every murder and kidnapping in Balochistan. He said " Whoever goes missing or is murdered in Balochistan, Pakistan and its agencies like ISI are responsible for it. Pakistan is running a terror factory, they have produced Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin". Whoever goes missing or is murdered in #Balochistan, Pakistan & its agencies like ISI are responsible for it. Pakistan is running a terror factory, they have produced Hafiz Saeed & Syed Salahuddin: Mama Qadeer Baloch, Baloch activist pic.twitter.com/INXDdy44Hg — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2018 × There is a constant protest by the people of Balochistan against Pakistan. They have been revolting against the various atrocities inflicted on them.

Pro-Pakistan statements by Kulbhushan Jadhav due to force and torture: Baloch activist

Switzerland, on Wednesday, rejected the request of the exiled leader of Baloch Republican Party (BRP), Brahumdagh Bugti, to seek a political asylum, reports said.

The decision was announced just a week after charging a lifetime entry ban on exiled Baloch leader Mehran Marri, Bugti&#39;s brother-in-law, according to reports by The News.&nbsp;

Bugti took to Twitter to inform the development.

&quot;After more than seven years of waiting Switzerland has now rejected my application for political asylum,&quot; he tweeted.

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After more than seven years of waiting Switzerland has now rejected my application for political asylum.
&mdash; Brahumdagh Bugti (@BBugti) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBugti/status/933375183544553472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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According to reports in The News, the application was rejected because of alleged links with &#39;events of terrorism, violence and militant activities&#39;.&nbsp;

He further claimed that &#39;he is the most wanted person in Pakistan&nbsp;while top terrorist like Osama Bin Laden and Hafiz Saeed were being protected by the army,&#39; further urging officials in&nbsp;Switzerland to &quot;consider facts before considering Pakistani allegations against them&quot;.&nbsp;

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I am still the most wanted person in Pakistan while top terrorists like Osama Bin laden, Hafiz saeed were being protected &amp; facilitated by the Pakistan Army. Switzerland must consider these facts before considering Pakistani allegations against us.
&mdash; Brahumdagh Bugti (@BBugti) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBugti/status/933387304131055616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The application of the outlawed BRP leader had previously been rejected by the Switzerland immigration authorities.&nbsp;

Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/baloch-leader-banned-from-switzeland-6773">Baloch leader banned from Switzerland</a>

Bugti had, however, claimed at the beginning of this year that his case is under consideration and there was no set timeframe given by the officials.&nbsp;

It was also reported that Bugti had, on September 19, 2016, formally asked the Indian government to grant him an asylum and Indian nationality so that he could live in India and move around the world to campaign against Pakistan.&nbsp;

The report was later denied by the Indian government and the BRP.

(with inputs from ANI)

The decision was announced just a week after charging a lifetime entry ban on exiled Baloch leader Mehran Marri, Bugati's brother-in-law.?

Switzerland, on Wednesday, rejected the request of the exiled leader of Baloch Republican Party (BRP), Brahumdagh Bugti, to seek a political asylum, reports said. The decision was announced just a week after charging a lifetime entry ban on exiled Baloch leader Mehran Marri, Bugti's brother-in-law, according to reports by The News. Bugti took to Twitter to inform the development. "After more than seven years of waiting Switzerland has now rejected my application for political asylum," he tweeted. After more than seven years of waiting Switzerland has now rejected my application for political asylum. — Brahumdagh Bugti (@BBugti) November 22, 2017 × According to reports in The News, the application was rejected because of alleged links with 'events of terrorism, violence and militant activities'. He further claimed that 'he is the most wanted person in Pakistan while top terrorist like Osama Bin Laden and Hafiz Saeed were being protected by the army,' further urging officials in Switzerland to "consider facts before considering Pakistani allegations against them". I am still the most wanted person in Pakistan while top terrorists like Osama Bin laden, Hafiz saeed were being protected & facilitated by the Pakistan Army. Switzerland must consider these facts before considering Pakistani allegations against us. — Brahumdagh Bugti (@BBugti) November 22, 2017 × The application of the outlawed BRP leader had previously been rejected by the Switzerland immigration authorities. Also watch: Baloch leader banned from Switzerland Bugti had, however, claimed at the beginning of this year that his case is under consideration and there was no set timeframe given by the officials. It was also reported that Bugti had, on September 19, 2016, formally asked the Indian government to grant him an asylum and Indian nationality so that he could live in India and move around the world to campaign against Pakistan. The report was later denied by the Indian government and the BRP. (with inputs from ANI)

Switzerland rejects Baloch leader Brahumdagh Bugti's application for political asylum

Mehran Marri, a key leader of the Balochistan&nbsp;has been detained by the Swiss authorities at the Zurich airport.

Mehran Marri, the president of the Baluchistan House tweeted from the airport saying, &quot;Friends, I have been detained at Zurich Airport for the last few hours and feel I am under arrest by Swiss authorities on request of the Pakistan Govt. My wife and children are also with me in detention. Don&#39;t worry, being detained is nothing new for the Baloch...&quot;

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Friends, I have been detained at Zurich Airport for the last few hours and feel I am under arrest by Swiss authorities on request of the Pakistan Govt. 
 
My wife and children are also with me in detention. 
 
Don&#39;t worry, being detained is nothing new for the Baloch... (1/2)
&mdash; Mehran Marri (@MehranMarri) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehranMarri/status/931177642761605121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Adding, &quot;My father spent many years in far worse conditions, but never have up. The peaceful &amp; legal struggle for an independent #Balochistan free of Pakstani occupation shall continue no matter what the Punjabi generals &amp; babus of that excuse of a country plan. We&#39;ll persevere&quot;

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(2/2)... My father spent many years in far worse conditions, but never have up. 
 
The peaceful &amp; legal struggle for an independent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> free of Pakstani occupation shall continue no matter what the Punjabi generals &amp; babus of that excuse of a country plan. We&#39;ll persevere
&mdash; Mehran Marri (@MehranMarri) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehranMarri/status/931178588958871553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He further said, &quot;I have now been informed that I have been placed under a lifetime ban on entering Switzerland at the request of Islamabad. So much for the Geneva UNHRC being the world capital of human rights. I am still in detention at Zurich Airport with my wife and children. Stay tuned 4 more.&quot;

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I hv now been informed that I have been placed under a lifetime ban on entering Switzerland at the request of Islamabad. So much for the Geneva UNHRC being the world capital of human rights. 
 
I am still in detention at Zurich Airport with my wife and children. Stay tuned 4 more
&mdash; Mehran Marri (@MehranMarri) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehranMarri/status/931179383888506880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Another tweet of Mehran Marri read, &quot;If it had been Pakstan or China, I wd have shrugged it off, but i never imagined Swiss Authorities would take mug shots of my 4-yr-old and seven-year-old children as detainees. The long arm of the Pakistan&#39;s billionaire Army Generals sure reach far beyond their bank accounts.&quot;

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If it had been Pakstan or China, I wd have shrugged it off, but i never imagined Swiss Authorities would take mug shots of my 4-yr-old and seven-year-old children as detainees. 
 
The long arm of the Pakistan&#39;s billionaire Army Generals sure reach far beyond their bank accounts.
&mdash; Mehran Marri (@MehranMarri) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehranMarri/status/931191422308495360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Youngest son of the late Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, Mehran Marri was traveling to Geneva to attend the Baloch unity moot called by his brother-in-law, Brahumdagh Bugti, president of the Baloch Republican Party (BRP).

Brahamdagh, who organised the meeting in Geneva, speaking to ANI on the detention, stated, &quot;It is sad and shocking for me that he was stopped and detained with his family and children.&quot;

&quot;I am really shocked how a neutral country like Switzerland can do that. Mehran&#39;s visiting the country is not new,&quot; Brahamdagh said, adding that the former used to often visit Switzerland &quot;for last 15 years&quot;.

Baloch activist Bhawal Mengal also condemned the Pakistani military&#39;s &quot;malicious and desperate attempt&quot;.

&quot;This is a malicious and desperate attempt by the Pakistani military establishment to malign and curtail the freedom of Baloch representatives, who are working to raise awareness on the worsening situation in Balochistan and Pakistan&#39;s crimes against humanity. Developed countries should not be intimidated by Pakistan, which has been an international sponsor of terrorism,&quot; Mengal said.

Other than Mehran Marri, his estranged elder brother Hyrbyair Marri, who heads the Free Balochistan Movement, was expected to attend the Baloch unity meeting, that begins this Saturday.

On a related note, Mehran and Hyrbyair Marri are active participants in the struggle for free Balochistan, while their eldest brothers Jangyz Marri, a provincial government minister and Gazain Marri, who ended his exile and returned to Pakistan in September, owe allegiance to the country.

Youngest son of the late Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, Mehran Marri was travelling to Geneva to attend the Baloch unity moot called by his brother-in-law, Brahumdagh Bugti, president of the Baloch Republican Party (BRP).

Mehran Marri, a key leader of the Balochistan has been detained by the Swiss authorities at the Zurich airport. Mehran Marri, the president of the Baluchistan House tweeted from the airport saying, "Friends, I have been detained at Zurich Airport for the last few hours and feel I am under arrest by Swiss authorities on request of the Pakistan Govt. My wife and children are also with me in detention. Don't worry, being detained is nothing new for the Baloch..." Friends, I have been detained at Zurich Airport for the last few hours and feel I am under arrest by Swiss authorities on request of the Pakistan Govt. My wife and children are also with me in detention. Don't worry, being detained is nothing new for the Baloch... (1/2) — Mehran Marri (@MehranMarri) November 16, 2017 × Adding, "My father spent many years in far worse conditions, but never have up. The peaceful & legal struggle for an independent #Balochistan free of Pakstani occupation shall continue no matter what the Punjabi generals & babus of that excuse of a country plan. We'll persevere" (2/2)... My father spent many years in far worse conditions, but never have up. The peaceful & legal struggle for an independent #Balochistan free of Pakstani occupation shall continue no matter what the Punjabi generals & babus of that excuse of a country plan. We'll persevere — Mehran Marri (@MehranMarri) November 16, 2017 × He further said, "I have now been informed that I have been placed under a lifetime ban on entering Switzerland at the request of Islamabad. So much for the Geneva UNHRC being the world capital of human rights. I am still in detention at Zurich Airport with my wife and children. Stay tuned 4 more." I hv now been informed that I have been placed under a lifetime ban on entering Switzerland at the request of Islamabad. So much for the Geneva UNHRC being the world capital of human rights. I am still in detention at Zurich Airport with my wife and children. Stay tuned 4 more — Mehran Marri (@MehranMarri) November 16, 2017 × Another tweet of Mehran Marri read, "If it had been Pakstan or China, I wd have shrugged it off, but i never imagined Swiss Authorities would take mug shots of my 4-yr-old and seven-year-old children as detainees. The long arm of the Pakistan's billionaire Army Generals sure reach far beyond their bank accounts." If it had been Pakstan or China, I wd have shrugged it off, but i never imagined Swiss Authorities would take mug shots of my 4-yr-old and seven-year-old children as detainees. The long arm of the Pakistan's billionaire Army Generals sure reach far beyond their bank accounts. — Mehran Marri (@MehranMarri) November 16, 2017 × Youngest son of the late Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, Mehran Marri was traveling to Geneva to attend the Baloch unity moot called by his brother-in-law, Brahumdagh Bugti, president of the Baloch Republican Party (BRP). Brahamdagh, who organised the meeting in Geneva, speaking to ANI on the detention, stated, "It is sad and shocking for me that he was stopped and detained with his family and children." "I am really shocked how a neutral country like Switzerland can do that. Mehran's visiting the country is not new," Brahamdagh said, adding that the former used to often visit Switzerland "for last 15 years". Baloch activist Bhawal Mengal also condemned the Pakistani military's "malicious and desperate attempt". "This is a malicious and desperate attempt by the Pakistani military establishment to malign and curtail the freedom of Baloch representatives, who are working to raise awareness on the worsening situation in Balochistan and Pakistan's crimes against humanity. Developed countries should not be intimidated by Pakistan, which has been an international sponsor of terrorism," Mengal said. Other than Mehran Marri, his estranged elder brother Hyrbyair Marri, who heads the Free Balochistan Movement, was expected to attend the Baloch unity meeting, that begins this Saturday. On a related note, Mehran and Hyrbyair Marri are active participants in the struggle for free Balochistan, while their eldest brothers Jangyz Marri, a provincial government minister and Gazain Marri, who ended his exile and returned to Pakistan in September, owe allegiance to the country.

Baloch leader Mehran Marri detained at Zurich airport with family

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/24031">&nbsp;Anti-Pakistan protests</a> were held in two different cities of Germany against the abduction of Baloch activists by Pakistani security forces.

The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest in Hannover city of Germany, against Pakistani brutalities and abduction of women, children and students in Balochistan.

The Baloch Human Rights Organisation (BHRO) is also set to hold a two-day awareness campaign in Berlin, Germany about human rights violations in Balochistan and for the safe recovery of Nawaz Atta, Information Secretary of the BHRO, and eight other students, abducted by secret agents and rangers from Karachi.

&quot;The state policy of using excessive force against civilians and whosoever talks about Baloch rights has intensified in recent days and has become the major cause of human right violations in Balochistan,&quot; said the general secretary of the BHRO, Abdullah Abbas.

He further said that Baloch activist Nawaz Atta was abducted from his home last month and eight others students were also abducted in a follow-up raid from Karachi by Pakistani security forces.

&quot;We demand from the Pakistan Government and security forces to release all the abductees immediately and if they have done any crime, to produce them in court; try them as per law and allow them their legal right of defending themselves,&quot; he added.

Abbas appealed to all human right organisations and human right activists to raise their voices against the enforced disappearances in Balochistan and for the safe recovery of all the abductees.

BHRO activist Tayiba Baloch also held a press conference in Quetta, Balochistan and announced future protest and demonstration for the safe recovery of Nawaz Atta and other students.

The BHRO will hold a protest demonstration on November 15 in Quetta and will organise a rally on November 19 in Karachi.

For decades in Balochistan, economic exploitation through the plundering of natural resources, and the systematic economic, social and political exclusion of indigenous Baloch people, has become a norm.

In addition to this, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and an escalating crackdown on freedom of expression are used as covert tools to brutally repress the peaceful struggle for justice, rights and equality of the Baloch.&nbsp;

The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest in Hannover city of Germany, against Pakistani brutalities and abduction of women, children and students in Balochistan

Anti-Pakistan protests were held in two different cities of Germany against the abduction of Baloch activists by Pakistani security forces. The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest in Hannover city of Germany, against Pakistani brutalities and abduction of women, children and students in Balochistan. The Baloch Human Rights Organisation (BHRO) is also set to hold a two-day awareness campaign in Berlin, Germany about human rights violations in Balochistan and for the safe recovery of Nawaz Atta, Information Secretary of the BHRO, and eight other students, abducted by secret agents and rangers from Karachi. "The state policy of using excessive force against civilians and whosoever talks about Baloch rights has intensified in recent days and has become the major cause of human right violations in Balochistan," said the general secretary of the BHRO, Abdullah Abbas. He further said that Baloch activist Nawaz Atta was abducted from his home last month and eight others students were also abducted in a follow-up raid from Karachi by Pakistani security forces. "We demand from the Pakistan Government and security forces to release all the abductees immediately and if they have done any crime, to produce them in court; try them as per law and allow them their legal right of defending themselves," he added. Abbas appealed to all human right organisations and human right activists to raise their voices against the enforced disappearances in Balochistan and for the safe recovery of all the abductees. BHRO activist Tayiba Baloch also held a press conference in Quetta, Balochistan and announced future protest and demonstration for the safe recovery of Nawaz Atta and other students. The BHRO will hold a protest demonstration on November 15 in Quetta and will organise a rally on November 19 in Karachi. For decades in Balochistan, economic exploitation through the plundering of natural resources, and the systematic economic, social and political exclusion of indigenous Baloch people, has become a norm. In addition to this, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and an escalating crackdown on freedom of expression are used as covert tools to brutally repress the peaceful struggle for justice, rights and equality of the Baloch.

Anti-Pakistan protests in Germany against abduction of Baloch activists

Equating atrocities in Balochistan to the massacre of Bengalis by Pakistan Army during the 1971 liberation war, a self-exiled Baloch leader has sought Bangladesh&#39;s support to raise the issue at the UN and help liberate the restive region from &quot;Pakistan&#39;s occupation&quot;.

&quot;They (Pakistan) are committing the same atrocities that they had committed with you,&quot; Mir Suleman Dawood Jan Ahmedzai said here yesterday, referring to Bangladesh&#39;s independence struggle during which 3 million Bengalis were killed.

&quot;The family of the present prime minister (Sheikh Hasina) went through the same crisis and even worse,&quot; he said, referring to Bangladesh&#39;s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the independence movement.

He said &#39;Pakistan occupied his country&#39; in March 1948 and since then has been carrying out atrocities to suppress public uprisings.

Ahmedzai said Balochs are expecting &quot;cooperation and diplomatic understanding of the situation they are going through&quot; from Bangladesh so that Dhaka can take it up to the UN.

&quot;We, Balochistan, cannot speak in the UN as we are not a member. We want members to speak for us,&quot; bdnews24.Com quoted him as saying.

In Balochistan, they are committing atrocities on a daily basis, he said, adding that Pakistan has adopted ?kill and dump? policy in Balochistan.

&quot;More than 25,000 people are missing and over a million displaced. First, people go missing and then they are found in the wilderness....Tortured, bullet-ridden bodies.&quot;

&quot;Our only plan is to regain independence for Balochistan. We are optimistic,&quot; he said.

He accused Pakistan of &quot;spreading terrorism from Manila to California with its army intelligence&quot;.

&quot;Only difference between normal terrorists and Pakistani army is that they are wearing uniforms while the others are not. Both are terrorists. One has a shield of the government and the other one is a non-state actor,&quot; he said.

&quot;Going to the background as to who they back or finance, you will trace them in every terrorist link from Manila to California&quot;.

Ahmedzai has been staying in Britain since 2007 to gather international support for their cause of an independent Balochistan.

He was in Dhaka to take part in a seminar organised by the Centre for Genocide Studies at the Dhaka University.

The Balochistan issue returned to the spotlight in the region after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech in August pointed at human rights violations in the province.

(PTI)

'They (Pakistan) are committing the same atrocities that they had committed with you (Bangladesh)', Mir Suleman Dawood Jan Ahmedzai said

Equating atrocities in Balochistan to the massacre of Bengalis by Pakistan Army during the 1971 liberation war, a self-exiled Baloch leader has sought Bangladesh's support to raise the issue at the UN and help liberate the restive region from "Pakistan's occupation". "They (Pakistan) are committing the same atrocities that they had committed with you," Mir Suleman Dawood Jan Ahmedzai said here yesterday, referring to Bangladesh's independence struggle during which 3 million Bengalis were killed. "The family of the present prime minister (Sheikh Hasina) went through the same crisis and even worse," he said, referring to Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the independence movement. He said 'Pakistan occupied his country' in March 1948 and since then has been carrying out atrocities to suppress public uprisings. Ahmedzai said Balochs are expecting "cooperation and diplomatic understanding of the situation they are going through" from Bangladesh so that Dhaka can take it up to the UN. "We, Balochistan, cannot speak in the UN as we are not a member. We want members to speak for us," bdnews24.Com quoted him as saying. In Balochistan, they are committing atrocities on a daily basis, he said, adding that Pakistan has adopted ?kill and dump? policy in Balochistan. "More than 25,000 people are missing and over a million displaced. First, people go missing and then they are found in the wilderness....Tortured, bullet-ridden bodies." "Our only plan is to regain independence for Balochistan. We are optimistic," he said. He accused Pakistan of "spreading terrorism from Manila to California with its army intelligence". "Only difference between normal terrorists and Pakistani army is that they are wearing uniforms while the others are not. Both are terrorists. One has a shield of the government and the other one is a non-state actor," he said. "Going to the background as to who they back or finance, you will trace them in every terrorist link from Manila to California". Ahmedzai has been staying in Britain since 2007 to gather international support for their cause of an independent Balochistan. He was in Dhaka to take part in a seminar organised by the Centre for Genocide Studies at the Dhaka University. The Balochistan issue returned to the spotlight in the region after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech in August pointed at human rights violations in the province. (PTI)

Baloch leader seeks Bangladesh's help to raise Balochistan issue

By&nbsp;Manan Kumar 
 
Big intervention by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at repeating the feat of country&#39;s first premier, Jawaharlal Nehru, seems to be yielding result as India has received the request for political asylum from exiled Baloch leader Brahumdagh Bugti. 
 
Highly placed sources suggested that if relations with Pakistan continue to deteriorate, the Modi government, besides providing political asylum to Brahumdagh, heir apparent to firebrand pro-India Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, may also allow Baloch expats to establish their government in exile in India. 
 
This has been done only once by India, with exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who, in a big diplomatic blow to China, was welcomed by Nehru with open arms in 1959 and was allowed to set up the Tibetan government in exile with its headquarters in Dharamsala area of northern Himachal Pradesh state. 
 
If Pakistan does not stop using terrorism as a state policy to harm India, the government can take a policy decision to give persecuted Baloch leaders and people the political space to seek freedom from Pakistan&rsquo;s occupation, said sources. 
 
In August, Modi had suggested a major shift in policy towards Pakistan by invoking the Baloch issue first at the all-party meet to discuss the Kashmir unrest and later followed it up in his Independence Day address. 
 
&ldquo;Pakistan forgets that it rains bombs on its citizens. Now, the time has come for Pakistan to explain to the world about the atrocities it is unleashing on the people of Balochistan&hellip;,&rdquo; Modi had said. 
 
Like the Tibetan government in exile, Brahumdagh can be provided a place to run his government in exile from the Bilochpura village of Baghpat in northern Uttar Pradesh, where many ethnic Balochis have been living since Babur&rsquo;s period, sources said. 
 
Recently, Mazdak Dilshad Baloch, a prominent voice among the expatriate Baloch community fighting for the liberation of Balochistan, was allowed by the government to meet the Baloch families from Bilochpura and five nearby villages that have Baloch population. 
 
However, sources said that the call to give political asylum will be taken at the highest level by Modi after weighing all pros and cons as it is a big policy decision that can open a new area of conflict with Pakistan. 
 
After his grandfather Nawab Bugti was killed in a Pakistani air strike in 2006, Brahumdagh founded the Baloch Republican Party, a Baloch nationalist group, which broke away from his uncle Talal Akbar Bugti&#39;s Jamhoori Watan Party in 2008. 
 
Pakistan government accuses Brahumdagh Bugti of leading the Baloch Republican Army, a separatist group designated as a terrorist organisation in Pakistan. Since the death of his grandfather, who was also his mentor, Brahumdagh, fearing for his life, has lived in exile &ndash; first in Afghanistan and later in Switzerland. 
 
Brahumdagh&#39;s asylum request, received at the Indian consulate in Geneva, has been forwarded to the Union home ministry. The ministry is looking at old records for asylum procedures as there is not stated policy on asylum. 
 
(This report first appeared in DNA)&nbsp;

Exiled Balochi leader Brahumdagh Bugti appealed for political asylum in India after Indian Prime Minister invoked Balochi issue last month

By Manan Kumar Big intervention by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at repeating the feat of country's first premier, Jawaharlal Nehru, seems to be yielding result as India has received the request for political asylum from exiled Baloch leader Brahumdagh Bugti. Highly placed sources suggested that if relations with Pakistan continue to deteriorate, the Modi government, besides providing political asylum to Brahumdagh, heir apparent to firebrand pro-India Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, may also allow Baloch expats to establish their government in exile in India. This has been done only once by India, with exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who, in a big diplomatic blow to China, was welcomed by Nehru with open arms in 1959 and was allowed to set up the Tibetan government in exile with its headquarters in Dharamsala area of northern Himachal Pradesh state. If Pakistan does not stop using terrorism as a state policy to harm India, the government can take a policy decision to give persecuted Baloch leaders and people the political space to seek freedom from Pakistan’s occupation, said sources. In August, Modi had suggested a major shift in policy towards Pakistan by invoking the Baloch issue first at the all-party meet to discuss the Kashmir unrest and later followed it up in his Independence Day address. “Pakistan forgets that it rains bombs on its citizens. Now, the time has come for Pakistan to explain to the world about the atrocities it is unleashing on the people of Balochistan…,” Modi had said. Like the Tibetan government in exile, Brahumdagh can be provided a place to run his government in exile from the Bilochpura village of Baghpat in northern Uttar Pradesh, where many ethnic Balochis have been living since Babur’s period, sources said. Recently, Mazdak Dilshad Baloch, a prominent voice among the expatriate Baloch community fighting for the liberation of Balochistan, was allowed by the government to meet the Baloch families from Bilochpura and five nearby villages that have Baloch population. However, sources said that the call to give political asylum will be taken at the highest level by Modi after weighing all pros and cons as it is a big policy decision that can open a new area of conflict with Pakistan. After his grandfather Nawab Bugti was killed in a Pakistani air strike in 2006, Brahumdagh founded the Baloch Republican Party, a Baloch nationalist group, which broke away from his uncle Talal Akbar Bugti's Jamhoori Watan Party in 2008. Pakistan government accuses Brahumdagh Bugti of leading the Baloch Republican Army, a separatist group designated as a terrorist organisation in Pakistan. Since the death of his grandfather, who was also his mentor, Brahumdagh, fearing for his life, has lived in exile – first in Afghanistan and later in Switzerland. Brahumdagh's asylum request, received at the Indian consulate in Geneva, has been forwarded to the Union home ministry. The ministry is looking at old records for asylum procedures as there is not stated policy on asylum. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India might consider government-in-exile status for Balochis

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