Political activists, experts and European parliamentarians here discussed deplorable conditions of people in Balochistan on Wednesday.

The 'Save The Baloch' campaign has been launched by the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) where the participants discuss human rights abuse in Balochistan at a conference titled "Genocide in Balochistan: the role of the international community".

The Baloch political activists highlighted the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army as they have launched operations in Balochistan, killing civilians and destroying their houses.

Razzak Baloch, organiser, USA Chapter of Baloch Human Rights Council, said, "Every 10 miles there is a check post, Balochistan has become a bigger jail. People cannot move around. You cannot even question them as to why you are stopping us? Why are you searching for our bodies? Why are you searching for our women? Why are you searching for our children?"

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/geneva-activists-protest-seek-un-intervention-to-prevent-pak-inflicted-genocide-in-balochistan-284207">Geneva: Activists protest, seek UN intervention to prevent Pak-inflicted genocide in Balochistan</a>

"Life is very miserable. You cannot move around in Balochistan. Anybody talks and he`s vanished. Is this freedom? We want to be free. We want to breathe freely. It is the duty of our neighbours also to see what is going on in Balochistan," he added.

Taha Siddiqui, a Pakistani journalist, who is now living in exile, said, "In Balochistan, currently the biggest issue is that for a very long time there was abuse. There was a lot of atrocities by the Pakistani state, but now it is not just about these missing persons actually. What is the problem is that there are missing stories, there is an information black hole and things are not being reported independently or not even reported at all."

He added, "So, the worst thing that is going on in Balochistan is that we do not even have an idea of what is going on and that is worse than being able to report about it and talk about it. So in that sense, the way there are secret military operations going on, the abduction is going on, there is religious radicalisation going on and all of this is not being reported."

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-in-pakistan-protest-against-violence-rape-honour-killings-285109">Women in Pakistan protest against violence, rape, honour killings</a>

Taha, who escaped his abduction in Pakistan by secret agencies told the source, "The media is not being allowed and we are seeing that this is intensifying ever since China has come into the equation."

He said that ever since China has invested in Balochistan, "the crackdown by the military and Pakistani state has worsened and they do not want to talk about Baloch issues, the human rights abuse or whatever is happening in Balochistan."

"Nothing negative can be reported from the country because China does not want it, so the Pakistan military does not want it," the Pakistani journalist added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/central-asia/womens-rights-activists-attacked-then-detained-in-kyrgyzstan-285086">Women's rights activists attacked then detained in Kyrgyzstan</a>

The event was also attended by a member of the European Parliament who talked about the persecution of people in the mineral-rich but the poorest province in Pakistan.

Ryszard Czarnecki, a Member of European Parliament (MEP) told the source, "You have a very active (Baloch) diaspora, especially in Europe. Representatives of this diaspora inform us, the members of the European Parliament about the real situation in Balochistan and about Pakistani violations and lack of respecting human rights in this region."

"Obviously, we should make an intervention at different international levels. The people in Balochistan should feel that they are not alone. I would like to express my solidarity with our brothers and sisters in this region," the MEP said.

Political activists, experts and European parliamentarians here discussed deplorable conditions of people in Balochistan on Wednesday. The 'Save The Baloch' campaign has been launched by the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) where the participants discuss human rights abuse in Balochistan at a conference titled "Genocide in Balochistan: the role of the international community".

Political activists, experts and European parliamentarians here discussed deplorable conditions of people in Balochistan on Wednesday. The 'Save The Baloch' campaign has been launched by the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) where the participants discuss human rights abuse in Balochistan at a conference titled "Genocide in Balochistan: the role of the international community". The Baloch political activists highlighted the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army as they have launched operations in Balochistan, killing civilians and destroying their houses. Razzak Baloch, organiser, USA Chapter of Baloch Human Rights Council, said, "Every 10 miles there is a check post, Balochistan has become a bigger jail. People cannot move around. You cannot even question them as to why you are stopping us? Why are you searching for our bodies? Why are you searching for our women? Why are you searching for our children?" Also read: Geneva: Activists protest, seek UN intervention to prevent Pak-inflicted genocide in Balochistan "Life is very miserable. You cannot move around in Balochistan. Anybody talks and he`s vanished. Is this freedom? We want to be free. We want to breathe freely. It is the duty of our neighbours also to see what is going on in Balochistan," he added. Taha Siddiqui, a Pakistani journalist, who is now living in exile, said, "In Balochistan, currently the biggest issue is that for a very long time there was abuse. There was a lot of atrocities by the Pakistani state, but now it is not just about these missing persons actually. What is the problem is that there are missing stories, there is an information black hole and things are not being reported independently or not even reported at all." He added, "So, the worst thing that is going on in Balochistan is that we do not even have an idea of what is going on and that is worse than being able to report about it and talk about it. So in that sense, the way there are secret military operations going on, the abduction is going on, there is religious radicalisation going on and all of this is not being reported." Also see: Women in Pakistan protest against violence, rape, honour killings Taha, who escaped his abduction in Pakistan by secret agencies told the source, "The media is not being allowed and we are seeing that this is intensifying ever since China has come into the equation." He said that ever since China has invested in Balochistan, "the crackdown by the military and Pakistani state has worsened and they do not want to talk about Baloch issues, the human rights abuse or whatever is happening in Balochistan." "Nothing negative can be reported from the country because China does not want it, so the Pakistan military does not want it," the Pakistani journalist added. Also read: Women's rights activists attacked then detained in Kyrgyzstan The event was also attended by a member of the European Parliament who talked about the persecution of people in the mineral-rich but the poorest province in Pakistan. Ryszard Czarnecki, a Member of European Parliament (MEP) told the source, "You have a very active (Baloch) diaspora, especially in Europe. Representatives of this diaspora inform us, the members of the European Parliament about the real situation in Balochistan and about Pakistani violations and lack of respecting human rights in this region." "Obviously, we should make an intervention at different international levels. The people in Balochistan should feel that they are not alone. I would like to express my solidarity with our brothers and sisters in this region," the MEP said.

Activists, experts raise issues of human rights abuse in Balochistan

Pakistan's "Iron Lady of Balochistan"&nbsp;Jalila Haider will receive the International Women of Courage award this year, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/geneva-activists-protest-seek-un-intervention-to-prevent-pak-inflicted-genocide-in-balochistan-284207">Also Read: &nbsp;Activists seek UN intervention to prevent genocide in Balochistan</a>

"Jalila Haider is a human rights attorney and founder of "We the Humans - Pakistan", a non-profit organization to lift local communities by strengthening opportunities for vulnerable women and children," the US government said in a statement, adding,"she specialises in defending women’s rights and provides free counselling and legal services to poverty-affected women."

Jalila Haider who belongs to the Hazara community has led "peaceful hunger strike to recognise the right to life for the Hazara following a series of targeted attacks," the US government said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-women-children-hold-protest-against-enforced-disappearances-257694">Also Read: Baloch women, children hold protest against enforced disappearances</a>

She has not only taken up the cause of many other vulnerable communities, Jalila is&nbsp;also the president of Balochistan’s Women Democratic Front and Balochistan’s branch of the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gears-up-for-womens-march-amid-row-284040">Aurat</a>&nbsp;(Woman’s) March"&nbsp;and&nbsp;has fought against violence against women in public spaces and at work, the US government asserted.

Jalila will receive the award on March 4 along with tweleve women from around the world. The award which was instituted in 2007 has recognised 134 women from 73 countries so far.

Pakistan's "Iron Lady of Balochistan" Jalila Haider will receive the International Women of Courage award this year, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today.

Pakistan's "Iron Lady of Balochistan" Jalila Haider will receive the International Women of Courage award this year, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today. Also Read: Activists seek UN intervention to prevent genocide in Balochistan "Jalila Haider is a human rights attorney and founder of "We the Humans - Pakistan", a non-profit organization to lift local communities by strengthening opportunities for vulnerable women and children," the US government said in a statement, adding,"she specialises in defending women’s rights and provides free counselling and legal services to poverty-affected women." Jalila Haider who belongs to the Hazara community has led "peaceful hunger strike to recognise the right to life for the Hazara following a series of targeted attacks," the US government said. Also Read: Baloch women, children hold protest against enforced disappearances She has not only taken up the cause of many other vulnerable communities, Jalila is also the president of Balochistan’s Women Democratic Front and Balochistan’s branch of the "Aurat (Woman’s) March" and has fought against violence against women in public spaces and at work, the US government asserted. Jalila will receive the award on March 4 along with tweleve women from around the world. The award which was instituted in 2007 has recognised 134 women from 73 countries so far.

Jalila Haider, the 'Iron Lady of Balochistan' to receive US government's International Women of Courage award

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan.&nbsp;

According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat.&nbsp;

Many vehicles parked in the vicinity have also been damaged due to the impact of the blast, The Dawn reported.

The area has been cordoned off while a search operation is underway.&nbsp;

The nature of the blast has not yet been ascertained.

Minister of Interior Blaochistan Zia Langove said that the number of those injured by the blast may rise.

News agency Reuters reported the explosion as a suicide attack which targeted a police vehicle.

Two police personnel were among those killed in the blast in the city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"We have received 10 bodies so far and 35 injured in Civil Hospital,” a hospital official told Reuters.

Two police personnel were among the dead, a senior police official confirmed.

(With inputs from Reuters and PTI)

 
&nbsp;

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan. According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat.

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan. According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat. Many vehicles parked in the vicinity have also been damaged due to the impact of the blast, The Dawn reported. The area has been cordoned off while a search operation is underway. The nature of the blast has not yet been ascertained. Minister of Interior Blaochistan Zia Langove said that the number of those injured by the blast may rise. News agency Reuters reported the explosion as a suicide attack which targeted a police vehicle. Two police personnel were among those killed in the blast in the city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, Reuters reported. "We have received 10 bodies so far and 35 injured in Civil Hospital,” a hospital official told Reuters. Two police personnel were among the dead, a senior police official confirmed. (With inputs from Reuters and PTI)

Pakistan: Blast in Quetta kills at least 7, nearly 20 wounded

The number of deaths due to snowfall and rain&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dozens-dead-in-pakistan-afghanistan-due-to-heavy-rains-and-snowfall-274056">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;in the last three days has risen to 70.

According to reports, at least 29 people have been injured as a result of the rains.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dozens-dead-in-pakistan-afghanistan-due-to-heavy-rains-and-snowfall-274056">Dozens dead in Pakistan, Afghanistan due to heavy rains and snowfall</a>

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/35-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-pakistan-274185">Balochistan</a>, the rain has claimed the lives of 15 individuals and injured 11 people, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

At least, 19 people have lost their lives in an avalanche while 10 were reported missing.

All important thoroughfares have been closed in Balochistan until further notice.

These include Khanozai road, Bolan road and Quetta-Chaman road.

Lowari road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 23 inches of snowfall.&nbsp;Rescue efforts are currently underway.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/climate-change-unleashes-natures-fury-on-the-world-274163#harsh-winter-kills-30-in-pakistan-274150">How climate change is unleashing nature's fury on the world</a>

It is expected that most parts of the country will experience cold and dry weather.

While a few of them were rescued alive, many soldiers at forward positions were still missing.

The number of deaths due to snowfall and rain in Pakistan in the last three days has risen to 70. According to reports, at least 29 people have been injured as a result of the rains.

The number of deaths due to snowfall and rain in Pakistan in the last three days has risen to 70. According to reports, at least 29 people have been injured as a result of the rains. Also read: Dozens dead in Pakistan, Afghanistan due to heavy rains and snowfall In Balochistan, the rain has claimed the lives of 15 individuals and injured 11 people, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). At least, 19 people have lost their lives in an avalanche while 10 were reported missing. All important thoroughfares have been closed in Balochistan until further notice. These include Khanozai road, Bolan road and Quetta-Chaman road. Lowari road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 23 inches of snowfall. Rescue efforts are currently underway. Also see: How climate change is unleashing nature's fury on the world It is expected that most parts of the country will experience cold and dry weather. While a few of them were rescued alive, many soldiers at forward positions were still missing.

Heavy snowfall, rain in Pakistan; death toll rises to 70

At least 35 people have died in Pakistan in rain-related incidents including avalanches and landslides.

Pakistan is witnessing a strong westerly weather system bringing heavy rains that battered several parts of the country, reported Dawn.

Heavy rains triggered landslides and avalanches in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Malakand and Hazara divisions, leading to the closure of major roads and highways, including the Karakoram Highway, while Chitral was cut off from the rest of the province due to snowfall.

Most of the causalities are reported in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and the upper parts of Balochistan. Rains and avalanches damaged over two dozens houses, several shops and a mosque in these two regions.

Meanwhile, intermittent rain caused flooding in low lying areas of the country.

At least 35 people have died in Pakistan in rain-related incidents including avalanches and landslides. Pakistan is witnessing a strong westerly weather system bringing heavy rains that battered several parts of the country, reported Dawn.

At least 35 people have died in Pakistan in rain-related incidents including avalanches and landslides. Pakistan is witnessing a strong westerly weather system bringing heavy rains that battered several parts of the country, reported Dawn. Heavy rains triggered landslides and avalanches in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Malakand and Hazara divisions, leading to the closure of major roads and highways, including the Karakoram Highway, while Chitral was cut off from the rest of the province due to snowfall. Most of the causalities are reported in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and the upper parts of Balochistan. Rains and avalanches damaged over two dozens houses, several shops and a mosque in these two regions. Meanwhile, intermittent rain caused flooding in low lying areas of the country.

35 killed in rain related incidents in Pakistan

Analysts have warned Pakistan that the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-will-cpec-inflict-debt-burden-on-pakistan-264913">CPEC</a>) will provide little benefit to the locals, especially those in the marginalised and volatile province of Balochistan.

"The Belt and Road Initiative, with CPEC as its flagship, is based on infrastructure and energy projects, aimed at enhancing trade through this particular route. It is not a humanitarian intervention designed to benefit the masses. All those who perceive it that way should correct themselves," Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, the former spokesperson of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-accused-pakistan-government-of-changing-cpec-route-to-deprived-baloch-people-of-benefits-268483">Balochistan government</a> was quoted as saying by Asia Times.

The escalation of activity on CPEC projects comes after the incumbent Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) government started its tenure in August 2018 with skepticism about Islamabad's agreement with Beijing.

The Hong Kong-based media in its report stated that during Chinese Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-court-sentences-pastor-to-nine-years-in-jail-for-inciting-subversion-270966">Wang Yi</a>'s visit to Islamabad and Imran Khan's visit to Beijing in 2018, Pakistan was looking for a rejig of the CPEC agreements, which had been shared with China.

Prime Minister's Advisor on Commerce, Industry and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood had then reportedly expressed the government's desire to put the CPEC "on hold" while the terms were renegotiated.

This caused major embarrassment to Khan and his team during his November 2018 visit to Beijing, government officials had revealed.

A year later in October 2019, Khan arrived in Beijing seeking China's support on Kashmir and the looming blacklisting at the hands of counter-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-calls-for-stricter-actions-from-pakistan-on-crackdown-of-terror-groups-269771">FATF</a>). The Pakistani government formally agreed to the terms laid out by China for the second phase of the CPEC.

"Instead of reviewing the terms of the first phase of the CPEC, Beijing has actually enforced its will on the second phase as well. There have been no changes in the execution of the projects and the road map for the corridor. In fact, China has explicitly expressed displeasure of the lack of activity over the past year and a half," revealed a senior diplomat.

Meanwhile, officials have also revealed that in addition to the CPEC power projects being "economically more expensive" for Pakistan, Beijing has the entirety of a similarly skewed plan laid out.

Immediately after Khan's visit to Beijing last year, Wang Zhiqing, China's Chief Planner of the Ministry of Transport, arrived in Islamabad to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistani Minister for Communications Murad Saeed, regarding the transport infrastructure of the second phase of the economic corridor. 
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-parties-call-cpecas-formation-as-illegal-254704">CPECA</a>) was formally unveiled in October 2019.

The terms require Islamabad to return USD 21.8 billion in commercial loans and USD 7.75 billion in bilateral debt to Beijing over the next three years. 
After Pakistan continued to pursue CPEC, Washington had also warned the former dubbing it as a "debt trap."

However, analysts have maintained that Islamabad rebuking the remarks clearly underlines that Imran Khan's PTI government knows that it cannot afford to offend Beijing anymore.

With Khan recently inaugurating the second phase of the multi-billion dollar project including nine SEZs, it is to be seen how the CPEC upgrade Pakistan's infrastructure and strengthen its economy.

Analysts have warned Pakistan that the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will provide little benefit to the locals, especially those in the marginalised and volatile province of Balochistan.

Analysts have warned Pakistan that the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will provide little benefit to the locals, especially those in the marginalised and volatile province of Balochistan. "The Belt and Road Initiative, with CPEC as its flagship, is based on infrastructure and energy projects, aimed at enhancing trade through this particular route. It is not a humanitarian intervention designed to benefit the masses. All those who perceive it that way should correct themselves," Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, the former spokesperson of the Balochistan government was quoted as saying by Asia Times. The escalation of activity on CPEC projects comes after the incumbent Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) government started its tenure in August 2018 with skepticism about Islamabad's agreement with Beijing. The Hong Kong-based media in its report stated that during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Islamabad and Imran Khan's visit to Beijing in 2018, Pakistan was looking for a rejig of the CPEC agreements, which had been shared with China. Prime Minister's Advisor on Commerce, Industry and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood had then reportedly expressed the government's desire to put the CPEC "on hold" while the terms were renegotiated. This caused major embarrassment to Khan and his team during his November 2018 visit to Beijing, government officials had revealed. A year later in October 2019, Khan arrived in Beijing seeking China's support on Kashmir and the looming blacklisting at the hands of counter-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Pakistani government formally agreed to the terms laid out by China for the second phase of the CPEC. "Instead of reviewing the terms of the first phase of the CPEC, Beijing has actually enforced its will on the second phase as well. There have been no changes in the execution of the projects and the road map for the corridor. In fact, China has explicitly expressed displeasure of the lack of activity over the past year and a half," revealed a senior diplomat. Meanwhile, officials have also revealed that in addition to the CPEC power projects being "economically more expensive" for Pakistan, Beijing has the entirety of a similarly skewed plan laid out. Immediately after Khan's visit to Beijing last year, Wang Zhiqing, China's Chief Planner of the Ministry of Transport, arrived in Islamabad to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistani Minister for Communications Murad Saeed, regarding the transport infrastructure of the second phase of the economic corridor. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPECA) was formally unveiled in October 2019. The terms require Islamabad to return USD 21.8 billion in commercial loans and USD 7.75 billion in bilateral debt to Beijing over the next three years. After Pakistan continued to pursue CPEC, Washington had also warned the former dubbing it as a "debt trap." However, analysts have maintained that Islamabad rebuking the remarks clearly underlines that Imran Khan's PTI government knows that it cannot afford to offend Beijing anymore. With Khan recently inaugurating the second phase of the multi-billion dollar project including nine SEZs, it is to be seen how the CPEC upgrade Pakistan's infrastructure and strengthen its economy.

CPEC will provide little benefit to locals, especially those in volatile province of Balochistan: Report

Pakistan has issued special permits to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and nine other members of the royal family to hunt endangered birds Houbara Bustard during the 2019-20 hunting season, the media reported after quoting sources.

The allotted hunting areas are spread over Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab provinces of the country. The permit, which is person-specific, allows huntsmen to kill 100 Houbara Bustards in a 10-day safari during the three-month hunting season between November 1, 2019, and January 31, 2020, Dawn reported.

The permit holders include the Qatari Emir, his uncle, brother and seven other royal dignitaries of the Gulf nation.

The decision has been met with severe criticism in the country.

Originally the inhabitant of the colder central Asian region, the Houbara Bustard, in order to avoid harsh weather conditions in its habitat, migrates southwards to spend the winter in a relatively warm environment here every year.

Keeping in view its dwindling population, the migratory bird is not only protected under various international nature conservation treaties but its hunting is also banned under local wildlife protection laws. Pakistanis themselves are not allowed to hunt this bird.

It is evident that Pakistan has used the hunting permit as a foreign policy card to influence dignitaries from oil-rich Gulf nations.

Sources divulged that earlier when the ruling Tehreek-i-Insaf party was in the opposition, it used to criticise the federal government over this issue and condemned the hunting of the endangered birds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the party was a part of the provincial government.

Pakistan has issued special permits to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and nine other members of the royal family to hunt endangered birds Houbara Bustard during the 2019-20 hunting season, the media reported after quoting sources.

Pakistan has issued special permits to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and nine other members of the royal family to hunt endangered birds Houbara Bustard during the 2019-20 hunting season, the media reported after quoting sources. The allotted hunting areas are spread over Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab provinces of the country. The permit, which is person-specific, allows huntsmen to kill 100 Houbara Bustards in a 10-day safari during the three-month hunting season between November 1, 2019, and January 31, 2020, Dawn reported. The permit holders include the Qatari Emir, his uncle, brother and seven other royal dignitaries of the Gulf nation. The decision has been met with severe criticism in the country. Originally the inhabitant of the colder central Asian region, the Houbara Bustard, in order to avoid harsh weather conditions in its habitat, migrates southwards to spend the winter in a relatively warm environment here every year. Keeping in view its dwindling population, the migratory bird is not only protected under various international nature conservation treaties but its hunting is also banned under local wildlife protection laws. Pakistanis themselves are not allowed to hunt this bird. It is evident that Pakistan has used the hunting permit as a foreign policy card to influence dignitaries from oil-rich Gulf nations. Sources divulged that earlier when the ruling Tehreek-i-Insaf party was in the opposition, it used to criticise the federal government over this issue and condemned the hunting of the endangered birds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the party was a part of the provincial government.

Pakistan grants special rights to Qatari Emir, 9 others to hunt endangered birds

At least nine members of the Pakistan navy were killed and 29 other people injured when their bus fell into a deep roadside ditch in the south of the country on Tuesday, officials said.

The bus was on its way to Karachi from a naval base in Balochistan province when it developed a technical fault and crashed on a mountain pass on the Makran Coastal Highway, Muhammad Jameel, assistant commissioner for Bela town near where the accident took place, told Reuters.

"Nine soldiers of the navy were killed and 29 others including women and children were injured in the incident," Jameel said, adding that victims were transferred to a nearby navy hospital.

At least nine members of the Pakistan navy were killed and 29 other people injured when their bus fell into a deep roadside ditch in the south of the country on Tuesday, officials said.

At least nine members of the Pakistan navy were killed and 29 other people injured when their bus fell into a deep roadside ditch in the south of the country on Tuesday, officials said. The bus was on its way to Karachi from a naval base in Balochistan province when it developed a technical fault and crashed on a mountain pass on the Makran Coastal Highway, Muhammad Jameel, assistant commissioner for Bela town near where the accident took place, told Reuters. "Nine soldiers of the navy were killed and 29 others including women and children were injured in the incident," Jameel said, adding that victims were transferred to a nearby navy hospital.

Nine members of Pakistan navy killed in bus crash: Officials

Leaders of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/widespread-protests-in-pok-ring-alarm-bells-for-islamabad-260745">Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir</a> (PoK) based party have challenged the Pakistani establishment to form a joint team and access the ground situation in Gilgit-Baltistan where the people for long have been facing the question of their survival for different reasons. 
 
The region of Gilgit-Baltistan and the misnamed 'Azad' Kashmir ('AJK') in northeastern Pakistan face severe power shortages, pay higher prices for electricity and receive no royalty from Pakistan against the acquisition of land for China's multi-billion dollar projects under the CPEC and dams raised in the illegally occupied territories. 
 
Addressing the media here, members of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) said: "We have a proposal for Pakistan, let's form one team comprising our members and the journalists and another team comprising members of the administration." 
 
"The Government team can raid common households and our team be allowed to raid government departments. They (Government) can seize our electrical equipment if they find it a luxury for us and let us raid their special electrical connections and transformers they have set up specifically for administrators," they said. 
 
"Let us see if this could resolve this matter of electricity," they said while mocking the Pakistani establishment over the ongoing economic crisis that has badly affected the people in the region, who lack access to water, electricity and even the most basic requirements. 
 
They also stated that had they rejected the taxation policies introduced in the federal budget by the Pakistan government, which negatively impacts businesses in this region. 
 
"The Government of Pakistan first installed a plastic meter during the construction of a 14-megawatt hydropower plant in Gilgit-Baltistan. They coerced us to install those meters saying there would be no electricity issues from now on," said another member. 
 
"Earlier we had much efficient German made meters at our homes but they replaced them with these cheap plastic meters. Where are that crores of money? Another 18-megawatts hydro-electric project is under construction. They would make us install a new metre for that and so on. Electricity does not come just by installing metres," he added. 
 
The Awami Action Committee also pointed out that the region receives no royalty from Pakistan against the acquisition of land for multi-billion dollar CPEC project and dams raised in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/traders-in-pok-gilgit-baltistan-conduct-shutter-down-protest-against-unfair-taxation-policies-260156">illegally occupied territory of Gilgit-Baltistan</a>. 
 
They added: "Electric poles are pegged on our land, wires are laid through our land, rather than getting royalty we are facing load shedding and shortage of drinking water due to dirty water held up after the construction of dams. We are drinking that dirty water just in the optimism of getting uninterrupted power supply. This whole gamut of installing new meters is just to make money through corrupt practice." 
 
There is widespread resentment against the Pakistani administration in Gilgit Baltistan. 
 
They are saturated with the ill-practices of corruption and continuous suppression, which Pakistan has been perpetrating for decades.

Leaders of a Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) based party have challenged the Pakistani establishment to form a joint team and access the ground situation in Gilgit-Baltistan where the people for long have been facing the question of their survival for different reasons.

Leaders of a Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) based party have challenged the Pakistani establishment to form a joint team and access the ground situation in Gilgit-Baltistan where the people for long have been facing the question of their survival for different reasons. The region of Gilgit-Baltistan and the misnamed 'Azad' Kashmir ('AJK') in northeastern Pakistan face severe power shortages, pay higher prices for electricity and receive no royalty from Pakistan against the acquisition of land for China's multi-billion dollar projects under the CPEC and dams raised in the illegally occupied territories. Addressing the media here, members of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) said: "We have a proposal for Pakistan, let's form one team comprising our members and the journalists and another team comprising members of the administration." "The Government team can raid common households and our team be allowed to raid government departments. They (Government) can seize our electrical equipment if they find it a luxury for us and let us raid their special electrical connections and transformers they have set up specifically for administrators," they said. "Let us see if this could resolve this matter of electricity," they said while mocking the Pakistani establishment over the ongoing economic crisis that has badly affected the people in the region, who lack access to water, electricity and even the most basic requirements. They also stated that had they rejected the taxation policies introduced in the federal budget by the Pakistan government, which negatively impacts businesses in this region. "The Government of Pakistan first installed a plastic meter during the construction of a 14-megawatt hydropower plant in Gilgit-Baltistan. They coerced us to install those meters saying there would be no electricity issues from now on," said another member. "Earlier we had much efficient German made meters at our homes but they replaced them with these cheap plastic meters. Where are that crores of money? Another 18-megawatts hydro-electric project is under construction. They would make us install a new metre for that and so on. Electricity does not come just by installing metres," he added. The Awami Action Committee also pointed out that the region receives no royalty from Pakistan against the acquisition of land for multi-billion dollar CPEC project and dams raised in the illegally occupied territory of Gilgit-Baltistan. They added: "Electric poles are pegged on our land, wires are laid through our land, rather than getting royalty we are facing load shedding and shortage of drinking water due to dirty water held up after the construction of dams. We are drinking that dirty water just in the optimism of getting uninterrupted power supply. This whole gamut of installing new meters is just to make money through corrupt practice." There is widespread resentment against the Pakistani administration in Gilgit Baltistan. They are saturated with the ill-practices of corruption and continuous suppression, which Pakistan has been perpetrating for decades.

PoK: Awami Action Committee challenges Pakistan to assess ground situation

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces.

The protestors said that a large number of political activists and intellectuals were being abducted illegally by security forces from various parts of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan.

Relatives of Rashid Hussain, who was abducted from UAE and later deported to Pakistan also joined the protest. His mother along with other missing person <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-women-protest-against-enforced-disappearances-in-quetta-253945">families protested in Quetta</a> for his safe return and release of other Baloch missing persons.

Hussain was handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year.

He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being.

An online campaign has also been launched to demand the release of Hussain. Social media users are raising their voice using hashtag #SaveRashidHussain and #SaveBalochMissingPersons.

The protesters were also joined by Mama Qadir Baloch, of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons', who has been running a campaign for thousands of missing Baloch people.

Similar protests against enforced disappearances were held in Quetta earlier this month.

Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces.

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces. The protestors said that a large number of political activists and intellectuals were being abducted illegally by security forces from various parts of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan. Relatives of Rashid Hussain, who was abducted from UAE and later deported to Pakistan also joined the protest. His mother along with other missing person families protested in Quetta for his safe return and release of other Baloch missing persons. Hussain was handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year. He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being. An online campaign has also been launched to demand the release of Hussain. Social media users are raising their voice using hashtag #SaveRashidHussain and #SaveBalochMissingPersons. The protesters were also joined by Mama Qadir Baloch, of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons', who has been running a campaign for thousands of missing Baloch people. Similar protests against enforced disappearances were held in Quetta earlier this month. Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Baloch women, children hold protest against enforced disappearances

Several student organisations under the banner of Students Educational Alliance on Thursday continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day over alleged harassment and blackmail of students by some officials of Balochistan University.

The demonstrators, who staged their protest outside the Quetta Press Club, alleged that the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Balochistan (UoB) was responsible for the entire scandal as VC was the 'head of blackmailers and saviour of the culprits', reported Express Tribune.

The protesting students marched through the campus to put pressure on the officials to take action against the culprits.

Earlier on Wednesday, Professor Dr Kaleem Ullah Barech, representing the Academic Staff Association, while addressing a press conference, said: "The association has raised its voice against varsity administration, including its financial and ethical corruption, for last several years."

The scandal came to light about a month ago after the Balochistan High Court (BHC) directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the reports of students being harassed at the varsity.

Later, FIA discovered that both male and female students were being blackmailed by some staff members through some 'objectionable' videos, recorded through CCTV cameras hidden at various spots on the campus including washrooms.

Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, who is also the chancellor of all provincial universities, on Thursday vowed to take strict action against those involved in the case.

"Whosoever found involved in demoralising educational structure in Balochistan will be brought to justice because the UoB's scandal has triggered anger in society," the governor said.

Urging the student organisations and teacher associations to refrain from provoking the society until completion of the FIA probe, he said: "The hooligans who harassed and blackmailed students would be dealt with strictly and punished for maligning the mother educational institution of Balochistan."

Condemning the scandal, Balochistan National Party's (BNP) Lashkari Raisani asked the Vice-Chancellor to resign. He also noted that the scandal had shaken the students' trust in educational institutions.

Taking cognizance, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has placed the issue on the agenda of VC's meeting to be held on October 21.

"The meeting will discuss existing regulations that address such acts as well as additional measures that might be needed to make university campuses safe and secure places. The university heads will also discuss the funding issues of the higher learning institutions," HEC said in a press release.

Several student organisations under the banner of Students Educational Alliance on Thursday continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day over alleged harassment and blackmail of students by some officials of Balochistan University.

Several student organisations under the banner of Students Educational Alliance on Thursday continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day over alleged harassment and blackmail of students by some officials of Balochistan University. The demonstrators, who staged their protest outside the Quetta Press Club, alleged that the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Balochistan (UoB) was responsible for the entire scandal as VC was the 'head of blackmailers and saviour of the culprits', reported Express Tribune. The protesting students marched through the campus to put pressure on the officials to take action against the culprits. Earlier on Wednesday, Professor Dr Kaleem Ullah Barech, representing the Academic Staff Association, while addressing a press conference, said: "The association has raised its voice against varsity administration, including its financial and ethical corruption, for last several years." The scandal came to light about a month ago after the Balochistan High Court (BHC) directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the reports of students being harassed at the varsity. Later, FIA discovered that both male and female students were being blackmailed by some staff members through some 'objectionable' videos, recorded through CCTV cameras hidden at various spots on the campus including washrooms. Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, who is also the chancellor of all provincial universities, on Thursday vowed to take strict action against those involved in the case. "Whosoever found involved in demoralising educational structure in Balochistan will be brought to justice because the UoB's scandal has triggered anger in society," the governor said. Urging the student organisations and teacher associations to refrain from provoking the society until completion of the FIA probe, he said: "The hooligans who harassed and blackmailed students would be dealt with strictly and punished for maligning the mother educational institution of Balochistan." Condemning the scandal, Balochistan National Party's (BNP) Lashkari Raisani asked the Vice-Chancellor to resign. He also noted that the scandal had shaken the students' trust in educational institutions. Taking cognizance, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has placed the issue on the agenda of VC's meeting to be held on October 21. "The meeting will discuss existing regulations that address such acts as well as additional measures that might be needed to make university campuses safe and secure places. The university heads will also discuss the funding issues of the higher learning institutions," HEC said in a press release.

Students of Balochistan University continue protests against campus harassment

Several student organisations under the banner of Students Educational Alliance on Thursday continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day over alleged harassment and blackmail of students by some officials of Balochistan University.

The demonstrators, who staged their protest outside the Quetta Press Club, alleged that the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Balochistan (UoB) was responsible for the entire scandal as VC was the `head of blackmailers and saviour of the culprits`, reported Express Tribune.

The protesting students marched through the campus to put pressure on the officials to take action against the culprits.

Earlier on Wednesday, Professor Dr Kaleem Ullah Barech, representing the Academic Staff Association, while addressing a press conference, said: "The association has raised its voice against varsity administration, including its financial and ethical corruption, for last several years."

The scandal came to light about a month ago after the Balochistan High Court (BHC) directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the reports of students being harassed at the varsity.

Later, FIA discovered that both male and female students were being blackmailed by some staff members through some `objectionable` videos, recorded through CCTV cameras hidden at various spots on the campus including washrooms.

Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, who is also the chancellor of all provincial universities, on Thursday vowed to take strict action against those involved in the case."Whosoever found involved in demoralising educational structure in Balochistan will be brought to justice because the UoB`s scandal has triggered anger in society," the Governor said.

Urging the student organisations and teacher associations to refrain from provoking the society until completion of the FIA probe, he said: "The hooligans who harassed and blackmailed students would be dealt with strictly and punished for maligning the mother educational institution of Balochistan."

Condemning the scandal, Balochistan National Party's (BNP) Lashkari Raisani asked the Vice-Chancellor to resign. He also noted that the scandal had shaken the students` trust in educational institutions.

Taking cognizance, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has placed the issue on the agenda of VC`s meeting to be held on October 21.

"The meeting will discuss existing regulations that address such acts as well as additional measures that might be needed to make university campuses safe and secure places. The university heads will also discuss the funding issues of the higher learning institutions," HEC said in a press release.

Several student organisations under the banner of Students Educational Alliance on Thursday continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day over alleged harassment and blackmail of students by some officials of Balochistan University. The demonstrators, who staged their protest outside the Quetta Press Club, alleged that the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Balochistan (UoB) was responsible for the entire scandal as VC was the `head of blackmailers and saviour of the culprits`, reported Express Tribune. The protesting students marched through the campus to put pressure on the officials to take action against the culprits. Earlier on Wednesday, Professor Dr Kaleem Ullah Barech, representing the Academic Staff Association, while addressing a press conference, said: "The association has raised its voice against varsity administration, including its financial and ethical corruption, for last several years." The scandal came to light about a month ago after the Balochistan High Court (BHC) directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the reports of students being harassed at the varsity. Later, FIA discovered that both male and female students were being blackmailed by some staff members through some `objectionable` videos, recorded through CCTV cameras hidden at various spots on the campus including washrooms. Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, who is also the chancellor of all provincial universities, on Thursday vowed to take strict action against those involved in the case."Whosoever found involved in demoralising educational structure in Balochistan will be brought to justice because the UoB`s scandal has triggered anger in society," the Governor said. Urging the student organisations and teacher associations to refrain from provoking the society until completion of the FIA probe, he said: "The hooligans who harassed and blackmailed students would be dealt with strictly and punished for maligning the mother educational institution of Balochistan." Condemning the scandal, Balochistan National Party's (BNP) Lashkari Raisani asked the Vice-Chancellor to resign. He also noted that the scandal had shaken the students` trust in educational institutions. Taking cognizance, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has placed the issue on the agenda of VC`s meeting to be held on October 21. "The meeting will discuss existing regulations that address such acts as well as additional measures that might be needed to make university campuses safe and secure places. The university heads will also discuss the funding issues of the higher learning institutions," HEC said in a press release.

Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPEC Authority) by Pakistan is another step in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-women-protest-against-enforced-disappearances-in-quetta-253945">turning Balochistan into a Chinese military garrison</a>, leader of the Free Balochistan Movement Hyrbyair Marri said&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Adding that Pakistanis and Chinese have been calling it an economic project to hide its military and strategic aspects, the Baloch leader, in a statement, said, "because of Balochistan's socio-political conditions, CPEC is not an economically viable project which is well understood even by Pakistan's military and political elite."

"Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan indicated in August 2019 that a new authority 'National Coastal Development Authority' formation was also approved and now Pakistan's own parliamentarian parties are saying that formation of National Coastal Development Authority (NCDA) which will directly be controlled by Pakistani Punjabis (federal government) is in violation of Pakistan's constitution," he added.

"On one hand Pakistan shed crocodile tears on India's decision on Article 370 and on the other hand, it violates its own constitution," Marri also said. 
 
The Baloch leader further stated that NCDA and CPEC-Authority are attempts by Pakistan's military to directly control coastal areas of Balochistan where millions of Punjabi and Han Chinese people will be settled to secure their military bases and permanently colonise the areas by implementing demographic changes where secretly underground submarine bases and naval bases are being built.

"The Chinese Communist government can control the coastal strip of Balochistan by cutting it from other Baloch areas. For an economically viable plan, it is necessary to have perfect socio-economic conditions which cannot develop in Balochistan until it is under Sunni Punjabi occupation, whereas it is possible to have military bases in coastal areas by cutting off the coastal areas from rest of Balochistan," he added.

"In such a scenario, China could maintain bases in Balochistan's coastal areas, in the same manner, Russia has been maintaining Kaliningrad in the heart of eastern Europe," Marri continued.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balochistan-continues-to-be-short-changed-politically-human-rights-commission-of-pakistan-253458">"Pakistan is turning Gwadar and other coastal areas of Balochistan into a Chinese Kaliningrad</a> which already has the largest concentration of military cantonments and bases in the region and new bases are being built in Jiwani, Sonmiani and other areas," he added.

Further, he said: "Some pro-independence Baloch and Indian journalists have claimed that CPEC has failed, are in an illusion and wrong because CPEC's success will be the end of Balochistan's independence movement and success of Balochistan's national struggle will end the CPEC."

"Some Baloch political parties are under the illusion that they have succeeded in failing the CPEC project. They have deluded themselves and some Indian columnists in believing that the project has failed," he added.

Adding that Chinese imperialist communist designs cannot be defeated that easily, Marri, in the statement further said, "If CPEC succeeds, the Baloch nation will be converted into a minority in our own homeland. CPEC's success will be the end of Balochistan's independence movement and success of Balochistan's national struggle will end the CPEC."

"Chinese and Pakistani nexus in the region and their belligerence towards their neighbours are known to everyone. Once CPEC's military objectives are achieved that is the construction of bases in Jiwani, Ormara and underground submarine base in Sonmiani, which will help China and Pakistan to encircle India by sea," he added.

Marri also warned that geopolitically Baloch will be the first causality of the CPEC and then it will be India and the western countries.

Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPEC Authority) by Pakistan is another step in turning Balochistan into a Chinese military garrison, leader of the Free Balochistan Movement Hyrbyair Marri said on Tuesday.

Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPEC Authority) by Pakistan is another step in turning Balochistan into a Chinese military garrison, leader of the Free Balochistan Movement Hyrbyair Marri said on Tuesday. Adding that Pakistanis and Chinese have been calling it an economic project to hide its military and strategic aspects, the Baloch leader, in a statement, said, "because of Balochistan's socio-political conditions, CPEC is not an economically viable project which is well understood even by Pakistan's military and political elite." "Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan indicated in August 2019 that a new authority 'National Coastal Development Authority' formation was also approved and now Pakistan's own parliamentarian parties are saying that formation of National Coastal Development Authority (NCDA) which will directly be controlled by Pakistani Punjabis (federal government) is in violation of Pakistan's constitution," he added. "On one hand Pakistan shed crocodile tears on India's decision on Article 370 and on the other hand, it violates its own constitution," Marri also said. The Baloch leader further stated that NCDA and CPEC-Authority are attempts by Pakistan's military to directly control coastal areas of Balochistan where millions of Punjabi and Han Chinese people will be settled to secure their military bases and permanently colonise the areas by implementing demographic changes where secretly underground submarine bases and naval bases are being built. "The Chinese Communist government can control the coastal strip of Balochistan by cutting it from other Baloch areas. For an economically viable plan, it is necessary to have perfect socio-economic conditions which cannot develop in Balochistan until it is under Sunni Punjabi occupation, whereas it is possible to have military bases in coastal areas by cutting off the coastal areas from rest of Balochistan," he added. "In such a scenario, China could maintain bases in Balochistan's coastal areas, in the same manner, Russia has been maintaining Kaliningrad in the heart of eastern Europe," Marri continued. "Pakistan is turning Gwadar and other coastal areas of Balochistan into a Chinese Kaliningrad which already has the largest concentration of military cantonments and bases in the region and new bases are being built in Jiwani, Sonmiani and other areas," he added. Further, he said: "Some pro-independence Baloch and Indian journalists have claimed that CPEC has failed, are in an illusion and wrong because CPEC's success will be the end of Balochistan's independence movement and success of Balochistan's national struggle will end the CPEC." "Some Baloch political parties are under the illusion that they have succeeded in failing the CPEC project. They have deluded themselves and some Indian columnists in believing that the project has failed," he added. Adding that Chinese imperialist communist designs cannot be defeated that easily, Marri, in the statement further said, "If CPEC succeeds, the Baloch nation will be converted into a minority in our own homeland. CPEC's success will be the end of Balochistan's independence movement and success of Balochistan's national struggle will end the CPEC." "Chinese and Pakistani nexus in the region and their belligerence towards their neighbours are known to everyone. Once CPEC's military objectives are achieved that is the construction of bases in Jiwani, Ormara and underground submarine base in Sonmiani, which will help China and Pakistan to encircle India by sea," he added. Marri also warned that geopolitically Baloch will be the first causality of the CPEC and then it will be India and the western countries.

Pakistan created Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority to turn Balochistan into Chinese garrison, says Free Balochistan Movement's President

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 8th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 7th, 2019

Baloch women in Quetta city organized a protest against enforced disappearances in the south-western province of Balochistan.

The protesters led by Mama Qadir Baloch of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons' blamed Pakistan's secret agencies for abducting Rashid Hussain, a Baloch political activist, and a student.

Rashid was arrested by the 'United Arab Emirates' secret police from Sharjah in November 2018 and handed over to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-talks-afghanistan-slams-islamabad-india-says-closely-monitoring-development-253844">Pakistan</a>'s law enforcement agencies in June this year. 
 
He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being.

Rashid's sister, Farida Baloch, said that it has been over three months since Pakistani authorities claimed that Rashid was deported to the country but he has not been presented to any court of law nor has he been provided with a legal representative.

Watch Video: Enforced disappearances continue in Balochistan

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"We were thinking that he will be produced in court after a few days in remand. But, authorities have not produced him anywhere. We have no information about his whereabouts. In our opinion, a person cannot disappear like this. If you have charges against him, he should be produced in court," Farida said.

She added, "This is against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-rights-chief-says-troubled-by-hong-kong-violence-253918">UN human rights</a> convention and he should be given a free and fair trial."

Thousands of abducted Balochs have been kept under illegal detention and are not being released, the women alleged while staging demonstrations.

Protestors stated that the disappeared people still continue to languish in illegal torture cells of Pakistan military and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Baloch women in Quetta city organized a protest against enforced disappearances in the south-western province of Balochistan. The protesters led by Mama Qadir Baloch of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons' blamed Pakistan's secret agencies for abducting Rashid Hussain, a Baloch political activist, and a student.

Baloch women in Quetta city organized a protest against enforced disappearances in the south-western province of Balochistan. The protesters led by Mama Qadir Baloch of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons' blamed Pakistan's secret agencies for abducting Rashid Hussain, a Baloch political activist, and a student. Rashid was arrested by the 'United Arab Emirates' secret police from Sharjah in November 2018 and handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year. He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being. Rashid's sister, Farida Baloch, said that it has been over three months since Pakistani authorities claimed that Rashid was deported to the country but he has not been presented to any court of law nor has he been provided with a legal representative. Watch Video: Enforced disappearances continue in Balochistan × "We were thinking that he will be produced in court after a few days in remand. But, authorities have not produced him anywhere. We have no information about his whereabouts. In our opinion, a person cannot disappear like this. If you have charges against him, he should be produced in court," Farida said. She added, "This is against the UN human rights convention and he should be given a free and fair trial." Thousands of abducted Balochs have been kept under illegal detention and are not being released, the women alleged while staging demonstrations. Protestors stated that the disappeared people still continue to languish in illegal torture cells of Pakistan military and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Balochistan: Women protest against enforced disappearances in Quetta

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 4th, 2019

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan report sheds light on Balochistan saying that it continues to be short-changed politically. Watch this video to know more.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan report sheds light on Balochistan

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. 
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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

Activists of Baloch National Movement (BNM) on Monday held protests outside 10 Downing Street, the residence of British Prime Minister, to raise the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan`s southwestern province of Balochistan.

The activists said that hundreds of Baloch women and children have been abducted by the Pakistan military in Balochistan.

On May 14, Hani Gul Baloch, a student of medicine in Karachi, was abducted along with her fiance, Naseem Baloch. She was kept in military torture cells where she was tormented for three months.

Upon her release, she was expelled by the Hamdard Medical University.

"Pakistan`s intelligence agencies recently adopted a new policy of abducting Baloch women and children to pressurise the Baloch political activists, who are fighting against the injustices committed by the Pakistani military establishment in Balochistan," Hammal Haider Baloch, Foreign spokesperson of BNM said during the protest.

He added, "The situation is becoming worse. Now, we have information that there are more than 100 Baloch women who have been abducted by the Pakistani security forces. They are missing. We have reports that Pakistani intelligence agencies are abducting Baloch women and keeping them in secret torture cells that too in a very grim situation."

The protesters said that they wanted to inform the British Prime Minister`s office regarding the worst human rights situation in Balochistan.

Hakeem Baloch, President of BNM (UK), said in his address, "We wish to make the world aware of the fact that the Pakistani Army is abducting Baloch women. Recently, they abducted women from Awaran, Dera Bugti and Bolan and various other parts of Makran. They are also abducting Baloch women from Karachi. We want to let the world know that they must take action against such inhuman acts of Pakistan."

He added, "Pakistan is losing its power in Balochistan because the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not working in Balochistan. And, now to put pressure on the Baloch political activists and their leaders, they are abducting our women. We want the world to understand the problem of Baloch people and support them."

The Baloch activists have further initiated a social media campaign with hashtag #SaveBalochWomen to raise the issue on the global platform. 
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Activists of Baloch National Movement (BNM) on Monday held protests outside 10 Downing Street, the residence of British Prime Minister, to raise the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan`s southwestern province of Balochistan.

Activists of Baloch National Movement (BNM) on Monday held protests outside 10 Downing Street, the residence of British Prime Minister, to raise the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan`s southwestern province of Balochistan. The activists said that hundreds of Baloch women and children have been abducted by the Pakistan military in Balochistan. On May 14, Hani Gul Baloch, a student of medicine in Karachi, was abducted along with her fiance, Naseem Baloch. She was kept in military torture cells where she was tormented for three months. Upon her release, she was expelled by the Hamdard Medical University. "Pakistan`s intelligence agencies recently adopted a new policy of abducting Baloch women and children to pressurise the Baloch political activists, who are fighting against the injustices committed by the Pakistani military establishment in Balochistan," Hammal Haider Baloch, Foreign spokesperson of BNM said during the protest. He added, "The situation is becoming worse. Now, we have information that there are more than 100 Baloch women who have been abducted by the Pakistani security forces. They are missing. We have reports that Pakistani intelligence agencies are abducting Baloch women and keeping them in secret torture cells that too in a very grim situation." The protesters said that they wanted to inform the British Prime Minister`s office regarding the worst human rights situation in Balochistan. Hakeem Baloch, President of BNM (UK), said in his address, "We wish to make the world aware of the fact that the Pakistani Army is abducting Baloch women. Recently, they abducted women from Awaran, Dera Bugti and Bolan and various other parts of Makran. They are also abducting Baloch women from Karachi. We want to let the world know that they must take action against such inhuman acts of Pakistan." He added, "Pakistan is losing its power in Balochistan because the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not working in Balochistan. And, now to put pressure on the Baloch political activists and their leaders, they are abducting our women. We want the world to understand the problem of Baloch people and support them." The Baloch activists have further initiated a social media campaign with hashtag #SaveBalochWomen to raise the issue on the global platform.

Baloch activists hold protest in London against enforced disappearance of women in Balochistan

Baloch leader Mehran Marri on Saturday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paksitan-pm-to-visit-earthquake-hit-areas-in-pok-252780">Imran Khan</a> over his recent admittance of the country having had cultivated radical factions in the 1980s, saying that the world can perceive the insincerity of such admittance aimed at changing the country's image at the global stage. 
 
"This is the first time that Pakistan's puppet Prime Minister accepted, on an international forum like the [United Nations] security council, that it harboured and trained terrorists in the 80s and 90s and now it is sorry for what it did. I think everyone can see through that statement. They are just saying this to get the funds from the US in the begging bowl," Marri said. 
 
Khan, in his address, had admitted to Pakistan's role in training jihadists during the late 1980s and 1990s and sustaining contacts with them. 
 
"Khan tried to portray that his country was a champion of Islam. By reciting a few verses, he tried to gain the support of the Islamic world. But I don't think that is the case. Everyone knows the reality of Pakistan and its military leadership and its puppet government," he said. 
 
Marri deemed Khan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/subramaniam-swamy-calls-imran-khans-unga-address-roadside-speech-252602">speech as another failed attempt</a> by the country to drum up global support over the Kashmir issue. 
 
"It is funny to see that the Pakistani military and its operatives are so anxious about the Kashmir issue that they are operating as an NGO, running across the planet, trying to lobby countries,&nbsp;to talk about the Kashmir issue," Marri said. 
 
"Their incompetence is so visible in the fact that last Friday, they missed the deadline to pass... gather support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-goofs-up-at-unga-calls-pm-modi-indian-president-252548">U.N. resolution on Kashmir</a>. Obviously they did not have the numbers. But to miss the deadline seems like a high school homework that they missed. Incompetence is so visible in this banana republic," he added. 
 
Pakistan has repeatedly been snubbed on international platforms and countries across the world alike on the Kashmir issue. India has maintained that the abrogation of Article 370 of the constitution that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter - a stance which has been supported by several countries, including the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)&nbsp;nations.

Baloch leader Mehran Marri on Saturday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his recent admittance of the country having had cultivated radical factions in the 1980s, saying that the world can perceive the insincerity of such admittance aimed at changing the country's image at the global stage.

Baloch leader Mehran Marri on Saturday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his recent admittance of the country having had cultivated radical factions in the 1980s, saying that the world can perceive the insincerity of such admittance aimed at changing the country's image at the global stage. "This is the first time that Pakistan's puppet Prime Minister accepted, on an international forum like the [United Nations] security council, that it harboured and trained terrorists in the 80s and 90s and now it is sorry for what it did. I think everyone can see through that statement. They are just saying this to get the funds from the US in the begging bowl," Marri said. Khan, in his address, had admitted to Pakistan's role in training jihadists during the late 1980s and 1990s and sustaining contacts with them. "Khan tried to portray that his country was a champion of Islam. By reciting a few verses, he tried to gain the support of the Islamic world. But I don't think that is the case. Everyone knows the reality of Pakistan and its military leadership and its puppet government," he said. Marri deemed Khan's speech as another failed attempt by the country to drum up global support over the Kashmir issue. "It is funny to see that the Pakistani military and its operatives are so anxious about the Kashmir issue that they are operating as an NGO, running across the planet, trying to lobby countries, to talk about the Kashmir issue," Marri said. "Their incompetence is so visible in the fact that last Friday, they missed the deadline to pass... gather support for U.N. resolution on Kashmir. Obviously they did not have the numbers. But to miss the deadline seems like a high school homework that they missed. Incompetence is so visible in this banana republic," he added. Pakistan has repeatedly been snubbed on international platforms and countries across the world alike on the Kashmir issue. India has maintained that the abrogation of Article 370 of the constitution that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter - a stance which has been supported by several countries, including the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations.

World can sense insincerity of Imran Khan's UNGA address, says Baloch leader Mehran Marri

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