Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, the protesters demanded the immediate release of hundreds of Baloch political activists, students and other intellectuals who had been illegally abducted by secret services and the Army in the past few months.

The family members of Baloch missing persons have been protesting for the past few months, but their voice is unheard by Islamabad. They demand enforced disappearances should be criminalised.

Among many women who have joined the protest for the safe release of their husband is Zarina Baloch, wife of Shabir Baloch. Zarina`s husband was abducted on 14 October 2016 and she has never heard of him again. She has travelled from Awaran to set up a protest camp in capital Quetta.

There are many such families who have been silently fighting for injustice. In Quetta, a large number of missing persons` families were joined by civil rights and human rights activists to work for the safe recovery of Baloch missing persons.

Nasurallah Baloch, Chairman of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons said in his address, "Baloch women and children have been protesting since morning to evening for the safe recovery of their sons and brothers. Now, every Baloch must stand and give support to mothers and children. We want to tell those powerful officials and politicians as how the revolution will take birth in Balochistan".

"I have high praise for our mothers and sisters who have come on streets to seek justice for their loved ones who are disappeared. The civil society activists and human rights organizations in Balochistan will stand with you," said Nasrullah while announcing an indefinite protest for enforced disappeared persons.

Baloch human rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch also joined the protest rally in Quetta and demand justice for innocent Baloch who have been languishing in illegal detention centres. It is believed many of these missing persons were killed and their mutilated bodies were thrown in isolated places by the secret agencies.

Balochistan is a resource-rich province of Pakistan, which the indigenous people claim to be forcefully occupied. The Baloch, who have been fighting for independence from Pakistan, are being targeted by secret agencies like the ISI and Military Intelligence. The people, who are generally targetted are the journalists, youth leaders, doctors, teachers and other intellectual people, who have been resisting against Islamabad.

The number of enforced disappearances and target killings has increased in Balochistan since China launched its multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region. Balochistan`s Gwadar Port is the prime transit point, in which China is investing huge money.

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday.

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday. In Dera Ghazi Khan, the protesters demanded the immediate release of hundreds of Baloch political activists, students and other intellectuals who had been illegally abducted by secret services and the Army in the past few months. The family members of Baloch missing persons have been protesting for the past few months, but their voice is unheard by Islamabad. They demand enforced disappearances should be criminalised. Among many women who have joined the protest for the safe release of their husband is Zarina Baloch, wife of Shabir Baloch. Zarina`s husband was abducted on 14 October 2016 and she has never heard of him again. She has travelled from Awaran to set up a protest camp in capital Quetta. There are many such families who have been silently fighting for injustice. In Quetta, a large number of missing persons` families were joined by civil rights and human rights activists to work for the safe recovery of Baloch missing persons. Nasurallah Baloch, Chairman of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons said in his address, "Baloch women and children have been protesting since morning to evening for the safe recovery of their sons and brothers. Now, every Baloch must stand and give support to mothers and children. We want to tell those powerful officials and politicians as how the revolution will take birth in Balochistan". "I have high praise for our mothers and sisters who have come on streets to seek justice for their loved ones who are disappeared. The civil society activists and human rights organizations in Balochistan will stand with you," said Nasrullah while announcing an indefinite protest for enforced disappeared persons. Baloch human rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch also joined the protest rally in Quetta and demand justice for innocent Baloch who have been languishing in illegal detention centres. It is believed many of these missing persons were killed and their mutilated bodies were thrown in isolated places by the secret agencies. Balochistan is a resource-rich province of Pakistan, which the indigenous people claim to be forcefully occupied. The Baloch, who have been fighting for independence from Pakistan, are being targeted by secret agencies like the ISI and Military Intelligence. The people, who are generally targetted are the journalists, youth leaders, doctors, teachers and other intellectual people, who have been resisting against Islamabad. The number of enforced disappearances and target killings has increased in Balochistan since China launched its multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region. Balochistan`s Gwadar Port is the prime transit point, in which China is investing huge money.

Massive anti-Pakistan protests held across Balochistan

Pakistan is failing to educate a huge proportion of the country's girls due to shortage of government schools, under-investment in schools, as well as gender discrimination and child marriage, Human Rights Watch, said in a report.&nbsp;

The 111-page report, 'Shall I Feed My Daughter, or Educate Her?': Barriers to Girls' Education in Pakistan,' said that many girls have no access to education.

Nearly 22.5 million of Pakistan's children in a country with a population of just over 200 million are out of school, the majority of them girls. Thirty-two per cent of primary school age girls are out of school in Pakistan, compared with 21 per cent of boys. By ninth grade, only 13 per cent of girls are still in school.&nbsp;

"The Pakistan government's failure to educate children is having a devastating impact on millions of girls," women's rights director at Human Rights Watch Liesl Gerntholtz said adding that many of the girls are desperate to study, but instead are growing up without the education that would help them have options for their future.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch interviewed 209 people for the report most of them with girls who never attended school or were unable to complete their education, and their families in all four of Pakistan's provinces: Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. Human Rights Watch also interviewed parents, educators, experts, and activists, and visited schools.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch said factors keeping girls out of school include the government's under-investment in schools, lack of schools, prohibitive school fees and related costs, corporal punishment, and a failure to enforce compulsory education. Poor quality within both government and low-cost private schools, a lack of government regulation of private schools, and corruption also add to the reasons girls are forced to stay out of school.&nbsp;

In addition to these factors within the education system, girls are also blocked from attending school by external factors including child labour, gender discrimination, child marriage, sexual harassment, insecurity, and attacks on education.&nbsp;

The Pakistan government has consistently invested far less in education than is recommended by international standards. As of 2017, Pakistan was spending less than 2.8 per cent of its gross domestic product on education far below the recommended four to six per cent leaving the government's education system severely under-funded. Government schools are in such short supply that even in Pakistan's major cities, many children cannot reach a school on foot safely in a reasonable amount of time.&nbsp;

The situation is far worse in rural areas and there are many more schools for boys than for girls, the rights group said.&nbsp;

"Even parents who are not educated themselves understand that their daughters' future depends on them going to school, but the government is abandoning these families," Gerntholtz said.&nbsp;

Pakistan is failing to educate a huge proportion of the country's girls due to shortage of government schools, under-investment in schools, as well as gender discrimination and child marriage, Human Rights Watch, said in a report.

Pakistan is failing to educate a huge proportion of the country's girls due to shortage of government schools, under-investment in schools, as well as gender discrimination and child marriage, Human Rights Watch, said in a report. The 111-page report, 'Shall I Feed My Daughter, or Educate Her?': Barriers to Girls' Education in Pakistan,' said that many girls have no access to education. Nearly 22.5 million of Pakistan's children in a country with a population of just over 200 million are out of school, the majority of them girls. Thirty-two per cent of primary school age girls are out of school in Pakistan, compared with 21 per cent of boys. By ninth grade, only 13 per cent of girls are still in school. "The Pakistan government's failure to educate children is having a devastating impact on millions of girls," women's rights director at Human Rights Watch Liesl Gerntholtz said adding that many of the girls are desperate to study, but instead are growing up without the education that would help them have options for their future. Human Rights Watch interviewed 209 people for the report most of them with girls who never attended school or were unable to complete their education, and their families in all four of Pakistan's provinces: Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. Human Rights Watch also interviewed parents, educators, experts, and activists, and visited schools. Human Rights Watch said factors keeping girls out of school include the government's under-investment in schools, lack of schools, prohibitive school fees and related costs, corporal punishment, and a failure to enforce compulsory education. Poor quality within both government and low-cost private schools, a lack of government regulation of private schools, and corruption also add to the reasons girls are forced to stay out of school. In addition to these factors within the education system, girls are also blocked from attending school by external factors including child labour, gender discrimination, child marriage, sexual harassment, insecurity, and attacks on education. The Pakistan government has consistently invested far less in education than is recommended by international standards. As of 2017, Pakistan was spending less than 2.8 per cent of its gross domestic product on education far below the recommended four to six per cent leaving the government's education system severely under-funded. Government schools are in such short supply that even in Pakistan's major cities, many children cannot reach a school on foot safely in a reasonable amount of time. The situation is far worse in rural areas and there are many more schools for boys than for girls, the rights group said. "Even parents who are not educated themselves understand that their daughters' future depends on them going to school, but the government is abandoning these families," Gerntholtz said.

Pakistan failing to educate girls due to shortage of government schools: Human Rights Watch

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his government is focusing on abolishing Balochistan's apprehensions regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promising to give the province its due share from the deal.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government is conducting the review of the muti-billion dollar deal to address Balochistan's doubts, Khan confirmed during a meeting with the province's cabinet members here.

"Centre will work with Balochistan as a partner. We will not make any such promise for which we may have to excuse later on," said the Prime Minister.

He further bemoaned the damage caused to Pakistan by previous governments through the over-burdening loans they took, saying, "We hope that we will soon get rid of this difficulty."

While stating that the country's progress was connected with the development of the south-western province, Khan said that an agricultural revolution will be witnessed in Balochistan following the completion of the Kachhi canal.

The eighty-kilometres of the 363 kilometre-long canal lies in Balochistan, with the other 281 kilometres being in the Punjab province.

The PTI chief also called upon Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan to inculcate the newly instituted local bodies system, which also slated to be introduced in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Khan said that his party was able to garner two-thirds majority in the KP Assembly as resources were sanctioned for the lowest levels of the government."There have been massive developments in KP villages as the basic living standards of people improved," said the Prime Minister.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his government is focusing on abolishing Balochistan's apprehensions regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promising to give the province its due share from the deal.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his government is focusing on abolishing Balochistan's apprehensions regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promising to give the province its due share from the deal. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government is conducting the review of the muti-billion dollar deal to address Balochistan's doubts, Khan confirmed during a meeting with the province's cabinet members here. "Centre will work with Balochistan as a partner. We will not make any such promise for which we may have to excuse later on," said the Prime Minister. He further bemoaned the damage caused to Pakistan by previous governments through the over-burdening loans they took, saying, "We hope that we will soon get rid of this difficulty." While stating that the country's progress was connected with the development of the south-western province, Khan said that an agricultural revolution will be witnessed in Balochistan following the completion of the Kachhi canal. The eighty-kilometres of the 363 kilometre-long canal lies in Balochistan, with the other 281 kilometres being in the Punjab province. The PTI chief also called upon Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan to inculcate the newly instituted local bodies system, which also slated to be introduced in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Khan said that his party was able to garner two-thirds majority in the KP Assembly as resources were sanctioned for the lowest levels of the government."There have been massive developments in KP villages as the basic living standards of people improved," said the Prime Minister.

Imran Khan promises to give Balochistan its due share in CPEC

Balochistan National Congress (BNC), a Washington, DC-based Baloch body, has strongly condemned Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi over his "hypocritical" remarks at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Session.

The BNC said, Qureshi while speaking at the UNGA's 73rd Session in New York had called the Indian atrocities against the Kashmiri people unjust and unacceptable, but he fell short to mention Pakistan's illegal and unjust occupation of Balochistan and the Pakistan army's atrocities against the innocent and defenseless Baloch people in the occupied Balochistan.

"On one side Qureshi is shedding crocodile tears for the Kashmiri people, but at the same time, he has closed his eyes over Pakistan's illegal, immoral and unjust occupation of Balochistan and Pakistan army's atrocities against the innocent and defenseless Baloch citizens in the occupied Balochistan. What a hypocrite, two-faced and double standard person he is," said Dr. Baloch, the president of BNC.

"Under what international laws Pakistan continues to occupy Balochistan and exploits its natural resources against the will and mandate of Baloch people?" he asked.

The BNC president further said that "it is time for Pakistan to end the illegal, immoral and unjust occupation of Balochistan and leave Balochistan peacefully without any further bloodshed and violence."

"Pakistan is in violation of international laws for illegally occupying Balochistan against the will and mandate of Baloch people and Pakistan has no right to stay in Balochistan but needs to peacefully withdraw its forces from the occupied Balochistan and Balochistan's sovereign status as an independent and free country must be restored according to the international laws," said Dr. Baloch.

He also asked the world community and world leaders to support the struggle of Baloch people in their fight for freedom and justice in the occupied Balochistan against the "illegal occupation of their motherland and exploitation of their natural resources by Pakistan, Iran and China".

He asked the Baloch militants to shun the path of militancy and violence and use only peaceful means of struggle to secure Balochistan for the Baloch people. The BNC president said, "BNC only believe in peaceful means of struggle and is against the violence, terrorism and extremism in its all forms and shapes" 
&nbsp;

Balochistan National Congress (BNC), a Washington, DC-based Baloch body, has strongly condemned Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi over his "hypocritical" remarks at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Session.

Balochistan National Congress (BNC), a Washington, DC-based Baloch body, has strongly condemned Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi over his "hypocritical" remarks at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Session. The BNC said, Qureshi while speaking at the UNGA's 73rd Session in New York had called the Indian atrocities against the Kashmiri people unjust and unacceptable, but he fell short to mention Pakistan's illegal and unjust occupation of Balochistan and the Pakistan army's atrocities against the innocent and defenseless Baloch people in the occupied Balochistan. "On one side Qureshi is shedding crocodile tears for the Kashmiri people, but at the same time, he has closed his eyes over Pakistan's illegal, immoral and unjust occupation of Balochistan and Pakistan army's atrocities against the innocent and defenseless Baloch citizens in the occupied Balochistan. What a hypocrite, two-faced and double standard person he is," said Dr. Baloch, the president of BNC. "Under what international laws Pakistan continues to occupy Balochistan and exploits its natural resources against the will and mandate of Baloch people?" he asked. The BNC president further said that "it is time for Pakistan to end the illegal, immoral and unjust occupation of Balochistan and leave Balochistan peacefully without any further bloodshed and violence." "Pakistan is in violation of international laws for illegally occupying Balochistan against the will and mandate of Baloch people and Pakistan has no right to stay in Balochistan but needs to peacefully withdraw its forces from the occupied Balochistan and Balochistan's sovereign status as an independent and free country must be restored according to the international laws," said Dr. Baloch. He also asked the world community and world leaders to support the struggle of Baloch people in their fight for freedom and justice in the occupied Balochistan against the "illegal occupation of their motherland and exploitation of their natural resources by Pakistan, Iran and China". He asked the Baloch militants to shun the path of militancy and violence and use only peaceful means of struggle to secure Balochistan for the Baloch people. The BNC president said, "BNC only believe in peaceful means of struggle and is against the violence, terrorism and extremism in its all forms and shapes"

Baloch body condemns Pak Foreign Minister's 'hypocritical' remarks at UN

At least three paramilitary soldiers were killed and four others injured in an attack by militants in Pakistan's Balochistan province today.

Two militants attacked a check post of paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) near Mastung city of the province, a security official said.

One attacker was killed in exchange of fire with soldiers while other blew himself up, according to the security sources.

They said that three soldiers were killed and four injured in the gun battle and ensuing suicide bombing.

Two terrorists attacked a check post of paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) near Mastung

At least three paramilitary soldiers were killed and four others injured in an attack by militants in Pakistan's Balochistan province today. Two militants attacked a check post of paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) near Mastung city of the province, a security official said. One attacker was killed in exchange of fire with soldiers while other blew himself up, according to the security sources. They said that three soldiers were killed and four injured in the gun battle and ensuing suicide bombing.

Terrorists attack Pakistan checkpoint in Balochistan; 3 soldiers killed

The Baloch National Movement staged a protest in Germany's&nbsp;Göttingen against Pakistan on Sunday for conducting nuclear tests in 1998.

Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998.&nbsp;

The protesters claim&nbsp;that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test.

According to reports the inhabitants and the newborn in the region are born with serious disease due to the after-effects of the nuclear test.

With the code name Chagai-I, this was the first public test of nuclear weapons.

The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998.

Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device.&nbsp;

The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day". 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The protesters from Baloch National Movement claim that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test

The Baloch National Movement staged a protest in Germany's Göttingen against Pakistan on Sunday for conducting nuclear tests in 1998. Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998. The protesters claim that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test. According to reports the inhabitants and the newborn in the region are born with serious disease due to the after-effects of the nuclear test. With the code name Chagai-I, this was the first public test of nuclear weapons. The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998. Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device. The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day".

Baloch National Movement stages protest in Germany against 1998 Pakistan nuclear test

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes.

During a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) - the top civil and military body - Sartaj Aziz, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, on Saturday briefed the Committee on the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan reform proposals, an official statement said.

The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reviewed these proposals and after detailed deliberations a consensus was reached on the "devolution of greater administrative authority and financial powers" to the PoK government and the Gilgit-Baltistan government, according to the statement.

The details of administrative and financial reform have not been shared so far.

However, there was also consensus over retention of the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils as advisory bodies and the grant of a five-year tax holiday to Gilgit-Baltistan so as to create adequate incentives for the development of the region and bring it at par with the other areas of Pakistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan.

India has termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as the fifth province. India has protested to China over the CPEC which goes through Gilgit-Baltistan region.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Earlier media reports had said that Pakistan plans to elevate the constitutional status of the region to provide legal cover to the CPEC.

The NSC also endorsed that FATA shall be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with the introduction of the administrative and judicial institutional structures and laws of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the statement said.

The Committee directed the concerned ministries to work out the constitutional, legal and administrative modalities for the merger in consultation with all parties in the Parliament.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Defence & Foreign Affairs Khurram Dastgir Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval and Air forces, ISI chief and other senior civil and military officials

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes. During a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) - the top civil and military body - Sartaj Aziz, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, on Saturday briefed the Committee on the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan reform proposals, an official statement said. The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reviewed these proposals and after detailed deliberations a consensus was reached on the "devolution of greater administrative authority and financial powers" to the PoK government and the Gilgit-Baltistan government, according to the statement. The details of administrative and financial reform have not been shared so far. However, there was also consensus over retention of the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils as advisory bodies and the grant of a five-year tax holiday to Gilgit-Baltistan so as to create adequate incentives for the development of the region and bring it at par with the other areas of Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan. India has termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as the fifth province. India has protested to China over the CPEC which goes through Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status. Earlier media reports had said that Pakistan plans to elevate the constitutional status of the region to provide legal cover to the CPEC. The NSC also endorsed that FATA shall be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with the introduction of the administrative and judicial institutional structures and laws of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the statement said. The Committee directed the concerned ministries to work out the constitutional, legal and administrative modalities for the merger in consultation with all parties in the Parliament. The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Defence & Foreign Affairs Khurram Dastgir Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval and Air forces, ISI chief and other senior civil and military officials

Pak to give greater administrative and financial authority to PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan

According to reports, a businessman and his son were shot dead in Balochistan province of Pakistan. The incident happened during a robbery bid yesterday.

The victims, Jay Pal Das and his son Girish Nath, were believed to be Hindus. They were shot dead by unidentified assailants near a cement factory.

As per reports, the father-son duo was killed as they resisted the robbery bid.

"An investigation team has been assigned the task to nab the culprits and very soon they will be in police custody," Lasbela Senior Superintendent of Police Muhammad Hashim said.

"Strict security measures have been adopted in residential areas of the Hindu community as it is our responsibility to make sure of your safety as well as of all others," he added.

This is not the first incident of violence against Hindu business community in Balochistan province. The community has often faced violence in the past perpetrated by criminal groups.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

This is not the first incident of violence against Hindu business community in Balochistan province

According to reports, a businessman and his son were shot dead in Balochistan province of Pakistan. The incident happened during a robbery bid yesterday. The victims, Jay Pal Das and his son Girish Nath, were believed to be Hindus. They were shot dead by unidentified assailants near a cement factory. As per reports, the father-son duo was killed as they resisted the robbery bid. "An investigation team has been assigned the task to nab the culprits and very soon they will be in police custody," Lasbela Senior Superintendent of Police Muhammad Hashim said. "Strict security measures have been adopted in residential areas of the Hindu community as it is our responsibility to make sure of your safety as well as of all others," he added. This is not the first incident of violence against Hindu business community in Balochistan province. The community has often faced violence in the past perpetrated by criminal groups. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan: Hindu businessman shot dead in Balochistan province

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday said India should invade Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and make it a part of India.&nbsp;

"It is true that terrorists are trained in Pakistan, a solution to this problem is that India should invade PoK and make it a part of the country," he said.&nbsp;

He also said that India should also help in freedom of Balochistan, only then Pakistan will correct its course.

Ramdev made this statement after Pakistan’s ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday admitted that homegrown terrorist outfits were responsible for the 2008 attacks in Mumbai.

On November 26, 2008, 10 armed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists forced their way into Mumbai and carried out coordinated shooting and bombing. Commonly called the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the city was under siege till November 29. Coordinated attacks killed 166 and injured over 300. Only one of the terrorists, Ajmal Kasab, could be caught alive. On May 3, 2010, he was found guilty of 80 offences and was sentenced to death on four counts and to a life sentence on five counts. He was executed on November 21, 2012.

Ramdev is in Bihar since Tuesday for holding training camps in districts like Nalanda and Gaya.

Earlier, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev called on Lalu Prasad to congratulate him on his son's marriage and advised the ailing leader to practice safe breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom Pranayama to maintain good health.

Ramdev is in Bihar since Tuesday for holding training camps in districts like Nalanda and Gaya.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday said India should invade Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and make it a part of India. "It is true that terrorists are trained in Pakistan, a solution to this problem is that India should invade PoK and make it a part of the country," he said. He also said that India should also help in freedom of Balochistan, only then Pakistan will correct its course. Ramdev made this statement after Pakistan’s ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday admitted that homegrown terrorist outfits were responsible for the 2008 attacks in Mumbai. On November 26, 2008, 10 armed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists forced their way into Mumbai and carried out coordinated shooting and bombing. Commonly called the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the city was under siege till November 29. Coordinated attacks killed 166 and injured over 300. Only one of the terrorists, Ajmal Kasab, could be caught alive. On May 3, 2010, he was found guilty of 80 offences and was sentenced to death on four counts and to a life sentence on five counts. He was executed on November 21, 2012. Ramdev is in Bihar since Tuesday for holding training camps in districts like Nalanda and Gaya. Earlier, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev called on Lalu Prasad to congratulate him on his son's marriage and advised the ailing leader to practice safe breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom Pranayama to maintain good health.

India should invade Pakistan-occupied Kashmir: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev

Pakistan`s Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has condemned the targetted attacks on members of the minority Hazara community in Balochistan, describing it as a clear case of "ethnic cleansing".

Leading a two-judge bench comprising of Justice Ijazul Ahsan and himself at the Supreme Court`s Quetta Registry, Chief Justice Nisar, taking suo moto notice of the attacks, said, "For me, the targetted killing of the Hazara community in Quetta is ethnic cleansing and that is why I had to take suo motu notice. We have no words to condemn the killings of Hazaras."

According to the Express Tribune, Chief Justice Nisar took suo motu notice of recent attacks on the beleaguered community and asked the Balochistan government, Levies, police, and the Interior Ministry to submit separate reports to the apex court.

Earlier, community leaders approached the bench to relate their predicament."The Hazaras are being killed for the last 20 years, but no one has been arrested till this date," Advocate Iftikhar Ali, a leader of the community, told the court.

He claimed the Hazaras were facing systemic discrimination."We are facing personal and financial losses due to this persecution," the Express Tribune quoted him, as saying.

He also highlighted the fact that security for 15 Hazara leaders has been withdrawn, which the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Quetta) denied.

Chief Justice Nisar asked Balochistan Inspector General Police (IGP) Moazzam Jah Ansari and other agencies to reveal the measures they were taking to protect the community.

Balochistan IGP Ansari revealed that 399 Hazaras had been killed in various incidents of terrorism in the last six years.

The highest number of Hazaras (208) was killed in 2013, while 19 people from the minority community and 20 settlers were killed in 2012, his report said.

"Nine members of the Hazara community have been targeted in Balochistan in the last four months," the IGP said, adding that 106 security personnel have also been killed since 2012 in targetted attacks.

"Twenty-eight personnel have been martyred so far in various incidents across the province this year. The security situation in the province has improved now," he added.

Another leader of Hazaras, Major (retd) Nadir Ali, lamented that a joint investigation team (JIT) formed to investigate targetted killings of the Hazaras could not produce any significant results.

Chief Justice Nisar ordered the IGP to directly look into the issue.

The chief justice also took notice of a separate petition filed by a Hazara woman whose husband has reportedly gone missing and advised IGP Ansari and the Frontier Corps to contact intelligence agencies for assistance in the matter.

"We cannot exist peacefully without state institutions. We should not consider them as our enemies," he said in a reference to the intelligence agencies on Friday.

"I met the Hazara community recently. They were so afraid, they wouldn`t even lodge complaints or request the Supreme Court, while killers of the community are holding public rallies," Chief Justice Nisar said.

The CJP ordered the authorities to improve and implement a security plan immediately. He later adjourned the hearing till after Eid-ul-Fitr.

Chief Justice Nisar asked Balochistan Inspector General Police (IGP) Moazzam Jah Ansari and other agencies to reveal the measures they were taking to protect the community.

Pakistan`s Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has condemned the targetted attacks on members of the minority Hazara community in Balochistan, describing it as a clear case of "ethnic cleansing". Leading a two-judge bench comprising of Justice Ijazul Ahsan and himself at the Supreme Court`s Quetta Registry, Chief Justice Nisar, taking suo moto notice of the attacks, said, "For me, the targetted killing of the Hazara community in Quetta is ethnic cleansing and that is why I had to take suo motu notice. We have no words to condemn the killings of Hazaras." According to the Express Tribune, Chief Justice Nisar took suo motu notice of recent attacks on the beleaguered community and asked the Balochistan government, Levies, police, and the Interior Ministry to submit separate reports to the apex court. Earlier, community leaders approached the bench to relate their predicament."The Hazaras are being killed for the last 20 years, but no one has been arrested till this date," Advocate Iftikhar Ali, a leader of the community, told the court. He claimed the Hazaras were facing systemic discrimination."We are facing personal and financial losses due to this persecution," the Express Tribune quoted him, as saying. He also highlighted the fact that security for 15 Hazara leaders has been withdrawn, which the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Quetta) denied. Chief Justice Nisar asked Balochistan Inspector General Police (IGP) Moazzam Jah Ansari and other agencies to reveal the measures they were taking to protect the community. Balochistan IGP Ansari revealed that 399 Hazaras had been killed in various incidents of terrorism in the last six years. The highest number of Hazaras (208) was killed in 2013, while 19 people from the minority community and 20 settlers were killed in 2012, his report said. "Nine members of the Hazara community have been targeted in Balochistan in the last four months," the IGP said, adding that 106 security personnel have also been killed since 2012 in targetted attacks. "Twenty-eight personnel have been martyred so far in various incidents across the province this year. The security situation in the province has improved now," he added. Another leader of Hazaras, Major (retd) Nadir Ali, lamented that a joint investigation team (JIT) formed to investigate targetted killings of the Hazaras could not produce any significant results. Chief Justice Nisar ordered the IGP to directly look into the issue. The chief justice also took notice of a separate petition filed by a Hazara woman whose husband has reportedly gone missing and advised IGP Ansari and the Frontier Corps to contact intelligence agencies for assistance in the matter. "We cannot exist peacefully without state institutions. We should not consider them as our enemies," he said in a reference to the intelligence agencies on Friday. "I met the Hazara community recently. They were so afraid, they wouldn`t even lodge complaints or request the Supreme Court, while killers of the community are holding public rallies," Chief Justice Nisar said. The CJP ordered the authorities to improve and implement a security plan immediately. He later adjourned the hearing till after Eid-ul-Fitr.

Pakistan CJ condemns ''ethnic cleansing'' of Hazaras

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anger-in-france-britain-over-us-president-donald-trumps-gun-law-speech-134851">Anger in France, Britain over US president Donald Trump's gun law speech</a>

US President Donald Trump sparked anger in France and Britain by suggesting looser gun laws could have helped prevent deadly attacks in Paris in 2015, and linking a wave of knife crime in London to a handgun ban.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/18-miners-killed-several-injured-as-two-coal-mines-collapse-in-balochistan-134856">18 miners killed, several injured as two coal mines collapse in Balochistan</a>

At least 18 people were killed, 13 injured and about a dozen went missing as two coal mines collapsed in different areas of Pakistan's Balochistan on Saturday, media reports said.'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860">Muslim </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860">organisations</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860"> burn 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office</a>

Muslim organisations on Saturday burnt 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office in Lucknow in protest against the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-confirms-death-sentences-for-11-hardcore-terrorists-134865">Pakistan Army Chief confirms death sentences for 11 'hardcore terrorists'</a>

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday confirmed the death sentence of 11 hardcore terrorists, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

I<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-to-meet-russias-putin-on-wednesday-statement-134853">sraeli PM Netanyahu to meet Russia's Putin on Wednesday: Statement</a>

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement on Saturday.

Anger in France, Britain over US president Donald Trump's gun law speech US President Donald Trump sparked anger in France and Britain by suggesting looser gun laws could have helped prevent deadly attacks in Paris in 2015, and linking a wave of knife crime in London to a handgun ban. 18 miners killed, several injured as two coal mines collapse in Balochistan At least 18 people were killed, 13 injured and about a dozen went missing as two coal mines collapsed in different areas of Pakistan's Balochistan on Saturday, media reports said.' Muslim organisations burn 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office Muslim organisations on Saturday burnt 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office in Lucknow in protest against the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Pakistan Army Chief confirms death sentences for 11 'hardcore terrorists' Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday confirmed the death sentence of 11 hardcore terrorists, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Israeli PM Netanyahu to meet Russia's Putin on Wednesday: Statement Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement on Saturday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The death toll in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/18-miners-killed-several-injured-as-two-coal-mines-collapse-in-balochistan-134856">twin blast that rocked Balochistan on Saturday</a> has killed at least 23 miners.

The first incident occurred at a mine in Marwaarh, east of the city of Quetta in Balochistan, while the second blast occurred at Sooranj area.

The Pakistan media reports quoted commissioner of Quetta Division saying that explosion in Marwaah occurred due to the accumulation of methane gas. About 25 miners were working inside the mine when the blast took place, the commissioner said.

The second blast at Sooranj&nbspkilled seven miners.

All the injured miners were rescued and shifted to the hospital for treatment.

Balochistan with a&nbsprich accumulation of minerals has a very poor safety record.

Authorities fear of more casualties in the two blasts.

The first incident occurred at a mine in Marwaarh, east of the city of Quetta in Balochistan, while the second blast occurred at Sooranj area

The death toll in the twin blast that rocked Balochistan on Saturday has killed at least 23 miners. The first incident occurred at a mine in Marwaarh, east of the city of Quetta in Balochistan, while the second blast occurred at Sooranj area. The Pakistan media reports quoted commissioner of Quetta Division saying that explosion in Marwaah occurred due to the accumulation of methane gas. About 25 miners were working inside the mine when the blast took place, the commissioner said. The second blast at Sooranj&nbspkilled seven miners. All the injured miners were rescued and shifted to the hospital for treatment. Balochistan with a&nbsprich accumulation of minerals has a very poor safety record. Authorities fear of more casualties in the two blasts.

23 miners killed in Balochistan twin coal mine collapse

At least 18 people were killed, 13 injured and about a dozen went missing as two coal mines collapsed in different areas of Pakistan's Balochistan on Saturday, media reports said.

A mine in Marwar area near provincial capital Quetta collapsed due to gas explosion and about two dozen miners were trapped inside. 
Deputy Commissioner Quetta Farrukh Atique told PTI that that 16 people have died in the collapse.

"We have recovered all the 16 bodies from the rubble caused by the collapse in the coal mine," Atique said.

"We have also rescued six workers who are trapped in the rubble and have sent them to the hospital for treatment but one miner is still trapped under the rubble," he said.

Rescue officials said a dozen of the dead miners belonged to Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

"The collapse apparently took place because of a gas explosion and the miners working at that time were trapped inside. Some died on the spot while others who were badly injured breathed their last under the rubble," Atique said.

Chief of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Muhammad Tariq also confirmed that 16 miners had been killed. 
"So far 16 dead bodies and six injured miners have been recovered from the mine," he said.

In another incident, at least nine miners were trapped in a mine of Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) near Quetta, an official said.

He said the rescue workers recovered two dead bodies and two injured miners, while efforts were on to recover another five workers who remain trapped.

Mining is considered highly dangerous in Pakistan where dozens of miners die each year due to lack of modern mining facilities, training and equipment.

According to the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation (PCMLF), about 100 to 200 labourers die on average in coal mine accidents every year.

Last month, at least 11 miners died in two separate mining incidents in Darra Adam Khel area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Jhelum district of Punjab.&nbsp;

Officials said the death toll might rise as at least five people were trapped under the debris of the collapsed mine.

At least 18 people were killed, 13 injured and about a dozen went missing as two coal mines collapsed in different areas of Pakistan's Balochistan on Saturday, media reports said. A mine in Marwar area near provincial capital Quetta collapsed due to gas explosion and about two dozen miners were trapped inside. Deputy Commissioner Quetta Farrukh Atique told PTI that that 16 people have died in the collapse. "We have recovered all the 16 bodies from the rubble caused by the collapse in the coal mine," Atique said. "We have also rescued six workers who are trapped in the rubble and have sent them to the hospital for treatment but one miner is still trapped under the rubble," he said. Rescue officials said a dozen of the dead miners belonged to Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. "The collapse apparently took place because of a gas explosion and the miners working at that time were trapped inside. Some died on the spot while others who were badly injured breathed their last under the rubble," Atique said. Chief of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Muhammad Tariq also confirmed that 16 miners had been killed. "So far 16 dead bodies and six injured miners have been recovered from the mine," he said. In another incident, at least nine miners were trapped in a mine of Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) near Quetta, an official said. He said the rescue workers recovered two dead bodies and two injured miners, while efforts were on to recover another five workers who remain trapped. Mining is considered highly dangerous in Pakistan where dozens of miners die each year due to lack of modern mining facilities, training and equipment. According to the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation (PCMLF), about 100 to 200 labourers die on average in coal mine accidents every year. Last month, at least 11 miners died in two separate mining incidents in Darra Adam Khel area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Jhelum district of Punjab.

18 miners killed, several injured as two coal mines collapse in Balochistan

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

The annual budget of Balochistan for 2018-19 will be presented on May 9, approved the Balochistan cabinet on Friday.

The cabinet meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, reported Dawn.

The cabinet decided that the budget would be people-friendly. Bizenjo underscored that his government was endeavouring to provide to the people maximum relief and facilities.

According to the report, the Cabinet also decided to cease relapsing development funds for the current fiscal year by April 27 and ordered all departments to send proposals for development schemes and projects for the next year to the Planning and Development Department by May 1, the report said.&nbsp

The cabinet decided that the budget would be people-friendly.

The annual budget of Balochistan for 2018-19 will be presented on May 9, approved the Balochistan cabinet on Friday. The cabinet meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, reported Dawn. The cabinet decided that the budget would be people-friendly. Bizenjo underscored that his government was endeavouring to provide to the people maximum relief and facilities. According to the report, the Cabinet also decided to cease relapsing development funds for the current fiscal year by April 27 and ordered all departments to send proposals for development schemes and projects for the next year to the Planning and Development Department by May 1, the report said.

Pakistan: Balochistan budget to be presented on May 9

Anti-Pakistan banners stating "Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity"&nbsp;and "must question Pakistan for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-announces-worldwide-protest-on-balochistan-occupation-day-36199">enforced disappearances in Balochistan</a>" were seen in London ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Protest over liberating Balochistan have been on the rise in Pakistan as well as in other&nbsp;parts of the world. There have been frequent protests over alleged&nbsp;human rights violations in Balochistan with several banners&nbsp;frequently seen in London, New York and&nbsp;Geneva in the past one year.&nbsp;

Last year, taxis in London and New York carried "Free Balochistan" banners as the protests spread rapidly to other parts of the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taxis-with-free-balochistan-slogans-now-in-new-york-27425" target="_blank">Now, taxis with 'Free Balochistan' slogan in New York</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-protest-in-london-against-cpec-human-rights-violations-by-pakistan-31035" target="_blank">Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan</a>

According to Free Baloch Movement, Pakistan forces have abducted and killed over thousands of Baloch since 1948.

A Free Balochistan Movement was&nbsp;organised on March 17 in London to highlight a worldwide protest against the "illegal occupation" of Balochistan by Pakistan.

Balochistan was taken over by Pakistan on March 27, 1948.

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Anti-Pakistan banners stating 'Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity' and 'must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan' were seen in London ahead of the Commonwealth meeting of the Heads of the Government

Anti-Pakistan banners stating "Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity" and "must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan" were seen in London ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Protest over liberating Balochistan have been on the rise in Pakistan as well as in other parts of the world. There have been frequent protests over alleged human rights violations in Balochistan with several banners frequently seen in London, New York and Geneva in the past one year. Last year, taxis in London and New York carried "Free Balochistan" banners as the protests spread rapidly to other parts of the world. Also read: Now, taxis with 'Free Balochistan' slogan in New York Also read: Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan According to Free Baloch Movement, Pakistan forces have abducted and killed over thousands of Baloch since 1948. A Free Balochistan Movement was organised on March 17 in London to highlight a worldwide protest against the "illegal occupation" of Balochistan by Pakistan. Balochistan was taken over by Pakistan on March 27, 1948. Anti-Pakistan banners reading 'Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity' & 'must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan' seen in London. #UnitedKingdom pic.twitter.com/IlkTqIe1NG — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2018 ×

Anti-Pakistan banners in London ahead of CHOGM

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan.

The protesters chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and carried flags to commemorate what they say was the annexation of Balochistan in 1948 by Pakistan's armed forces.

Aziz Baloch, a Free Balochistan movement activist in Canada, said that Pakistan army has been conducting an internal displacement throughout Balochistan for many years.

He further claimed that Islamabad has forcefully abducted 20,000 Baloch people till now.

"Even after seven decades of its forceful occupation, Pakistan has failed to provide even basic facilities such as primary education, healthcare and potable water to the people of the resource-rich province of Balochistan," he added.

Aziz further called the much-vouched China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a 'satanic coalition'&nbsp;between the two countries."The China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is constantly touted as the economic game changer by Islamabad administration has only added to the woes of the people of the region," said Aziz.

Further, President of the Canada-based World Baloch Women's Forum Professor Naela Quadri Baloch said, "Pakistan has sold Balochistan to China.

"The Chinese Navy and other forces are coming to Balochistan because Pakistan is no more able to keep us, slaves," Naela Quadri said.

The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations.

Recently, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, activists raised the issue of enforced disappearances, torture and killings of several Baloch activists and intellectuals.

A Pakistan journalist, named Taha Siddiqui, said that the Islamabad government has been neglecting the instances of abduction of the Baloch natives for many years.

"There is a camp for missing Baloch persons outside the Islamabad Press Club that is going on for many years now. And, it does not get any coverage in local media. There are women and children sitting with photos of their loved ones who have been missing for months, years and even at times for decades. And, there is no end to their misery," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui, in a March 28 interview, had informed that March 27 is observed as 'Black Day'&nbsp;as on that day Pakistan attacked the province in 1948 and illegally occupied it with internationally recognised borders and a legal system of governance.

A large number of people in Balochistan are internally displaced whereas many have taken exile in other countries.

The situation is deteriorating as the Pakistan army and its intelligence agency are on a rampage to eliminate the identity of indigenous Baloch people.

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan. The protesters chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and carried flags to commemorate what they say was the annexation of Balochistan in 1948 by Pakistan's armed forces. Aziz Baloch, a Free Balochistan movement activist in Canada, said that Pakistan army has been conducting an internal displacement throughout Balochistan for many years. He further claimed that Islamabad has forcefully abducted 20,000 Baloch people till now. "Even after seven decades of its forceful occupation, Pakistan has failed to provide even basic facilities such as primary education, healthcare and potable water to the people of the resource-rich province of Balochistan," he added. Aziz further called the much-vouched China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a 'satanic coalition' between the two countries."The China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is constantly touted as the economic game changer by Islamabad administration has only added to the woes of the people of the region," said Aziz. Further, President of the Canada-based World Baloch Women's Forum Professor Naela Quadri Baloch said, "Pakistan has sold Balochistan to China. "The Chinese Navy and other forces are coming to Balochistan because Pakistan is no more able to keep us, slaves," Naela Quadri said. The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations. Recently, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, activists raised the issue of enforced disappearances, torture and killings of several Baloch activists and intellectuals. A Pakistan journalist, named Taha Siddiqui, said that the Islamabad government has been neglecting the instances of abduction of the Baloch natives for many years. "There is a camp for missing Baloch persons outside the Islamabad Press Club that is going on for many years now. And, it does not get any coverage in local media. There are women and children sitting with photos of their loved ones who have been missing for months, years and even at times for decades. And, there is no end to their misery," Siddiqui said. Siddiqui, in a March 28 interview, had informed that March 27 is observed as 'Black Day' as on that day Pakistan attacked the province in 1948 and illegally occupied it with internationally recognised borders and a legal system of governance. A large number of people in Balochistan are internally displaced whereas many have taken exile in other countries. The situation is deteriorating as the Pakistan army and its intelligence agency are on a rampage to eliminate the identity of indigenous Baloch people.

Baloch activists observe Black Day against Pakistan atrocities

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing.

The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other political parties jointly held a protest rally from Tetri Mor to Mazarpur.

The police carried out a baton charge and opened fire on the protesters. In retaliation, the locals attacked army posts and set them on fire.

In Muzaffarabad, the inhabitants carried out a protest against police and army brutality.&nbsp &nbsp&nbsp

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082">Baloch Republican Party holds </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082">anti-Pakistan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082"> protest in Geneva</a>

"Pakistan's intelli gence agencies are forcing an action committee at the ceasefire line to not hold any protest against the exchange of mortar shells. They are putting pressure on them which resulted in a baton charge by the police on peaceful protesters. It is unfortunate that the locals are being used as human shields. They are using their homes to fire gunshots and mortar shells across the border. The return fire comes directly to these houses, resulting in heavy casualties," PoK activist Mir Afzal Suleria said.

"For the past 70 years, the army claims to be here for our protection, but why are they using us as shields to carry out attacks. It shows that the government is deliberately wanting people to die so that they get a chance to promote their propaganda. We condemn it and nationalists in PoK are united in launching a protest against the Pakistan and PoK governments," he added.

The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing.

They also blamed the Pakistan Army for using civilians as human shields.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-pashtuns-carry-out-anti-pakistan-protest-wont-move-till-demands-met-31716">Islamabad: Pashtuns carry out anti-Pakistan protest, won't move till demands met</a>

"I want to ask Raja Farooq Haider, has the Pakistan Army been able to take an inch of land from India? No, they have not taken. And, in future also, they will not be able to take an inch of land. Farooq Haider wishes India to do firing on civilians so that he can get a chance to do propaganda. We regret his line of thinking," Afzal said.

On March 16, similar protests were held in the Poonch area of PoK, in which two political activists were killed in police firing and many were seriously injured.

The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing. The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other political parties jointly held a protest rally from Tetri Mor to Mazarpur. The police carried out a baton charge and opened fire on the protesters. In retaliation, the locals attacked army posts and set them on fire. In Muzaffarabad, the inhabitants carried out a protest against police and army brutality. Also read: Baloch Republican Party holds anti-Pakistan protest in Geneva "Pakistan's intelli gence agencies are forcing an action committee at the ceasefire line to not hold any protest against the exchange of mortar shells. They are putting pressure on them which resulted in a baton charge by the police on peaceful protesters. It is unfortunate that the locals are being used as human shields. They are using their homes to fire gunshots and mortar shells across the border. The return fire comes directly to these houses, resulting in heavy casualties," PoK activist Mir Afzal Suleria said. "For the past 70 years, the army claims to be here for our protection, but why are they using us as shields to carry out attacks. It shows that the government is deliberately wanting people to die so that they get a chance to promote their propaganda. We condemn it and nationalists in PoK are united in launching a protest against the Pakistan and PoK governments," he added. The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing. They also blamed the Pakistan Army for using civilians as human shields. Also read: Islamabad: Pashtuns carry out anti-Pakistan protest, won't move till demands met "I want to ask Raja Farooq Haider, has the Pakistan Army been able to take an inch of land from India? No, they have not taken. And, in future also, they will not be able to take an inch of land. Farooq Haider wishes India to do firing on civilians so that he can get a chance to do propaganda. We regret his line of thinking," Afzal said. On March 16, similar protests were held in the Poonch area of PoK, in which two political activists were killed in police firing and many were seriously injured.

PoK residents protest against Pak brutalities

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan would be the &#39;industrial hub&#39; of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built.

In an interview with a private television channel, Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors, adding that it would help to create millions of job opportunities for the Pakistani youth&nbsp;

The minister said in 2013 when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came in to power, the country was facing many challenges, including terrorism, energy shortfall, and deteriorating law and order situation. The government with its effective policies, reduced terrorist acts, overcame energy shortage and improved the law and order situation.

&quot;Some 11,500-megawatt electricity was added to the national grid during the last four years. About USD 35 billion has been spent in the energy sector only and there was not even a single penny of loan included in it, rather it was investment under the CPEC,&quot; Iqbal asserted.

The Pakistani leader further said that the USD 62 billion economic corridor was launched after &#39;comprehensive consultation and consensus&#39; from all political parties which is a combination of uilding roads, rails, power plants and economic free zones in Pakistan. He also termed the CPEC project as a &#39;gamechanger&#39; for the country&#39;s economy as well.

He said that Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan would become the &#39;gateways&#39; for the economic corridor and trade zones would be set up at all provinces in Pakistan.

He added that Chinese and Pakistani companies would make large-scale investment in the trade zones, which would not only create new jobs for the citizens but also help to transfer &#39;new technology to Pakistan&#39;.

Last week, Iqbal had said that complete development og Gwadar will make Pakistan a hub of regional trade. He further announced that &nbsp;a genuine programme was initiated to mine coal from Thar, and first coal-based power project in the area which will become operational by the end of this year. He said Thar coal is enough to generate five thousand megawatts of electricity for four hundred years.

Further, he talked about the level of improvement in Balochistan and measures the Government had tajen to address the conditions in the state.&nbsp;

India is against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan would be the 'industrial hub' of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built. In an interview with a private television channel, Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors, adding that it would help to create millions of job opportunities for the Pakistani youth The minister said in 2013 when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came in to power, the country was facing many challenges, including terrorism, energy shortfall, and deteriorating law and order situation. The government with its effective policies, reduced terrorist acts, overcame energy shortage and improved the law and order situation. "Some 11,500-megawatt electricity was added to the national grid during the last four years. About USD 35 billion has been spent in the energy sector only and there was not even a single penny of loan included in it, rather it was investment under the CPEC," Iqbal asserted. The Pakistani leader further said that the USD 62 billion economic corridor was launched after 'comprehensive consultation and consensus' from all political parties which is a combination of uilding roads, rails, power plants and economic free zones in Pakistan. He also termed the CPEC project as a 'gamechanger' for the country's economy as well. He said that Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan would become the 'gateways' for the economic corridor and trade zones would be set up at all provinces in Pakistan. He added that Chinese and Pakistani companies would make large-scale investment in the trade zones, which would not only create new jobs for the citizens but also help to transfer 'new technology to Pakistan'. Last week, Iqbal had said that complete development og Gwadar will make Pakistan a hub of regional trade. He further announced that a genuine programme was initiated to mine coal from Thar, and first coal-based power project in the area which will become operational by the end of this year. He said Thar coal is enough to generate five thousand megawatts of electricity for four hundred years. Further, he talked about the level of improvement in Balochistan and measures the Government had tajen to address the conditions in the state. India is against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan to be 'industrial hub' of South Asia after CPEC project: Pak Interior Minister

The Free Balochistan Movement on Saturday announced to organise a worldwide protest to highlight the illegal occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan on March 27, 1948.

In a statement to media, the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that &quot;since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history. On this day in 1948, the state of Pakistan attacked and forcibly annexed the Baloch country to their newly forged colonial theocratic state of Pakistan.&quot;

&quot;The Baloch nation has never yielded to any form of illegal occupation of their country. From the very day that Pakistan occupied Balochistan, the Baloch resistance to regain their independence began under the leadership of Agha Abdul Kareem Khan,&quot; the statement added.

The FBM further said the Baloch liberation movement has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups.

&quot;Ever since the Baloch liberation movement has been transformed from a potential movement into a nationwide actual movement. It has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. Today, the illegal occupiers of Balochistan are totally aware of this fact. The decisive break is imminent,&quot; the statement further read.

The FBM highlighted that the colonial theocratic states are not here to stay forever.

&quot;The fact that they have never had a day free of instability, violence, corruption, religious fundamentalism, militarism, misery and extreme poverty during their entire existence is a case in point. Their entire existence has been marred by one crisis after another,&quot; the FBM said.

They further said the Pakistani rule has created killing fields in Balochistan, which shows that they are going through the last stage of their colonial rule in the province.

&quot;More than 6000 abducted Baloch have been killed under-custody by Pakistan forces. The victims include university professors, students, lawyers, poets, singers and human rights, doctors, farmers, workers, social activists and other highly educated members of Baloch society,&quot; the FBM said in a statement.

Later, the FBM confirmed that it will hold protest demonstrations in London, Germany, Canada, USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and Afghanistan on March 27, 2018, to mark the illegal occupation day of Balochistan by the artificial state of Pakistan.

The Free Balochistan Movement has also invited all Baloch and other human rights activists to join our protests around the world and express your legitimate democratic right to be free from any form of colonialism and illegal occupation of Balochistan.&nbsp;

The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that 'since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history'.

The Free Balochistan Movement on Saturday announced to organise a worldwide protest to highlight the illegal occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan on March 27, 1948. In a statement to media, the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that "since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history. On this day in 1948, the state of Pakistan attacked and forcibly annexed the Baloch country to their newly forged colonial theocratic state of Pakistan." "The Baloch nation has never yielded to any form of illegal occupation of their country. From the very day that Pakistan occupied Balochistan, the Baloch resistance to regain their independence began under the leadership of Agha Abdul Kareem Khan," the statement added. The FBM further said the Baloch liberation movement has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. "Ever since the Baloch liberation movement has been transformed from a potential movement into a nationwide actual movement. It has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. Today, the illegal occupiers of Balochistan are totally aware of this fact. The decisive break is imminent," the statement further read. The FBM highlighted that the colonial theocratic states are not here to stay forever. "The fact that they have never had a day free of instability, violence, corruption, religious fundamentalism, militarism, misery and extreme poverty during their entire existence is a case in point. Their entire existence has been marred by one crisis after another," the FBM said. They further said the Pakistani rule has created killing fields in Balochistan, which shows that they are going through the last stage of their colonial rule in the province. "More than 6000 abducted Baloch have been killed under-custody by Pakistan forces. The victims include university professors, students, lawyers, poets, singers and human rights, doctors, farmers, workers, social activists and other highly educated members of Baloch society," the FBM said in a statement. Later, the FBM confirmed that it will hold protest demonstrations in London, Germany, Canada, USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and Afghanistan on March 27, 2018, to mark the illegal occupation day of Balochistan by the artificial state of Pakistan. The Free Balochistan Movement has also invited all Baloch and other human rights activists to join our protests around the world and express your legitimate democratic right to be free from any form of colonialism and illegal occupation of Balochistan.

Free Balochistan Movement announces worldwide protest on Balochistan Occupation Day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-security-forces-open-fire-on-terrorists-in-pulwama-after-weapon-snatching-incident-35978" target="_blank">J&amp;K: Security forces open fire on terrorists in Pulwama after weapon snatching incident, 2 killed</a>

At least two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s&nbsp;Pulwama district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pedestrian-bridge-collapses-in-florida-4-dead-35967" target="_blank">Pedestrian bridge collapses in Florida, 4 dead</a>

Four people were killed and at least 10 injured after a bridge collapsed in Miami. The newly erected 950-ton bridge pedestrian bridge spanned several lanes of traffic&nbsp;at Florida International University.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/there-were-disappearingsindhisin-pakistan-35968" target="_blank">Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC</a>

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are &quot;disappearing&quot;&nbsp;in Pakistan.&nbsp;He added that attempts were being made to create&nbsp;fear among Sindhis.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2-killed-7-injured-in-house-explosion-in-pakistans-balochistan-province-35982" target="_blank">2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan province</a>

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province, police said Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/queen-gives-formal-consent-for-grandson-harry-to-marry-meghan-markle-35963" target="_blank">Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle</a>

Britain&#39;s Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her &quot;dearly beloved&quot; grandson Prince Harry to marry his US fiancee&nbsp;Meghan&nbsp;Markle.

J&K: Security forces open fire on terrorists in Pulwama after weapon snatching incident, 2 killed At least two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Pedestrian bridge collapses in Florida, 4 dead Four people were killed and at least 10 injured after a bridge collapsed in Miami. The newly erected 950-ton bridge pedestrian bridge spanned several lanes of traffic at Florida International University. Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are "disappearing" in Pakistan. He added that attempts were being made to create fear among Sindhis. 2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said Friday. Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle Britain's Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her "dearly beloved" grandson Prince Harry to marry his US fiancee Meghan Markle.

WION Morning News brief, March 16, 2018

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province, police said Friday.

Many others are trapped under the debris and efforts are on to rescue them, they said.

The incident took place last night in which the roof and walls of the house collapsed.

&quot;We don&#39;t know what caused the blast but it was powerful and damaged the house,&quot; Deputy Commissioner Killa Saifullah Shafqat Anwar Shahwani said.

The injured, including women and children, belonged to the same family and were shifted to hospital for treatment.

Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations.&nbsp;

Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said Friday. Many others are trapped under the debris and efforts are on to rescue them, they said. The incident took place last night in which the roof and walls of the house collapsed. "We don't know what caused the blast but it was powerful and damaged the house," Deputy Commissioner Killa Saifullah Shafqat Anwar Shahwani said. The injured, including women and children, belonged to the same family and were shifted to hospital for treatment. Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations.

2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province

The members of the Baloch Republican Party (BPR) have raised the issue of human rights violations carried out by Pakistan in Balochistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

&quot;The precious natural resources of Balochistan are being looted and taken away by the Pakistani state while the Baloch people are forced to live in Stone Age like conditions,&quot; said representative of the Baloch Republican Party to the UNHRC Abdul Nawaz Bugti.

&quot;Whenever the Baloch people demanded their rights from the Pakistani state, the response has always been military operations and massacre by the army,&quot; he added, &quot;300 thousand Baloch have been displaced and 27 thousands have become the victim of enforced disappearances.&quot;

He noted that &quot;torture and custodial killings of Baloch activists are common practice. Even women and children are not spared.&quot;

Another activist of BPR threw light on the plight of women in Balochistan.

&quot;While the world talks about gender equality and equal rights for women, the women in Balochistan are facing state terrorism, in addition to global problems,&quot; activist, BPR Muhammad Jawad.

&quot;They are most affected by the military operations, enforced disappearances of their family members,&quot; he added.

Jawad went on to say that &quot;there is hardly women in Balochistan who has not lost his husband, brother, father or son as a result of notorious kill and dump policy of Pakistan Army.&quot;

The members of the Baloch Republican Party (BPR) have raised the issue of human rights violations carried out by Pakistan in Balochistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

The members of the Baloch Republican Party (BPR) have raised the issue of human rights violations carried out by Pakistan in Balochistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). "The precious natural resources of Balochistan are being looted and taken away by the Pakistani state while the Baloch people are forced to live in Stone Age like conditions," said representative of the Baloch Republican Party to the UNHRC Abdul Nawaz Bugti. "Whenever the Baloch people demanded their rights from the Pakistani state, the response has always been military operations and massacre by the army," he added, "300 thousand Baloch have been displaced and 27 thousands have become the victim of enforced disappearances." He noted that "torture and custodial killings of Baloch activists are common practice. Even women and children are not spared." Another activist of BPR threw light on the plight of women in Balochistan. "While the world talks about gender equality and equal rights for women, the women in Balochistan are facing state terrorism, in addition to global problems," activist, BPR Muhammad Jawad. "They are most affected by the military operations, enforced disappearances of their family members," he added. Jawad went on to say that "there is hardly women in Balochistan who has not lost his husband, brother, father or son as a result of notorious kill and dump policy of Pakistan Army."

Baloch activists raise voice against atrocities by Pakistan at UNHRC

In yet another protest against Pakistan, activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) staged a protest against the human rights violation in Pakistan.

The protest was staged outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland.

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Activists from PoK hold protest outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violations by Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/CDIZD4D0yK">pic.twitter.com/CDIZD4D0yK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973560325592309760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The locals of Pok have been staging such protests against Pakistan for a long time.

Strongly opposing the construction of dams and hydroelectricity&nbsp;projects in the region they have been holding protests against the Pakistan government&#39;s &quot;plundering of resources&quot; from their region.

They claim that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from CPEC&nbsp;project.

A similar protest was held outside&nbsp;various offices of the United States in Geneva,&nbsp;Switzerland against human rights violation in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-parties-hold-anti-pak-protest-in-london-23593" target="_blank">Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan province</a>&nbsp;on March 11.

Wearing shirts with &quot;Free Balochistan&quot; written over it the protesters&nbsp;demanded sovereign Baloch state.

&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taxis-with-free-balochistan-slogans-now-in-new-york-27425" target="_blank">Now, taxis with &#39;Free Balochistan&#39; slogan in New York</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-protest-in-london-against-cpec-human-rights-violations-by-pakistan-31035" target="_blank">Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan</a>

A day before Pakistan Journalist, after attending the UN Human Rights Council Session, had said in Geneva that some of the minorities were facing killings and abductions in Pakistan and these were not reported in Pak media.

He said &quot;Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming&quot;.

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National security itself (in Pakistan) is defined by military. Self-censorship is worst form of censorship. Some narratives are missing from mainstream media, especially how to protect minorities:Arif Tauqeer, Pak journalist after attending UN Human Rights Council Session <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Geneva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Geneva</a> <a href="https://t.co/UJ5uDgHVOP">pic.twitter.com/UJ5uDgHVOP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973254445218914307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings &amp; abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming: Arif Tauqeer, Pakistani journalist <a href="https://t.co/s7ek9l13LS">pic.twitter.com/s7ek9l13LS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973254448758886400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pakistan journalist said 'Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings, and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah, and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media'

In yet another protest against Pakistan, activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) staged a protest against the human rights violation in Pakistan. The protest was staged outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. Activists from PoK hold protest outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violations by Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/CDIZD4D0yK — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2018 × The locals of Pok have been staging such protests against Pakistan for a long time. Strongly opposing the construction of dams and hydroelectricity projects in the region they have been holding protests against the Pakistan government's "plundering of resources" from their region. They claim that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from CPEC project. A similar protest was held outside various offices of the United States in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violation in Pakistan's Balochistan province on March 11. Wearing shirts with "Free Balochistan" written over it the protesters demanded sovereign Baloch state. Also read: Now, taxis with 'Free Balochistan' slogan in New York Also read: Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan A day before Pakistan Journalist, after attending the UN Human Rights Council Session, had said in Geneva that some of the minorities were facing killings and abductions in Pakistan and these were not reported in Pak media. He said "Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming". National security itself (in Pakistan) is defined by military. Self-censorship is worst form of censorship. Some narratives are missing from mainstream media, especially how to protect minorities:Arif Tauqeer, Pak journalist after attending UN Human Rights Council Session #Geneva pic.twitter.com/UJ5uDgHVOP — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings & abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming: Arif Tauqeer, Pakistani journalist pic.twitter.com/s7ek9l13LS — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 ×

'Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported'

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