Why Did Baloch Activist Praise the Closure of Finland's Embassy in Pakistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Finnish embassy closure reflects concerns over Pakistan's governance.
- Mir Yar Baloch's advocacy underscores the need for global accountability.
- Increased scrutiny on Balochistan's human rights situation.
- International community urged to support those fighting for justice.
- Regional dynamics influencing diplomatic decisions.
Quetta, Dec 3 (NationPress) Prominent Baloch human rights advocate Mir Yar Baloch expressed his approval of Finland's recent decision to shutter its embassy in Pakistan, emphasizing that this action highlights serious concerns regarding Islamabad's governance failures and the declining security climate.
His comments followed the Finnish Foreign Ministry's announcement on November 28, indicating that the embassies in Islamabad, Kabul, and Yangon would cease operations by 2026.
“The closures are motivated by operational and strategic factors, which are tied to shifts in the political landscape of these nations and their limited economic interactions with Finland,” the Finnish Ministry clarified.
“We commend the Government of Finland for this embassy closure, a decision that reflects profound apprehensions regarding Pakistan’s governance and security. We encourage other nations to reconsider their diplomatic ties, particularly where state-linked actors in Pakistan misuse diplomatic channels to threaten global peace and security,” Mir Baloch stated in a post on X.
The human rights defender also praised the Afghan Government for its choice to halt trade and close crossings along the Durand Line, which he claimed had been long abused by Pakistani authorities and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for unauthorized movements and destabilizing actions. He labeled this move as “historic” and indicative of a regional commitment to uphold sovereignty and security.
Mir further acknowledged the recent actions taken by the United Arab Emirates to strengthen its visa policies amidst rising security issues and documented criminal organizations operating “with the implicit consent or neglect of certain Pakistani state structures.”
“The Gulf region has increasingly contended with incidents of vehicle theft, organized burglary, and other coordinated crimes attributed to groups taking advantage of weak oversight. The recent apprehension of thirteen individuals involved in a major cattle-theft operation underscores the gravity of these issues and the urgent need for stricter regulations,” he remarked.
Mir underscored that for decades, Pakistani authorities have presided over systemic abuses in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, resource plundering, and environmental devastation. He asserted that these violations represent severe breaches of international law, asserting that the world can no longer turn a blind eye to the plight of the Baloch people or the predatory actions carried out by Pakistani institutions.
“The time has arrived for the international community to adopt a resolute and principled stance regarding the ongoing crisis in Pakistan. Through its policies, institutions, and security mechanisms, the state has consistently violated fundamental human rights, stifled democratic aspirations, and destabilized regional peace. These actions necessitate global examination and accountability,” Mir declared.
He emphasized that it is imperative for the global community to hold Pakistani institutions accountable and support those “fighting for justice, dignity, and the right to shape their own future.”