Under Fire for Arresting Baloch Activists, Pakistan Claims UN Engages in 'Selective Criticism'
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Synopsis
Pakistan's Foreign Office criticized the UN's call for the release of Baloch rights activists, labeling it as selective and emphasizing zero tolerance for terrorism. Amid police violence against peaceful protests, the situation escalates as human rights defenders remain detained.
Key Takeaways
- UN demands release of detained Baloch activists.
- Pakistan's Foreign Office condemns UN's stance.
- Police violence during BYC protests leads to fatalities.
- Human rights defenders face severe legal charges.
- Concerns rise over enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
Islamabad, March 27 (NationPress) The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Thursday labeled a demand from the United Nations (UN) human rights experts for the release of Baloch rights activists as "selective criticism", asserting that there can be no tolerance for "terrorists and their facilitators".
On March 21, police in Quetta intervened in a peaceful protest by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) outside the University of Balochistan, which was advocating for the release of activists who have been detained or forcibly disappeared. During the incident, police violence resulted in the deaths of three individuals, multiple injuries, and the arrest of numerous protestors.
Mahrang Baloch, a prominent woman human rights activist and leader of the movement, organized a sit-in with the deceased victims' bodies to protest against police brutality.
On March 22, law enforcement raided the protest site on Quetta's Sariab Road, detaining several BYC activists, including Mahrang Baloch, and employing batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Reports indicated that Mahrang was unaccounted for nearly 12 hours and was purportedly denied access to her family or legal representation. Mahrang and other BYC members have reportedly been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
On March 24, another notable BYC member, Sammi Deen Baloch, was arrested by Karachi Police while protesting against the crackdown in front of the Karachi Press Club. Her detention has been ordered for 30 days under the Sindh Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
In response to these events, UN experts demanded on Wednesday that Pakistan release Balochistan human rights defenders and cease the suppression of peaceful demonstrations. They expressed deep concern for the wellbeing of BYC leaders Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and other human rights activists detained for their peaceful protests.
The experts condemned the escalating violence perpetrated by Pakistani police against the BYC, which advocates for the rights of the marginalized Baloch community.
In a statement from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, experts noted that these actions have intensified following a significant attack by Baloch separatists on a passenger train on March 11, after which several prominent Baloch human rights defenders from the BYC were allegedly arrested or forcibly disappeared by Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department.
"We have been observing with increasing alarm reports of alleged arrests and enforced disappearances of Baloch activists over recent months, and the violent incidents of the last few days have heightened our concerns," the experts stated.
"Our extreme concern extends to the welfare of Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and other human rights defenders detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. We urge the Pakistani authorities to release them immediately and to avoid misusing counter-terrorism or public safety measures against human rights advocates. Furthermore, we call on authorities to promptly clarify the fate and whereabouts of all those reportedly subjected to enforced disappearances," they added.
The experts also urged the Government of Pakistan to address the underlying conditions conducive to terrorism, in accordance with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They are currently in communication with Pakistani authorities regarding their concerns.
In response to the UN's statement, Pakistan's Foreign Office remarked on Thursday that it appears to rely on "selective and unverified" media reports.
"A credible assessment must acknowledge that these individuals are not merely protesters but active participants in a wider campaign of lawlessness and violence," stated Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"There can be no tolerance, nor impunity, for terrorists, their facilitators, or their abettors. Their legal and human rights violations cannot be overlooked," he added.
The Foreign Office spokesperson affirmed Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding the lives and security of its citizens, especially in regions where innocent civilians suffer from "foreign-sponsored terrorism", while pursuing policies designed to promote social and economic development for all societal segments.
Pakistan also emphasized that it has already implemented measures fully in line with international law, reiterating that international law prohibits incitement to violence and terrorism.
