April 9, 2023
2 mins read

Enforced disappearances still haunt Balochistan

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan is concerned at the state’s widespread use of enforced disappearances to muzzle dissent….reports Asian Lite News

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has said that Balochistan faces mounting public frustration pertaining to enforced disappearances, economic exclusion, curbs on press freedom, misgovernance and allegations of political manipulation by the establishment.

A fact-finding mission led by HRCP has observed a palpable sense of anger among ordinary citizens, many of whom went so far as to refer to Balochistan as a ‘colony’ of the state during meetings with the organisation.

The team spoke to a wide range of civil society members, including human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, and members of the fisherfolk community, as well as political leaders and members of the administration in Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur and Quetta.

The mission is concerned at the state’s widespread use of enforced disappearances to muzzle dissent, a grievance echoed in numerous conversations.

This discontent has been compounded by the extensive presence of paramilitary check-posts, which citizens say has cultivated a climate of fear, particularly in Makran.

Additionally, in the midst of a serious economic downturn, the resource-rich province continues to be deprived of its fair share of revenues from large development projects. The mission also observed that the absence of a healthy legal trading ecosystem between Balochistan and neighbouring countries has exacerbated poverty levels in the province, HRCP said.

Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances continue in Balochistan: rights body(IN)

Among other recommendations, the mission calls for an immediate halt to unwarranted interference in Balochistan’s political affairs by the establishment, accountability for perpetrators of enforced disappearances and legislation by the Balochistan Assembly to protect the security and independence of the province’s media professionals.

The mission strongly feels that the Haq Do Tehreek’s long-standing demands for basic amenities must be met, while any ongoing or planned projects under CPEC should not impinge on the Gwadar fisherfolk community’s source of livelihood.

The mission also believes that the legitimate grievances of the Pashtun population, particularly those around unequal representation in the provincial legislature, must be given a fair hearing by all political stakeholders, HRCP said.

ALSO READ: Founder of Baloch terror group nabbed in Pakistan

Previous Story

Tourism rebounds in Sri Lanka

Next Story

Justice still a pipe dream for 2019 Easter attacks victims

Latest from -Top News

UN Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers

Thursday was observed as the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring the work of 61,353 peacekeepers, of whom 5,375 hailed from India….reports Asian Lite News Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who

Modi’s New Warfare Playbook

Modi has upended the old playbook and India and Pakistan are entering dangerous new territory where nuclear deterrence is no longer a guarantee against conventional conflict…writes Collins Chong Yew Keat The India-Pakistan

Turkey’s Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence….writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Imran in a fix as Pak Taliban to Resume Attacks

The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant outfit has declined to extend

Pakistani Taliban gear up for Ramadan offensive

The call for a fresh offensive has come in the