HRCP raises the alarm about human rights issues in Balochistan

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Citizens watch demonstrations against enforced disappearances in Balochistan on Eid July 10, 2022. Twitter
Citizens watch demonstrations against enforced disappearances in Balochistan on Eid July 10, 2022. Twitter

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) notes with great alarm that Balochistan is facing increasing public frustration regarding enforced disappearanceseconomic exclusion, restrictions on press freedom, mismanagement and allegations of political manipulation by the establishment.

a fact-finding mission led by HRCP observed a palpable sense of anger among ordinary citizens in October 2022, many of whom went so far as to call Balochistan a “colony” of the state in encounters with the organization.

The mission consisted of Senior Journalist and HRCP Treasurer Husain Naqi, Vice President HRCP Balochistan Habib Tahir, Staffers Maheen Pracha, Fareed Shahwani and Ghani Parwaz, and Journalist Akbar Notezai. The team spoke to a wide range of civil society members, including human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and members of the fishing community, as well as political leaders and members of government in Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur and Quetta.

The mission is concerned about the state widespread use of enforced disappearances to silence dissent, a complaint echoed in countless conversations. This discontent was exacerbated by the extensive presence of paramilitary checkpoints, which citizens say have fostered a climate of fear, particularly in Makran.

In addition, in the midst of a severe economic downturn, the resource-rich province remains deprived of a fair share of revenue from major development projects. The mission also noted that the lack of a healthy legal trade ecosystem between Balochistan and neighboring countries has exacerbated poverty in the province.

Among other recommendations, the mission calls for an immediate end to unjustified interference in the political affairs of Balochistan 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 believes that the long-standing requirements of the Haq Do Tehreek for basic services should be met, while ongoing or planned projects under CPEC should not erode the source of income of the Gwadar fishing community. The mission also believes that the legitimate grievances of the Pashtun people, particularly those surrounding unequal representation in the provincial legislature, should be heard fairly by all political stakeholders.

Given the devastating impact of the floods in parts of Balochistan, the mission also underlined the need for a consistent and strong local government capable of developing early warning systems, evacuation plans and community reservations stockpiling emergency supplies in conjunction with the PDMA.


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