Baloch rights activist to launch 3-day hunger strike over Pakistan rights concerns

Advertisement

London: Baloch human rights activist Aomar Karim will begin a three-day peaceful hunger strike outside the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The office is opposite 10 Downing Street in London. The strike will be from July 1 to July 3. He aims to draw international attention to alleged human rights violations in Pakistan’s Balochistan region.

The protest aims to highlight longstanding concerns over enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. It also addresses the treatment of Baloch political activists and human rights defenders. A key focus of the demonstration is the recent life sentences handed down to Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji. Karim and supporters describe these sentences as politically motivated.

Karim is urging the UK government to issue a clear public statement condemning the life sentences imposed on the two Baloch leaders. He wants the UK to call for all charges against them to be withdrawn. In addition, he is demanding that all charges against other detained Baloch human rights defenders are withdrawn.

He also appealed to the international community to take stronger action. He wants them to address what he described as serious and ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan.

Advertisement

In a statement issued ahead of the protest, Karim alleged that Pakistan’s state institutions, including its military, political leadership and judiciary, were responsible for grave injustices against the Baloch people. He called on democratic governments and international human rights organisations to help end enforced disappearances. Furthermore, he urged them to ensure accountability for alleged abuses and press Pakistan to release all Baloch political prisoners.

According to Karim, several diplomatic and legal measures could be pursued to encourage Pakistan to meet its international human rights obligations. However, the UK should begin by publicly condemning the imprisonment of Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji.

Karim has invited members of the UK’s Baloch community, Members of Parliament, journalists, lawyers, trade unionists, students, political activists, human rights organisations, and the wider public to visit the protest site and show solidarity. The hunger strike will conclude on July 3 with a rally outside the FCDO at 5:30 pm. This event is aimed at amplifying calls for international attention to the situation in Balochistan.

(ANI)

Also Read: China faces global backlash as CTA urges strong international action at UNHRC

Advertisement