Balochistan Being Treated like Bangladesh; HRCP Report

Civilian control, task of policing, accountability of security agencies, and protection of worship places demanded

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has published its report here on Wednesday about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Balochistan province titled ‘Balochistan: Blinkered Slide into chaos’ and demands the government to take action against the violators of the rights of the people.

Ms. Zohra Yusuf, the chairperson of HRCP said on the occasion, “From 2008-11, 144 people have been missing and 44 were reportedly killed. The security agencies, Frontier Constabulary (FC), militants and extremists are involved in targeted killing and disappearance of people in the province”.

She added, “Mostly young people are targeted while on the other hand some are targeted for political and sectarian reasons. No-prosecution of the perpetrator is the main reason behind the unlawful murders.”

The co-chairman of HRCP Mr Kamran Arif While speaking on the occasion said, “Right to live peacefully and abolishment of militarization in the province is the need of the hour. Balochistan is infested with agencies, Military and FC.”

Ms. Zohra Yusuf chairperson HRCP, responding to a question said, “The people of Balochistan are being treated like the people of East Pakistan before it fell. The same state of affairs prevailed and the government was blind to the atrocities being committed at that time. The same is happening in Balochistan.”

MS. Hina Jillani, Council Members, Secretary General HRCP Mr. I.A Rehman, Asma Jahangir and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.