U.S. Questions Islamabad’s Balochistan Crackdown

The U.S. Representative to the UN Human Rights Council has expressed “serious concern” over Pakistan’s violent response to separatists in southwestern Balochistan Province.

Ambassador Eileen Donahoe told the council in Geneva on October 30 that Washington has serious reservations about human rights situation in Balochistan.

She said Pakistan Army operations there are “aimed at silencing dissent.”

She said Pakistan should ensure that those guilty of torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings must be prosecuted.

Donahoe made the remarks during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review.

All UN members are expect to undergo such a review of their human rights record every four years.

Thousands of civilians, soldiers, and guerillas have been killed in eight years of unrest in the vast desert region where numerous ethnic Balochi factions are fighting for independence from Pakistan.

Based on reporting by Reuters and BBC Urdu

Courtesy: rferl

http://www.rferl.org/content/us-concern-pakistan-balochistan-crackdown/24756729.html 

Via – Facebook, Twitter » TF’s tweet

United front to oppose the controversial SPLGA

MY VISIT TO MOTHERLAND

By: Dr. Valeed A. Shaikh

I was able to visit Karachi, Hyderabad and Larkano. Stopped multiple time to visit and talk to folks on the road, shops and schools. The overwhelming feeling of betrayal is evident and obvious. Sindhis did not expect this from the PPP they thought was their saviour. People are upset. One teacher made the following observation ” If PPP had performed in the last four and half years and life was somewhat better for ordinary folks, we may have given them a pass” Sindhis have been stung by their own and don’t know who to trust. ….

I must say the voice of Sindhi Diaspora also played a very important part in this equation. … We were able to give our Advertisement in Sindhi Media both print and electronic.  ….

I did get the chance to meet most of the stake holders and exchanged ideas. In fact I did most of the listening. Following is my observation.

. There is a very strong feeling that if Sindhis are unable to revert this controversial & black law now, they will be behind the curve for a very long time. Something needs to happen and happen NOW.

…. I was unable to arrange conference of stakeholders during this trip. Logistics and time constrains were the limiting factors. We are extremely fortunate to have reservoir of goodwill in Sindh. We must use this to the advantage of our motherland Sindh.

I propose that we hold a grand conference of all stake holders in Karachi, Sindh in February. Given enough time to arrange, we will be able to move the dialogue. I am more than willing to arrange this with permission of incoming SANA EC and whoever wants to volunteer.

I will be arranging a teleconference soon to continue our efforts and seek your advise and input.

Courtesy: SANA list, October 31, 2012