Minister slams Amnesty International report on Balochistan, calls for neutrality
Pakistan
Minister slams report on Balochistan
QUETTA (APP) – Balochistan’s caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai on Wednesday rejected Amnesty International's statement on the situation in Balochistan, stating that it was based on 'unverified claims'.
In a letter addressed to the organisation, the minister said, “Amnesty International’s report on the long march led by Dr Mahrang Baloch and the situation in Balochistan relies on unverified claims, biased sources and demonstrably false narratives disseminated by separatist elements with vested interests.”
The minister emphasised that the Balochistan government “welcomes constructive criticism and engagement on human rights issues”, but noted that the statement “unfortunately lacks the facts and ground realities about the issues of the province”.
He pointed out that the Pakistan government facilitated the long march led by Dr Mahrang Baloch throughout its journey, ensuring their safety and security. However, legitimate concerns arose when the protest veered towards inciting violence and hatred, particularly against state institutions and officials.
The minister added that authorities' actions were limited to maintaining public order and preventing potential security breaches.
Achakzai deplored Amnesty International's overlooking of the well-documented links of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) to banned separatist organisations like the BLF and BLA, responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and atrocities against innocent civilians.
“These groups actively manipulate narratives and exploit genuine grievances for their own nefarious agendas,” he stated.
The minister observed that Amnesty International appeared more concerned with appeasing separatist elements than upholding its own principles of objectivity and factual reporting.
“By endorsing a group promoting external intervention in Pakistan’s internal affairs, Amnesty International undermined national sovereignty and potentially emboldened extremist forces,” he said.
Achakzai disputed Amnesty International's dismissal of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances’ report and government statements as simply “misinformation”, emphasising that the Pakistani government was committed to addressing human rights concerns and had taken concrete steps to investigate enforced disappearances and bring perpetrators to justice.
He termed it ironic that Amnesty International expressed concern about the long march’s plight while turning a blind eye to the egregious human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir.
“This selective outrage betrays AI’s supposed commitment to universal human rights,” he added.
The minister called on Amnesty International to maintain its neutrality and avoid becoming a tool for propaganda by separatist groups.
“The Balochistan government urges Amnesty International to reconsider its biased stance and conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the situation in Balochistan.”
He stressed that Pakistan remained committed to addressing genuine grievances and upholding human rights for all its citizens.
“We welcome constructive criticism and collaboration, but not attempts to undermine national security and promote separatist agendas,” he maintained.
