Pakistan: Baloch rights group condemns attack on principal Sharif Zakir's residence
Attack on Principal Sharif Zakir Baloch's Home in Turbat Condemned by Paank
Paank, the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement, has condemned the attack on the residence of Principal Sharif Zakir Baloch in Turbat, Balochistan. The attack involved indiscriminate gunfire and a grenade, highlighting the precarious situation faced by civilians in the region.
Principal Sharif Zakir, a respected educator affiliated with Sachan Grammar School and Model High School Turbat, was targeted in what Paank describes as part of a broader pattern of repression against educated and progressive voices in Balochistan. This attack is not an isolated incident but indicative of systemic human rights violations, where state-affiliated armed personnel are accused of using intimidation tactics to silence dissent.
The timing of the attack is particularly alarming, following the enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing of Principal Zakir's brother, Hanif, in October 2020. These events illustrate a climate of impunity in Balochistan, where security forces operate with little fear of accountability.
Paank emphasized that targeting civilians, especially educators, is a severe violation of international human rights law, which protects the rights to life, freedom of expression, and personal security. The deliberate targeting of educators undermines the right to education and threatens cultural and intellectual growth.
The organization has called for immediate action to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure the protection of fundamental rights in Balochistan. Paank urged the Pakistan government to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into the attack, ensuring those responsible are held accountable. They also called for an end to the harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders, educators, and civilians, emphasizing the need for their protection and freedom to express dissent.
Paank stands in solidarity with the people of Balochistan and urges the international community to act against ongoing human rights violations.
Doubts Revealed
Principal Sharif Zakir Baloch
Principal Sharif Zakir Baloch is a person who works as the head of a school or college in Turbat, which is a city in Balochistan, Pakistan.
Turbat
Turbat is a city in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is known for its cultural and historical significance.
Paank
Paank is the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement, which is a group that works to protect and promote the rights of people in Balochistan.
Baloch National Movement
The Baloch National Movement is an organization that seeks to represent the interests and rights of the Baloch people, who live in the Balochistan region of Pakistan.
Balochistan
Balochistan is a province in Pakistan. It is the largest province by area and is known for its diverse culture and natural resources.
Grenade
A grenade is a small bomb that can be thrown by hand. It is used in military and violent situations to cause explosions.
Repression
Repression means keeping people from expressing their thoughts or doing what they want, often through force or unfair treatment.
Disappearance
Disappearance refers to a situation where a person goes missing and cannot be found, often under mysterious or suspicious circumstances.
Human rights
Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that all people should have, like the right to speak freely, live safely, and be treated fairly.
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