Baloch Activist Manzoor Baloch Criticizes Pakistani Forces for Mistreating Protesters
Quetta (Balochistan) [Pakistan], August 5: Baloch activist Manzoor Baloch has criticized Pakistani security forces for mistreating peaceful Baloch sit-in protesters who were demonstrating against atrocities by the Pakistani state and its security forces. On the sidelines of the Baloch Yakjhehti Committee’s ongoing protest against enforced disappearances, he spoke about the detention of peaceful protesters and harshly criticized the Pakistani government.
Manzoor Baloch said, “If Baloch Raaji Muchi has announced a peaceful protest, then why are you stopping us? What is your problem? If you are stopping us, it means you fear us. Raiding (Journalist) Usman Khaweja’s house shows the current state of press freedom in Pakistan, as the mainstream media continues to remain silent about the brutality of Pakistan in Balochistan. The way Pakistani forces stopped injured people from reaching hospitals in Gwadar shows how much they hate us.”
He also mentioned that whenever a protest or event takes place in Pakistan, by political parties like the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), everything is arranged–food, security, people, and tents–all funded by the people. He noted that Balochistan is crucial to Pakistan; they know that without our resources, especially Gwadar Port, their position would be compromised. He said that Baloch issues have become a global concern due to the Gwadar Port. He said that the world knows that Gwadar Port is of great strategic importance. He added, “The one who controls Gwadar will be a future superpower. The US understands this, which is why it does not want China to gain access, leaving us caught in this geopolitical struggle.”
The activist noted that Baloch have been at war since 1948, and those who criticize them for being against development should reconsider. He said youth of the region possess knowledge and wisdom, and once they are given the right platform, they will excel. He urged Baloch youth, particularly in Quetta, to be educated about their rights and potential.
Balochistan has long been marred by ongoing tensions and conflicts between Baloch activists and Pakistani security forces. The region has witnessed numerous human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch Activist -: A Baloch activist is someone from the Baloch community who works to protect the rights and interests of Baloch people. Balochistan is a region in Pakistan.
Manzoor Baloch -: Manzoor Baloch is a person who speaks out for the rights of Baloch people. He is an activist, which means he tries to bring attention to problems and make things better for his community.
Pakistani Forces -: Pakistani forces are the military and police in Pakistan. They are responsible for maintaining law and order in the country.
Protesters -: Protesters are people who gather together to show that they are unhappy about something. They usually want to bring attention to an issue and ask for change.
Quetta -: Quetta is a city in Pakistan. It is the capital of the Balochistan province.
Detention -: Detention means keeping someone in a place, like a jail, and not letting them go. It is usually done by the police or military.
Raid -: A raid is when police or military suddenly enter a place, like a house, to search for something or arrest people.
Journalist -: A journalist is a person who writes news stories for newspapers, TV, or the internet. They report on events and share information with the public.
Usman Khaweja -: Usman Khaweja is a journalist, which means he reports news and information. His house was raided by Pakistani forces.
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a port city in Pakistan. It is very important for trade and has a big port where ships come and go.
Gwadar Port -: Gwadar Port is a large harbor in the city of Gwadar. It is important for shipping and trade, and many countries are interested in it because of its location.
Baloch Youth -: Baloch youth are young people from the Baloch community. Manzoor Baloch wants them to learn about their rights and stand up for themselves.
Human Rights Abuses -: Human rights abuses are when people are treated very badly and unfairly. This can include things like being hurt, put in jail without a good reason, or not being allowed to speak freely.