Baloch Yakjehti Committee Condemns Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Laws Against Peaceful Activists

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has criticized the Pakistani government for using anti-terrorism laws against peaceful political activists, calling it discriminatory and authoritarian. They condemned the placement of BYC member Shahgi Sibghatullah on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act-1997.

In a post on X, BYC stated, "Leveraging the State's Anti-Terrorism laws on part of the government against peaceful political workers is both discriminatory and unacceptable. Placing Shahgi Sibghatullah, a central member of BYC in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act-1997, reflects the authoritarian and colonial mindset of the State towards the Baloch and Balochistan."

BYC emphasized that Shahgi's struggle through BYC aims to resist state policies that result in the genocide of the Baloch. They asserted that every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, movement, and peaceful assembly under the country's constitution and International Human Rights Law. Equating peaceful political struggle with terrorism is contrary to global democratic norms and endangers human lives.

BYC further stated, "Such tactics aimed at curtailing fundamental rights of political workers in Balochistan is a recurring State strategy to curb peaceful voices empowered by Baloch masses and highlighting their genuine grievances."

BYC called on the global community and human rights organizations to address these violations, likening the state's actions to apartheid and urging Baloch society to resist oppressive laws. They stated, "The discriminatory use of law by the state against political workers without concrete evidence is not only a violation of International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) but also equates to apartheid. We urge the global community and Human Rights Organisations to raise concern against such practices. All segments of the Baloch society must resist such colonial laws."

The Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, in Pakistan allows the government to list individuals associated with terrorism-related activities. Those placed on this list can face significant restrictions, including limitations on their freedom of movement, surveillance, and potential arrest. The designation typically involves individuals suspected of being involved in terrorist activities or organizations, but it has often been criticized for its broad and sometimes arbitrary application, leading to concerns about misuse against political activists and dissenters.