Truth Behind Pakistan’s Fragmentation: Arif Aajakia Raises Sindh & Balochistan Issues At UN

Human rights activist and analyst Arif Aajakia raised allegations of human rights violations in Pakistan during his address at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

He referred to alleged violations in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while also mentioning Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Aajakia, who previously served as mayor of Karachi’s Jamshed Town, was speaking when Pakistan’s mission intervened and objected to his remarks.

According to the account of the proceedings, Pakistan’s representative accused him of using the UNHRC platform to malign the country and rejected the allegations made during his address.

Following the intervention, the council chair temporarily halted Aajakia’s speech and allowed the Pakistani delegation to present its objection.

The chair later clarified that a general debate was underway and permitted Aajakia to continue. He then resumed his address.

During his speech, Aajakia alleged that residents in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had faced serious rights violations.

He referred to allegations including killings, abductions, torture and enforced disappearances, and attributed responsibility to Pakistan’s military.

Aajakia also raised concerns about Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, alleging that civilians in these areas had faced rights violations.

He further referred to Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, while making allegations about the concentration of power and control over resources through constitutional changes.

Aajakia argued that Pakistan, as a party to several international human rights conventions and treaties, should remain accountable for its obligations. He called on the United Nations to examine the allegations and seek accountability for reported violations.

He also said a video of the proceedings would be made public soon. Pakistan’s rejection of the allegations and its intervention during the speech remained a significant part of the proceedings.

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