MQM supremo Altaf Hussain has issued a forceful condemnation of the state-led violence in Balochistan, calling for the immediate resignation of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the provincial leadership of Balochistan, including the Governor and Chief Minister.
Key Highlights:
Speaking from the UK, Hussain alleged that the state had completely failed to protect the rights of innocent Baloch citizens, especially women and children, who he said were victims of “unparalleled brutality” by security forces.
Peaceful Protest Crushed, Children Among Victims
Referring to a recent incident in Quetta, Hussain described how members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee staged a peaceful protest by carrying the bodies of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings. Instead of listening to their grievances, he claimed, the security forces responded with brute force, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, including a 12-year-old child.
He condemned the arrest and manhandling of human rights activist Mahrang Baloch, who he said was dragged away in a degrading manner, adding to the public’s frustration and pain.
Criticism of Government Priorities
Hussain questioned the moral integrity of Pakistan’s top leaders, especially PM Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Safdar, for performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia while their government was suppressing civilians at home.
“Is this the legacy they want to uphold?” Hussain asked. “How can they justify performing religious duties while innocent Baloch women and children are being brutalized?”
Long History of Repression
The MQM leader pointed to 77 years of systemic oppression in Balochistan, including military operations, suppression of rights, and economic deprivation. He warned that such actions only breed alienation and resentment among Baloch youth.
Hussain particularly noted how crackdowns escalate around national holidays, citing intensified action before Pakistan Day (March 23) and Independence Day (August 14).
Appeal to Punjab and Media
In a passionate appeal, Altaf urged the people of Punjab to empathize with the Baloch cause, asking, “How would you react if your children were treated the same way?”
He also called on journalists and media analysts to stop spreading state-sponsored narratives, asking them to resign if they cannot report truthfully. He encouraged media professionals to launch independent platforms to expose the real situation in Balochistan.
Solidarity With Baloch People
On behalf of his party, Hussain expressed solidarity with the Baloch community and extended condolences for the innocent lives lost. He demanded the immediate release of Mahrang Baloch and other detained activists, urging the government to cease violent repression and instead pursue dialogue for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
As calls for accountability grow louder, Altaf Hussain’s latest statement adds to the mounting pressure on Pakistan’s leadership to rethink its approach to Balochistan. The world watches as civil rights and governance collide in one of the country’s most troubled regions.
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