{"id":8541,"date":"2023-04-19T12:07:05","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T12:07:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/?p=8541"},"modified":"2023-04-19T12:07:05","modified_gmt":"2023-04-19T12:07:05","slug":"hrcp-launches-fact-finding-report-on-rights-violations-in-balochistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/hrcp-launches-fact-finding-report-on-rights-violations-in-balochistan\/","title":{"rendered":"HRCP launches fact-finding report on rights violations in Balochistan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Press release<\/p>\n

HRCP launches fact-finding report on rights violations in Balochistan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Quetta, 19 April 2023<\/em>. In its fact-finding report titled Balochistan\u2019s Struggle for Hope<\/em> launched in Quetta today, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern about the mounting public frustration in Balochistan over enforced disappearances, economic exclusion, curbs on press freedom, misgovernance, and allegations of political manipulation by the establishment. Based on an HRCP fact-finding mission conducted in October 2022, the report documents a palpable sense of anger among ordinary citizens, many of whom referred to Balochistan as a \u2018colony\u2019 of the state.<\/p>\n

The report consists of interviews with a wide range of civil society members, including human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, and members of the fisherfolk community, as well as political leaders and members of the administration in Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Quetta. It also notes with concern the state\u2019s widespread use of enforced disappearances to muzzle dissent, and the extensive presence of paramilitary check-posts, which citizens say has cultivated a climate of fear, particularly in Makran. Additionally, the resource-rich province continues to be deprived of its fair share of revenues from large development projects with the absence of a healthy legal trading ecosystem between Balochistan and neighbouring countries has exacerbated poverty levels in the province.<\/p>\n

The report recommends an immediate halt to unwarranted interference in Balochistan\u2019s political affairs by the establishment, accountability for perpetrators of enforced disappearances, and legislation by the Balochistan Assembly to protect the security and independence of the province\u2019s media professionals. It also calls for the long-standing demands of the Haq Do Tehreek for basic amenities to be met, while any ongoing or planned projects under CPEC should not impinge on the Gwadar fisherfolk community\u2019s source of livelihood.<\/p>\n

The legitimate grievances of the Pashtun population, particularly those around unequal representation in the provincial legislature, must be given a fair hearing by all political stakeholders. Given the devastating impact of the floods in parts of Balochistan, a consistent and empowered local government is also needed that can develop early warning systems, evacuation plans, and community sanctuaries with stockpiles of emergency supplies.<\/p>\n

Hina Jilani
\nChairperson<\/p>\n

The report can be accessed here<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>