Fabricated, baseless: Human rights body slams Pakistan Army'
Fabricated, baseless: Human rights body slams Pakistan Army's terrorism allegations on Mahrang Baloch
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a human rights organisation, has categorically rejected the "baseless and defamatory" allegations made by the Pakistani Army
QUETTA — Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a human rights organisation, has
categorically rejected the "baseless and defamatory" allegations made
by the Pakistani Army, accusing the BYC and its leader, Mahrang Baloch, of
involvement in terrorism and foreign-sponsored activities.
Condemning the accusation, BYC leader and human rights
activist Sammi Deen Baloch stated that the Pakistani armed forces
Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) and state
machinery have been in full swing for the last few months, hurling baseless
accusations at BYC and its leadership without providing any credible or
verifiable evidence.
"Allegations by the DG ISPR, accusing BYC and its
leadership of being involved in 'terrorism' during a press conference
yesterday, are fabricated, baseless, and contrary to facts. They are aimed at
discrediting and delegitimising BYC's globally recognised peaceful
struggle," Sammi Deen Baloch said in a post on X on Saturday.
"The ongoing violence in Balochistan is not just a
consequence of long-standing repression but also a reflection of systemic
security failures. No propaganda or pressure can deter us from our commitment
to nonviolent activism and defending the Baloch people's rights through
peaceful means," she added.
Meanwhile, the BYC stated that the accusations by the
Pakistani Army are not only false but appear to be a deliberate attempt to
divert attention from the grave and ongoing human rights violations in
Balochistan.
Highlighting that the BYC is a peaceful political and
human rights organisation committed to nonviolent advocacy for the democratic
and civil rights of the Baloch people, the BYC stated that Mahrang Baloch is a
respected human rights defender with a well-documented record of peaceful activism.
Both Mahrang and the BYC have consistently rejected all
forms of violence and remain steadfast in their commitment to lawful and
democratic means of protest and resistance.
"These recent statements by the military are not
only defamatory; they implicitly acknowledge the growing influence and
legitimacy of our peaceful movement. Instead of addressing the deeply
documented abuses in Balochistan -- ranging from enforced disappearances to
extrajudicial killings -- the state has chosen to intensify its campaign of
disinformation," read a statement issued by the BYC.
"For over two months, Mahrang Baloch and other BYC
leadership have been unlawfully detained under repressive laws such as the
Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO). Despite repeated court hearings,
the state has failed to present any lawful basis or credible evidence to
justify these detentions. Instead, a coordinated media campaign continues to
circulate misinformation and defamatory content against our leadership,"
the statement added.
Furthermore, the BYC unequivocally condemned the killing
of innocent civilians, especially children in Balochistan, stating it is never
acceptable and stands in violation of the most fundamental principles of
humanity and international law.
The BYC urged the international community, including the
United Nations, global human rights organisations, and diplomatic missions, to
take serious note of the dangerous rhetoric employed by Pakistani authorities.
"These unfounded accusations represent not only a threat
to individual activists but also a broader assault on the right to peaceful
assembly, freedom of expression, and legitimate political advocacy in Pakistan.
The BYC will not be silenced. Our commitment to justice, peace, and human
dignity remains unwavering," the statement concluded.
