Baloch National Movement (BNM) has demanded the immediate release of its senior leader Ustad Wahid Qamar Baloch on completion of two years of his alleged abduction. The organization has appealed for international intervention, accusing the Pakistan Army of keeping him in custody.
Quetta [बलूचिस्तान]July 21 (ANI): Amid continuing allegations of human rights violations in Balochistan, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) has reiterated its appeal for international intervention in the alleged enforced disappearance of one of its senior leaders.
Issuing a press release on its official According to the BNM spokesperson, Ustad Wahid Qamar Baloch has been in the custody of the Pakistan Army for the last two years and should be recognized as a prisoner of war under international law and humanitarian principles. The spokesperson described Balochistan as a territory occupied by Pakistan and said that Ustad Wahid Qamar Baloch has been one of the prominent leaders of the Baloch national movement, who has played an important role in transforming the freedom struggle into a mass movement.
Kidnapping allegations from Iran
The statement alleged that on July 19, 2024, Ustad Wahid Qamar Baloch was abducted from Kerman city of Iran by personnel associated with Pakistan’s intelligence agencies. At that time he was living there with the help of close relatives and was undergoing treatment for his heart condition.
Custodial torture and health concerns
The spokesperson further alleged that reports indicate that he has been subjected to severe physical and mental torture during his detention in an attempt to force him to renounce his political beliefs. In view of his increasing age and deteriorating health, the organization has expressed serious concern over his safety and well-being.
Demand for action from the international community
BNM also criticized international human rights organizations and alleged that they have failed to compel Pakistan to meet its human rights obligations. She also claimed that despite enjoying international trade benefits and diplomatic privileges linked to respect for democratic values and human rights, Pakistan has consistently failed to meet those commitments.
Calling for immediate international action, the organization urged the global community to hold Pakistan accountable and impose effective sanctions. He alleged that enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, mass executions and political repression are on the rise across Balochistan. (ANI)
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