Investor Presentaiton
66
'S
ince 2004, the strategic Pakistani province of Balochistan has become a
deadly battleground where the Pakistani military and armed Baloch
separatists have waged a war over issues of cultural identity, equitable
resource distribution, and indigenous rights. Caught in
the crossfire are ordinary civilians-moderate Baloch
voices, political leaders, civic activists, scholars, lawyers,
and journalists-who have been the victims of enforced
disappearance, torture, and politically motivated killings.
Excessive use of force by the state, retaliatory acts by
Baloch separatists, insufficient space for political dialogue,
media censorship, and threats against journalists continue
to limit prospects for conflict resolution.
Malik Siraj AK
To end the cycle of human rights abuses plaguing Balochistan, the international
community should call on all stakeholders in the conflict to repudiate violence
and opt for peaceful and democratic negotiations. The Pakistani state must bring
to justice those responsible for rights violations, provide compensation for
victims' families, ensure freedom of the press, and protect defenders of
democracy who are striving for a peaceful and prosperous Balochistan. "
―
Malik Siraj Akbar, May 2, 2012View entire presentation