‘Stop atrocities, uphold human rights’: Conference in London sheds light on Sindh, Balochistan plight
A conference at the UK House of Commons on January 29, 2025, shed light on ongoing human rights violations in Sindh and Balochistan. Organised by the Asian Human Rights Forum (AHRF) in collaboration with the World Sindh Congress (WSC) and the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC), the event was hosted by British MP Bob Blackman, drawing global human rights activists, scholars, and community leaders.
Bob Blackman opened the session by reaffirming Britain’s commitment to human rights and expressed concerns over the misuse of UK aid to Pakistan. Citing an AHRF report on human rights abuses, he urged a review of Pakistan’s aid funding to prevent it from being used to suppress its people.
Sindh’s struggle under military control was highlighted by Hidayatullah Bhutto of WSC, who condemned Pakistan’s military for seizing agricultural land under the pretext of corporate farming, depriving Sindhi farmers of their resources. He also criticised the erosion of Sindhi political, civil, and cultural rights.
The Balochistan crisis was addressed by Khursheed Karim of BHRC, who exposed mass disappearances, mass graves, and human rights violations by the Pakistani military. He also pointed out Balochistan’s resource exploitation, where natural wealth is extracted while locals suffer from inadequate healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
AHRF Executive Director Arif Aajakia thanked Bob Blackman for raising awareness on Pakistan’s human rights abuses. Aajakia described the decline of Karachi, a city once known for its cosmopolitan nature but now plagued by failing infrastructure, lack of clean water, and no mass transit system. He attributed Sindh’s deterioration to the presence of Pakistan Rangers, a military-controlled force ruling Karachi since 1991.
Aajakia also criticised Pakistan’s use of foreign aid, alleging that it finances military oppression rather than development. He urged the UK government to pressure Pakistan to uphold human rights and end forced disappearances.
The House of Commons event concluded with a unanimous call for Britain to take diplomatic action against Pakistan to restore the fundamental rights of Sindhis and Baloch people. The conference served as a global call for justice and underscored the urgent need for international intervention.
