Islamabad: Pakistan Rejects UN Experts’ Statement on Balochistan
The Foreign Office of Pakistan has strongly refuted a recent statement made by some United Nations (UN) experts regarding the situation in Balochistan. The statement, according to the Foreign Office, is one-sided and based on unverified media reports, failing to provide an objective and factual perspective on the region’s security situation.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan emphasized that public statements, especially those coming from international bodies, should maintain objectivity, accuracy of facts, and provide full context. He pointed out that the comments made by some UN experts do not present a balanced viewpoint and fail to acknowledge the extent of civilian casualties resulting from terrorist activities in Balochistan.
Pakistan Highlights Disruptive Activities of Miscreants
The spokesperson elaborated on how miscreants in Balochistan are deliberately disrupting public services and hindering the free movement of citizens. He stated that the crimes and human rights violations committed by these miscreants cannot be ignored, adding that the UN experts’ report has overlooked these critical aspects.
Pakistan has long maintained that terrorist organizations operating in Balochistan aim to destabilize the region by attacking civilians, security forces, and infrastructure. The government believes that certain groups exploit human rights narratives to cover up their violent and unlawful activities.
Evidence of Collusion Between Miscreants and Terrorists
The spokesperson further stated that there is ample evidence proving that some of these miscreants have been working in collusion with terrorist elements under the guise of protests. He accused them of erecting systematic barriers to prevent the state from taking lawful actions against them. Activities such as road closures and destruction of public infrastructure, which are purportedly carried out to hinder security operations, are deemed unacceptable by the state.
Shafqat Ali Khan specifically mentioned the recent incident involving the forcible seizure of the bodies of five terrorists killed in the Jaffar Express operation. He asserted that this act further confirms the nexus between anti-state elements and terrorist groups. Law enforcement agencies have successfully recovered three of the seized bodies, demonstrating the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Rule of Law and Counter-Terrorism
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance that the country will not allow terrorists and their facilitators to operate under any pretext. The government is committed to ensuring that legal action is taken against all those involved in unlawful activities. Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take decisive action to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly in terrorism-affected regions.
“International laws do not permit any individual or group to weaponize human rights as a shield for carrying out terrorist activities. The government of Pakistan will continue to fulfill its responsibility to maintain law and order and ensure national security,” Shafqat Ali Khan stated.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for development and prosperity to all its citizens. The government has implemented various initiatives to uplift Balochistan, including infrastructural projects, economic development programs, and educational reforms to ensure the region’s long-term progress.
No Concessions for Terrorists and Facilitators
In a strong message to anti-state elements, the Foreign Office clarified that there is no room for any concessions or amnesty for terrorists and their supporters. All government actions align with international laws and constitutional rights, ensuring that legal procedures are followed in all counter-terrorism operations.
The spokesperson assured that every citizen of Pakistan has full access to legal action and constitutional protections. However, the state will continue to take firm action against those attempting to undermine national security and disrupt peace in Balochistan.
Pakistan Open to Constructive Dialogue with the UN
Despite its strong rejection of the UN experts’ statement, Pakistan remains open to engaging in constructive dialogue with UN Special Representatives. The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan values its relations with international organizations and believes in cooperation based on mutual respect and factual accuracy.
“We are ready to work with the UN and other international stakeholders in a manner that ensures a balanced and fact-based approach. However, any statements or reports on Pakistan must be free from bias and reflect the ground realities in Balochistan,” the spokesperson concluded.
Conclusion: A Call for Fair Representation
Pakistan’s firm response to the UN experts’ statement highlights the country’s concerns over what it sees as an unfair and incomplete representation of the situation in Balochistan. The government maintains that while human rights are important, they should not be used to provide cover for terrorists and miscreants who pose a serious threat to national security.
Moving forward, Pakistan has called upon international organizations to ensure that their assessments are based on verified facts and comprehensive analysis. The country has reiterated its willingness to engage in meaningful discussions with the UN while continuing to safeguard its territorial integrity and ensure peace and stability in Balochistan.
