Full support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, right to self-defence: Baloch group condemns Pakistani strikes
Quetta, Feb 24
The Baloch National Movement strongly condemned Pakistan's attacks on Afghanistan, calling them a direct assault on the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of the Afghan nation, deliberately targeting unarmed civilians.
The remarks followed Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence statement on Sunday, after Pakistan carried out deadly airstrikes in various residential areas of the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, resulting in the death of several civilians.
According to the Ministry, the strikes targeted a madrasa and multiple residential homes, killing and injuring "dozens of civilians", including women and children.
Expressing solidarity with the affected Afghan families, the BNM reaffirmed support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and its right to self-defence.
It stated that "for the past 79 years, the primary cause of instability in the region has been the policies of the State of Pakistan, which are driven by both its overt and covert expansionist ambitions."
The rights group added that, shortly after its creation, Pakistan occupied Balochistan, stripping the region of its sovereignty and freedoms and keeping it subjugated under a "dominant Punjabi regime". It argued that "oppressed nations" under Pakistan are struggling for their "national survival".
"The world can see that Pakistan has become politically and socially fragmented, and these very conditions have become a source of crisis for the state itself," it noted.
Despite Pakistani military repression and violence against political forces, the BNM said, Pakistan has consistently failed to resolve its internal issues.
"Instead, it seeks to deflect responsibility for its failures onto neighbouring countries, thereby fueling instability and a war-like atmosphere in the region," the Baloch group stated.
It warned that Pakistan's military power poses a clear threat not only regionally but beyond. To address this situation, it emphasised that "unity and the formation of a joint front among the nations of the region are essential".
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Baloch group's statement is eye-opening. For decades, the narrative has been controlled by Islamabad. It's heartbreaking to read about the suffering of ordinary Afghans and Baloch people. The world needs to pay attention to these voices from within Pakistan.
Airstrikes on a madrasa and homes? This is a blatant violation of international law. Pakistan talks about terrorism but then carries out acts like this. The double standards are glaring. Full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.
While the condemnation of civilian casualties is justified, we must be cautious. The situation is complex with many non-state actors involved. India's approach should be one of principled support for sovereignty while advocating for dialogue and peace. War helps no one.
The Baloch statement hits the nail on the head. Pakistan's "expansionist ambitions" have been a source of trouble since 1947, first in Kashmir and now this. Their army can't fix their own house, so they create external enemies. Shameful.
My heart goes out to the families in Nangarhar and Paktika. Innocent lives are always the first casualty in these conflicts. As an Indian, I believe our foreign policy must strongly condemn such aggression and provide humanitarian support to Afghanistan. 🙏
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