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Key Points

Human rights activist Arif Aajakia addressed the UN Human Rights Council about ongoing issues in Pakistan and Bangladesh. He highlighted that religious minorities in both countries continue to face significant challenges without adequate state protection. Aajakia specifically pointed to military operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces where extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances occur. He called for a UN fact-finding mission to investigate these human rights violations.

Key Points: UN Told Pakistan Bangladesh Religious Minorities Face Rights Abuses

  • Religious minorities face persistent challenges in Pakistan and Bangladesh
  • Enforced disappearances and torture reported in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  • New Pakistan order allows 90-day detention without court appearance
  • UN fact-finding mission urged for Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
2 min read

Geneva: Religious minorities facing persistent challenges in Pakistan and Bangladesh, activist told UN

Activist Arif Aajakia tells UNHRC that Pakistan and Bangladesh fail to protect religious minorities, citing enforced disappearances and military operations.

"Thousands of Baloch and Pashtun peaceful citizens are missing, by the State forces. - Arif Aajakia"

Geneva, September 19

Human rights activist Arif Aajakia, voiced concerns about the human rights situation in Pakistan and Bangladesh during the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

In his intervention, Aajakia, who is also Executive Director of the Asian Human Rights Forum, said that religious minorities in both countries face persistent challenges and that state authorities have failed to ensure adequate protection.

Referring to Pakistan, he alleged that Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces have been experiencing prolonged military operations. He claimed that cases of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture have been reported, with families of missing persons frequently staging protests.

"Thousands of Baloch and Pashtun peaceful citizens are missing, by the State forces. Often mass graves are discovered, bodies of these missing persons are discovered. Baloch women and children are protesting in different cities to bring their missing persons to Court of law but, State forces wage baton charge and arrest these women and children. Dr Mahrang Baloch is one of many, who are kept in incommunicado detention," said Arif Aajakia.

Aajakia also referred to Pakistan's newly introduced provisional order that allows security forces to detain individuals for up to 90 days without producing them in court, saying the measure was inconsistent with international treaties to which Pakistan is a signatory.

He urged the Council to call on Pakistan to uphold fundamental rights and requested that a UN fact-finding mission be sent to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian, I feel sad for our neighbors who suffer under such regimes. We must appreciate our democratic values and religious freedom here. Hope the UN takes concrete steps this time.
S
Sarah B
The 90-day detention without court appearance is extremely concerning. This is how authoritarian regimes operate. The world cannot stay silent while basic human rights are being violated.
A
Arjun K
While I condemn these actions, I also hope India maintains its focus on protecting minorities within our own borders. We must lead by example in South Asia. 🙏
M
Michael C
The bravery of activists like Arif Aajakia and Dr. Mahrang Baloch is inspiring. They risk everything to speak truth to power. The international community must support them.
N
Nisha Z
This is why we need strong international bodies like UNHRC. Hope they send the fact-finding mission as requested. The families of missing persons deserve justice and closure.

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