Seoul. Now voices of protest against Pakistan’s army are being heard not only in the country but also on international forums. In fact, on Monday, hundreds of people in South Korea’s city Busan demonstrated strongly against the action of Pakistani Army in Balochistan. The protest took place just ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which was attended by global leaders including US President Trump. At such a time, this demonstration has become a big embarrassment for Pakistan.
According to media reports, Baloch National Movement (BNM) workers raised slogans like justice for Balochistan, end the siege of Zehri and stop the Baloch genocide on the streets of Busan. He distributed pamphlets in English and Korean among the local people explaining what kind of devastation the Pakistani Army has caused in the Zehri area of Balochistan. These pamphlets alleged that the army picks up people from their homes, then makes them disappear or kills them. Protesters said, Zehri is soaked in blood and now the world should not remain silent.
During the protest, BNM activists also displayed photographs of destroyed houses and victimized families. According to the organization, more than 20 civilians, including 10 children, have been killed in the recent air strikes, while more than 50 youths have been forcibly disappeared. It was also alleged that the Pakistani Army had converted hospitals into military bases and imposed a 24-hour curfew in the area.
This protest against the Pakistani Army was not limited to South Korea only, but a similar demonstration was also held in Utrecht, Netherlands last week. During this demonstration, human rights activists termed the action of the Pakistani Army as a “war crime”. At the same time, BNM demonstrated outside the White House in America and described Pakistan as a terrorist state. The organization alleged that Pakistan is exploiting the natural resources of Balochistan and other areas. Along with this, BNM has demanded immediate intervention from Amnesty International and the United Nations. This protest during the APEC conference has put another deep stain on Pakistan’s international credibility, because now the global community is raising serious questions on its human rights record.