Baloch Yaqzehti Committee condemns Pakistan's anti-terrorism laws targeting peaceful activists

BYC criticized the decision to place BYC member Shahagi Sibgatullah in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act-1997.

In a post on Twitter, the Baloch Yaqzehti Committee said, “The government's use of state anti-terrorism laws against peaceful political activists is discriminatory and unacceptable. The inclusion of BYC central member Shahagi Sibgatullah in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act-1997 reflects the state's authoritarian and colonial mentality towards the Baloch and Balochistan.

BYC further said, “Shahagi’s struggle through BYC’s platform is primarily focused on protesting against state policies and practices that are resulting in the genocide of the Baloch. Every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, movement and peaceful assembly under the country's constitution and international human rights law. “Equating peaceful political struggle with terrorism is contrary to global democratic norms and puts human lives at risk.”

Stating that such tactics are part of a broader state strategy to suppress Baloch voices and their grievances, BYC said, “Furthermore, such tactics aim to undermine the fundamental rights of political activists and the Baloch people in Balochistan.” Is.” Suppressing powerful peaceful voices is a recurring state strategy. And to highlight their genuine grievances.”

Calling on the global community and human rights organizations to address these violations, BYC compared the state's actions to apartheid and urged the Baloch community to protest repressive laws.

“The state's discriminatory use of the law against political activists without solid evidence is not only a violation of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), but also amounts to apartheid,” he said. We urge the global community and human rights organizations to express concern against such practices. All sections of the Baloch society should oppose such colonial laws.”

In Pakistan, the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 is a legal provision that allows the government to list individuals associated with terrorism-related activities. People placed on this list may face significant restrictions, including limitations on their freedom of movement, surveillance, and possible arrest.

The designation generally covers individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities or organizations, but is often criticized for its broad and sometimes arbitrary use, leading to the use of the designation against political activists and dissidents. . Concerns of abuse arise.