European Union lashes out at Pakistan for atrocities against Baloch people, threatens it with economic and political sanctions

Pakistan found itself at the receiving end of the European Parliament as it lashed the country for its woeful human rights record in Balochistan. Vice President of European Parliament, Ryszard Czarneki has expressed solidarity with Balochi people while claiming that the European Union while threatening Pakistan with economic and political sanctions.

“I told the European Union during our human rights debate that if our partner countries do not accept human rights and standards, in this situation we should react and seek sanctions like some moves in economic fields,” said Czarneki.He further said, “Pakistan has two faces. It is the open face to us and the other is the brutal face towards Balochistan,” he said, adding that all the 28 members of the EU should react against Pakistan’s brutal operations and policies towards the Baloch people.

Along with condemning Pakistan's double standards, Czarneki also claimed that the Pakistan government is controlled by the military.Baloch activists meanwhile held a silent vigil in Geneva on September 23 in order to honor Balochi martyrs. Baloch Republican Party chief Brahamdagh Bugti criticized the Pakistani establishment and army for brutally torturing and inflicting a genocide on Baloch people.

Bugti further urged the international community to take cognizance of the severe human rights exploitations occuring in Balochistan and help the Baloch nationalists to attain an independent land. Author Tarek Fatah who was also part of the vigil, criticized the mainstream media for ignoring the plight of Baloch people. Further, he praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising his voice in support of Balochistan.