The Baloch American Congress (BAC) Thursday condemned Islamabad action of arresting veteran Balochi leader Yousuf Mustikhan on a charge of sedition in Gwadar.
“The arrest of Mr. Mustikhan, 77, who is the president of the Awami Workers Party (AWP) and who is sick with cancer, but still went to Gwadar to show solidarity with his people shows that Islamabad is not willing to tolerate even the very basic demand for human rights in Balochistan,” said Dr Tara Chand, president of the BAC.
Dr Tara Chand said if the veteran Baloch leader is harmed in any way, the state of Pakistan will have to answer for its black deed to the international public.
He lauded the half century long struggle of Mr Mustikhan for the rights of Baloch people.
Dr Tara Chand, who is a former government minister of Balochistan, said already as many as 5,000 Baloch patriots are already victims of enforced disappearance and facing unconscionable torture in Nazi-style gestapos.
The BAC chief demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Mr Mustikhan and other Baloch prisoners of conscience.
He urged the U.S. administration, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, to help end Pakistan crimes against humanity and war crimes in Balochistan.
The popular three-week long protest, has shaken the foundation of Pakistan.
Thousands of Baloch people have died since 2005 when Pakistan military coup leader Gen Pervez Musharraf launched a military crackdown in Balochistan.