In an act of unity, the Baloch, Sindhi, and Pashtun population of Canada came together to protest the savagery and enforced disappearance enacted by the Pakistan military. Spearheaded by numerous organizations representing the groups, the goal of the protest was to highlight huma rights violations and injustices flung upon these communities in Pakistan as per a report by an Indian media agency.
Reasons behind Protests
These groups have been enduring unjustifiable brutalities, forced disappearances, extrajudicial murders and torture. The rally in Toronto was meant to bring these issues into the spotlight and demand justice for those harmed. The diaspora in Canada wished to relay the message that they firmly stand with their brethren back home in their struggle for their rights and liberation.
Huge Protests from Baloch Activists
A huge group of Baloch activists, including women and children led by Dr Mehrang Baloch have marched from Baluchistan to the capital city of Islamabad following the unlawful arrests, illegal detentions, torture and custodial murder of a 24-year-old Baloch youth, Balaach Mola Baksh on November 23, 2023. Human Rights organization have arrested and caused the disappearance Of Pashtun, Sindhi and Baloch human rights activists. The Counter Terrorism Department of Pakistan is involved in the extrajudicial murder of Balaach and several activists in illegal state custody. Speakers at the Toronto solidarity rally condemning the discriminatory attitude of the Pakistani authorities.
Repressive Tactics used by Pakistani Government
The Caretaker PM of Pakistan Anwarul-Haq- Kakar and the Islamabad police used excessive force, baton charges, water cannons and mass arrests of students and protestors during a peaceful sit-in-outside the National Press Club in Islamabad. Addressing the solidarity gathering, speakers highlighted the discriminative and repressive nature of the Pakistani state towards political dissent and exclusively the oppressed communities of Sindhis, Pashtuns (Pathans) and Baloch. The Pakistani politics, army and bureaucracy is dominated by Pakistani Punjabis and they exert dominance and control over state institutions and ignore the needs and demands of other ethnic groups in its provinces.
Sending Message to Islamabad
A large number of women and families of the diaspora communities also participated in the Toronto Rally to send a strong message to Islamabad that state violence and injustices to women’s will be challenged and the perpetrators of the abuse will face injustice. Speakers explained the predatory nature of the Pakistan State and its military in exploiting the natural resources, land grabbing, militarization, enforced disappearances of political activists, extrajudicial killings, persecution of religious minorities and state promotion of terror an extremism with the intent of genocide of Baloch, Sindhis and Pashtuns.
