Supporting US Resolution: BNP leader temporarily arrested

Baloch demanded that Balochistan should be declared independent and areas of Punjab populated with Baloch residents.

Baloch, who had earlier spoken to the media from his residence, was arrested without any intimation following fierce resistance.

He demanded that Balochistan should be declared independent and areas of Punjab populated with Baloch residents such as Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur should be constituted as an integral part of the territory.

Senator Aktar Jaan Mari of the BNP facilitated Baloch’s release who was held at the civil lines police station Dera Ghazi Khan, sources said.

Following his release, Baloch told The Express Tribune that “I’m not afraid of being kidnapped nor am I against Pakistan, the institution defending and guarding Pakistan is the core threat to its integrity, independence and solidarity”.

He added that the Baloch people have an innate right to self-determination.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2012.