Accession day with: Pakistan Strike observed in parts of Balochistan

QUETTA: A complete shutter-down strike was observed in parts of Balochistan on Thursday to protest against accession of Balochistan to Pakistan on March 27, 1948 which Baloch hardliners describe as annexation of the territory. The strike was called by Baloch National Front (BNF), pro-independence political party, and backed by different nationalist parties. Daily life and trade activities came to a standstill in Baloch dominated areas of Turbat, Mand, Pasni, Panjgur, Chagai, Mastung, Wadh, Khuzdar, Kalat, Naushki, Kharan, Hub and other townships. Stringent security measures were in place with huge deployment of police and security forces. BNF spokesperson in his statement said this is the black day of Baloch history. “Balochistan was merged into Pakistan against the will of Baloch people. Baloch people are being subjected to human rights violations and torture since March 27th, 1948,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2014.