Islamabad slams Delhi’s bid to raise Balochistan issue at UN

US rejects any secession movement in province

Pakistan has condemned India’s attempt to raise Balochistan at the United Nations in a bid to mask its atrocities in the disputed Himalayan state of Kashmir.

It came as Washington also categorically stated that it does not support any secession movement in the poverty-stricken province.



While replying to statements made by the Pakistani delegation on Indian-administered Kashmir during the 33rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative at the UN in Geneva Ajit Kumar on Wednesday brought up Balochistan.



He alleged that Pakistan systematically abused and violated the human rights of its own citizens, including in Balochistan, as well as of the people of Azad Jammu Kashmir, The Hindu reported.

The US, on the other hand, denied that it supports any bid to separate Balochistan from Pakistan. “The [US] government policy is that we support the territorial integrity of Pakistan and we do not support independence for Balochistan,” said State Department Spokesperson John Kirby on Tuesday.



When asked whether the US tolerates those working from US soil to break the province off from Pakistan, Kirby reiterated his statement that Washington does not support any such movement.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2016.