Islamabad (Pakistan), June 23 (ANI): The house of Minaj Mukthar, a singer from Balochistan, was recently raided by Pakistani law enforcement agencies in Kech district of Balochistan and his family was tortured.
Mukhtar was known for using his musical talent to promote political awareness and advocate for art and culture in the Baloch community.
He was the director of Zrumbesh Zemir and a board member of Zrumbesh Broadcasting, one of Balochistan’s largest news channels, PAANK, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, reported on Saturday.
According to PAANK’s statement, “During the raid on Tump, Kech, Mukhtar’s father and other family members were tortured. This outrageous act appears to have been an attempt to intimidate Mukhtar and silence his activists. Such actions by the Pakistan Army are an example of the disturbing practice of targeting the families of nationalist political activists and cadres, a form of collective punishment that constitutes state terrorism.”
PAANK condemned the act of intimidation and highlighted the human rights violations and the serious consequences they have on the individuals and communities affected.
The use of torture and intimidation against family members of political activists is a clear violation of international human rights standards to which Pakistan is committed.
The PAANK denounced the Pakistani government, demanding that the Pakistani government must immediately stop all forms of punishment, intimidation and state-sponsored terrorism against the Baloch community. The PAANK statement also called on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect human rights in Balochistan.
In addition to expressing solidarity with the Baloch singer, PAANK also expressed its support for all people who have been deprived of their rights in Balochistan. (ANI)
