Paank is deeply concerned about the recent raid on the home of Minhaj Mukhtar, a prominent revolutionary singer from Balochistan, by Pakistani forces. Mukhtar, known for using his musical talents to foster political awareness and national pride among the Baloch nation, has been instrumental in advocating for art and culture through his role as the director of Zrumbesh Zemir and as a board member of the Zrumbesh Broadcasting, one of Balochistan’s largest news network.
The raid, which took place in Tump, Kech, resulted in the torture of Mukhtar’s father and other family members. This egregious act appears to be an attempt to intimidate Mukhtar and silence his activism. Such actions by the Pakistan Army exemplify the disturbing practice of targeting the families of nationalist political activists and cadres, a form of collective punishment that constitutes state terrorism.
Paank unequivocally condemns these human rights violations and the severe consequences they have for the affected individuals and communities. The use of torture and intimidation against family members of political activists is a clear breach of international human rights law, which Pakistan is obligated to uphold.
We call upon the Pakistani government to cease all forms of collective punishment and state terrorism against the Baloch people. Furthermore, we urge the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect human rights in Balochistan.
Paank stands in solidarity with Minhaj Mukhtar and all those who suffer from state repression. We demand justice for the victims and call for the protection of the fundamental rights of all individuals in Balochistan.
