' Intervention of Interfaith International '

Speech presented by Mehran Baluch at the 57th Session of UN Human Rights Sub-Commission in March-April 2005 in relation to

Agenda Item 5 (c) Prevention of discrimination and Protection of Minorities

Mr. Chairman,

The Baluch Nation has been facing brutal repression by Pakistan's ruling Punjabi oligarchy, which is a combine of generals, feudal lords and bureaucrats forged through matrimonial alliances, business interests and power sharing phenomenon.

Atrocities perpetrated on the Baloch nation has a long history going back to the days when a new State by the name of Pakistan was created in the sub-continent on the basis of religion in 1947. Even since, the ruling ethnic Punjabis, who are in an over all majority in this country have been struggling for an identity that is lost and a personality that is split. This makes them look for enemies within the country and outside it for domination and assertion. Since the Baloch are a traditionally secular, democratic and progressive nation with a long history of indigenous culture and social system heroically preserved in face of adverse pressures and proudly defended against adverse times, the Punjabi oligarchs feel threatened and insecure. Nowhere in the history of decolonized nations do we hear of the new rulers bombarding and decimating segments of their own nationals as was done by Pakistan army in Balochistan in the 1950s, 60s,70s, and at present.

The Pakistan air force is purchasing F16 fighter jets from the U.S as per the specification of the 1980s that the aircraft should be equipped with mountainous capability .We condemn the sale of any military equipment to the government of Pakistan because it more than likely that it will be used against the Baloch people.

Apart from the lurking inferiority of a split personality, the ethnic Punjabi ruling group is unhappy with the natural rights that Balochs enjoy over their mineral resources in Baloch territory. They ceaselessly want the huge natural gas resources of Balochistan not to the benefit of the local people but for those who militarily rule the country with impunity thousands of miles away in

Mr. Chairman, punjabi military is using military tactics to ensure the suppression and enslavement of the Baloch nation. It has raised more than 200 fortresses across Balochistan,this is a classic example of how colonial powers expand their domination. We are informed that the Pakistan government wants to settle 6 to7 million non-Baloch on Baloch territory and thus bring about complete demographic change in Baloch population.

Mr. Chairman, this is not the first time that the issue of discrimination of Baloch nation in Pakistan has been brought to your notice. As such, we appeal to you to ask the special Rapporteurs concerned to visit Balochistan and witness the gross violation of human rights by the Government of Pakistan.

We also appeal to you to advise the military regime in Islamabad to stop atrocities against the Baloch, stop the wanton loot of our natural resources, and, release the people arrested for defending the national interests of Balochistan and agree to give the Baloch their rightful place in the governance and administration of Balochistan. Economic disparities need to be removed and Balochis allowed to develop their indigenous culture and life style .

Thank you Mr. Chairman.