Quetta, August 17: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari is facing significant backlash for his remarks made during a speech on August 14, which coincided with the country’s Independence Day. The speech included controversial statements regarding the Hindu community, prompting strong condemnation from prominent Baloch human rights activist, Mir Yar Baloch.
Mir Yar Baloch accused Zardari of delivering a toxic and divisive message, allegedly scripted by Pakistani military generals and conveyed through their political puppets. A video from the Independence Day event has gone viral on social media, showcasing Zardari’s comments.
In his address, Zardari claimed that Pakistan and its Muslim-majority population tolerate the Hindu community, which constitutes about 3-4% of the population. However, Mir pointed out on social media that Zardari’s assertion overlooks the harsh realities faced by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and other minority communities in Pakistan since the partition, who have endured religious extremism and violence.
He emphasized that there is a troubling history of pressure, coercion, and restrictions imposed on minorities, including attempts to force conversions and violations of their fundamental rights. This, he stated, represents a shameful chapter in Pakistan’s history.
The Baloch activist remarked, “Pakistan has done very little for the welfare, respect, and safety of Hindus, Sikhs, and other minority communities. Instead, there are numerous documented incidents of coercion for conversion, restrictions on their businesses and employment opportunities, and obstacles to practicing their religious traditions freely.”
Mir highlighted the historical contradictions in Pakistan’s claims of tolerance. He noted that Zardari, who sits in the presidency thanks to Punjabi generals, seems to have forgotten the brutal military repression faced by millions of Bengali Bengalis during the regime of his father-in-law, former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
He stated, “Millions of Bengalis were killed, and a significant number of Bengali women faced sexual violence. If Pakistan cannot tolerate Muslims, how can it claim to tolerate Hindus?”
Mir accused Zardari’s party of playing a political role during the genocide of Bengali Bengalis to appease the Pakistani military and remain in power. On multiple occasions, the party has failed to distance itself from serious human rights violations against the people of Balochistan during military operations.
He further noted, “In 1973, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s government initiated a military operation in Baloch areas, resulting in thousands of Baloch deaths and many people going missing. Similarly, during the current government, large-scale military operations and security actions continue in Balochistan, raising serious concerns and protests.”
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KK/ABM
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