Jitendra Singh asks Pak to look into human rights violations in Balochistan

Taking a strong exception to Pakistan observing "Black Day" to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said Islamabad should first look into human rights violations in Balochistan before pointing fingers at others.

Singh dubbed Pakistan's move to observe "Black Day" as baseless.

"Everyone knows that if there is any violation of human rights then it is being done in Gilgit, Balochistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. If they are so worried about human rights violation then they look at these regions. They are not going to succeed," he told ANI here.

Addressing a Cabinet meeting in Lahore earlier on July 15, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had announced to observe July 19 as "Black Day". However, as Pakistan celebrates July 19 as 'Accession to Pakistan' Day, the day was shifted to July 20.

As per reports, rallies will be organised to draw attention of the world community towards the Kashmir issue.

All officials of federal and provincial governments will wear black armband while on duty to express political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris, said reports, adding that special prayers will also be held after 'Zohar' prayers.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will visit Jammu and Kashmir today to review the security situations in Kashmir valley as well as along the Line of Control.

General Singh's visit to the valley comes in the backdrop of violent protests in the wake of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter earlier on July 8.

The Army Chief will be briefed about the situation in the valley and the counter infiltration operations along the LoC.

After Wani's death, Kashmir is on the boil and more than 40 people have been killed and over 3,000, including 1,600 civilians, injured in clashes between the youth and security forces during the protests.