Baloch activists raise anti-Pakistan slogans, demand freedom during Imran's address in US

Image
Press Trust of India Washington
Last Updated : Jul 22 2019 | 10:30 AM IST

A group of Baloch activists raised anti-Pakistan slogans during Prime Minister Imran Khan's address at an indoor stadium here, demanding freedom for the country's southwestern Balochistan province.

Khan was addressing a gathering of Pakistani-Americans when the Baloch youths suddenly stood up from their seats and started raising slogans.

Balochs living in the US have been raising their voice against alleged atrocities, disappearance and human rights violations in Balochistan by Pakistani security forces.

For the last two days, they have been running a mobile billboard campaign urging President Donald Trump to help end "enforced disappearances" in Pakistan.

The three Baloch youths who were raising anti-Pakistan slogans were far away from the main podium, where Khan was speaking. He could continue his address uninterrupted. About two minutes-and-half later, local security personnel forced them to leave the indoor auditorium.

A few supporters of Imran were seen pushing them from behind and asking them to leave the arena.

Meanwhile, members and supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) held a peaceful protest against Imran in front of the US Capitol on Sunday.

Khan is currently on a three-day visit of the US and is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

The group of MQM supporters raised slogans against Imran and Pakistan and alleged that Mohajirs are being subjected to grave human rights violations in Karachi and other parts of the country.

They alleged that the Pakistan Army and ISI are indulging in atrocities against Mohajirs in Pakistan. MQM founder leader Altaf Hussain is now seeking right to self-determination.

Mohajir (MQM), Baloch, Pashtoon, Sindhi, Giligit Baltistan and Saraiki communities have scheduled another round of protest in front of the White House on Monday.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 22 2019 | 10:30 AM IST

Next Story