Just came across this news and it's quite something . A top Baloch human rights advocate,Mir Yar Baloch,has written to the EU basically questioning their whole partnership with Pakistan on counter-terrorism.
And this isn't just some random letter ah . It was sent to Kaja Kallas,the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs,right after Eighth Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad where they announced this cooperation. Mir is calling this decision both dangerous and totally disconnected from what's happening on ground.
He straight up says that this move ignores decades of evidence linking Pakistan to proxy policies and supporting militant groups . His exact words were,"Designating a state as partner against terrorism despite undeniable evidence linking it to proxy policies... is a contradiction that cannot be ignored." That's a very direct accusation.
But he goes even further . He claims that many of Islamic extremism threats Europe is facing rn can be traced back to Pakistan's historical actions. He's accusing Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of nurturing these extremist groups. So relying on their narrative,he argues,is just compromising the whole effort.
And honestly,this is where the whole thing gets very uncomfortable .
Mir is not just complaining,he is making specific demands to the EU . He is basically asking them to look deeper and not just take official statements at face value.
- He urged EU to start a proper,thorough investigation into human rights abuses in Balochistan.
- He brought up the capture of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan as a big example of gap between Pakistan's claims and reality.
- He also called for independent international observers to be allowed to go and see human rights situation for themselves.
He also brought up Pakistan’s GSP+ status with EU,which is a big deal for trade . He reminded them that this status is tied to human rights commitments . He even said, "Let them meet affected Baloch families and hear the voices of the victims of enforced disappearances," which is a really powerful call for accountability.
This whole letter feels like a demand for consistency . Mir is saying if the EU truly believes in "rules-based international order",then it has to apply those rules everywhere,including in Balochistan,not just in conflicts that get more media attention.
It really puts the EU in very difficult position . On one hand they want partner in counter-terrorism,but on other hand,these are very serious allegations from people on the ground… makes you wonder what goes on behind these closed-door meetings…
