Human rights activist Arif Aajakia has raised sharp concerns over ongoing rights violations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, calling on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take stronger action to safeguard vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the 60th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva, Aajakia highlighted the plight of minorities and civilians subjected to state repression and a lack of accountability.
Aajakia, who serves as Executive Director of the Asian Human Rights Forum (AHRF), said religious minorities in both Pakistan and Bangladesh face systemic discrimination and remain deprived of protection from state authorities. He criticized governments in both countries for failing to ensure security for marginalized groups.
Allegations Against Pakistan
Turning his attention to Pakistan, Aajakia cited Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as regions suffering under prolonged military operations. He alleged that reports of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture have become widespread, with families of the missing staging protests to demand accountability.
“Thousands of Baloch and Pashtun peaceful citizens are missing, by the State forces,” Aajakia told the Council. “Often mass graves are discovered, bodies of these missing persons are found. Baloch women and children protest in different cities to bring their missing relatives before a court of law, but State forces respond with baton charges and arrests. Dr Mahrang Baloch is one of many, kept in incommunicado detention.”
He also condemned Pakistan’s newly introduced provisional order allowing security forces to detain individuals for up to 90 days without producing them before a court. He said the measure violates international treaties to which Pakistan is a signatory.
Calls for International Oversight
Aajakia urged the Human Rights Council to hold Pakistan accountable for violations of international law and called for the deployment of a UN fact-finding mission to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Such a mission, he argued, could provide impartial documentation of alleged abuses and create pressure on Islamabad to address human rights concerns.
Bangladesh Concerns Mentioned
Although his remarks primarily focused on Pakistan, Aajakia also noted that Bangladesh’s religious minorities continue to face challenges related to discrimination and violence, exacerbating fears of broader insecurity in the region. He called on the Council to encourage Dhaka to do more to protect minority communities during religious festivals and political unrest.
Broader Regional Context
Observers say Aajakia’s intervention reflects growing international concern about deteriorating rights conditions across South Asia. Rights groups have repeatedly accused governments of cracking down on dissent, undermining freedom of expression, and targeting minority communities.
The UNHRC session continues in Geneva, where several other civil society representatives are expected to address the Council on rights conditions in South Asia.
