Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar 'loses his cool' over 'Balochistan protest' in Islamabad
Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, who appeared to be visibly irked, on Monday said those supporting Baloch protest should join the 'Baloch militants'.
“Advocates of terrorists in Balochistan should go and join them if they are convinced on the veracity of their issue and fight the state along with them, so that we know where they stand and how to deal with them,” he was quoted as saying by Dawn News during a press conference, alluding to rights activists and journalists standing with the Baloch marchers.
In his speech, PM Kakar stated that he belongs to Baloch race and that his fight is not with any race. He is not fighting balochs, he fights the state and organisations. Because of the position he has, he must respond with tact rather than using harsh language.#PMKakar pic.twitter.com/A8sOBbxeK5
— Sundas Kiran (@68thbreath) January 1, 2024
Responding to the media on the issue of police violence against Baloch protesters in Islamabad, the caretaker premier said that some of the people — media persons included — were trying to “mislead everyone, turning themselves into fake heroes of human rights and damaging the state”.
The PM said those protesting in Islamabad are “relatives of those fighting against the state” in Balochistan.
“We still respect their right to protest because their dear and near ones disappeared. But they should also know that they [militants] were fighting against the state, with the help of RAW funding and aided by India. It is an armed rebellion, with foreign help,” he was quoted as saying by Dawn News.
“Who is engaged in armed mutiny against the state of Pakistan? I am sure if these so-called advocates go to Balochistan, they would be killed as well. But please, go and join the BLF or BLA so that the state knows where you stand. The state is clear on how to deal with this menace. Please clarify your position,” he said.
He claimed '98 per cent' of the Baloch community stood with the country.
Pakistan police allegedly used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in Islamabad last month.
The protesters demonstrated against alleged enforced disappearances of men in Balochistan province.