Tribune News Service
Jammu, November 26
The European Union (EU) parliamentarians have expressed concern over increasing Chinese presence in occupied Gilgit-Baltistan and the “kill and dump” policy of Pakistan in restive Baluchistan, which is seeking independence since 1947.
The negative impact on environment of the Chinese presence in occupied territories under Pakistan was also discussed at a seminar, “China in Pakistan: Growing Human Rights Concern”, attended by more than 120 participants from European Parliament, Civil Society and Baluch human rights activists. The seminar was organised jointly by International Human Rights Defenders (IHRD) and Members of the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg.
Ryszard Czarnecki, Vice-President of European Parliament, spoke on how China was engaged in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in construction ranging from dams and highways.
He spoke about reports that there was resentment among locals in the region over the negative environmental impact and the utter disregard for environmental safety norms by the Chinese infrastructure developers. “Chinese construction projects literally trash the environment,” Czarnecki said.
Exposing the “kill and dump” policy of Pakistan in Baluchistan, Baluch human rights activist Javed Mohammad Khan expressed concern over atrocities of Army and Intelligence agencies in the strategic area.
“Baluch people are subjected to capital punishments without even going through courts as the local Army units and Pakistani Intelligence agency ISI issue orders for doing the same. 336 dead bodies were found in 2015 alone,” Khan claimed.
Alberto Cirio, Member of the European Parliament, spoke about Chinese increasing their military presence in PoK and Gilgit under the pretext of ensuring safety to their workers. He also mentioned that the Red Army has started to create divide among the Shia and Sunnis in the region, which is causing a direct threat.