PARIS/TORONTO: A prominent Baloch activist and chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Dr. Naseem Baloch, has called on Canada not to ignore human rights abuses in Balochistan while pursuing closer economic ties with Pakistan.
“Minister Anita Anand MP, while Canada strengthens ties with Pakistan, it must also recognize that Pakistan is committing heinous crimes in Balochistan; enforced disappearances, killings and collective punishment of civilians are a daily routine. Supporting such a state amounts to complicity,” Dr. Naseem said in a statement on social media.
He also highlighted the unresolved murder of Baloch leader Karima Baloch in Canada, saying her killers remain free and condemned Canadian mining company Barrick Gold’s partnership with Pakistan, accusing the state and its allies of exploiting Baloch resources.
The remarks come as Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, discussed strengthening bilateral trade and investment with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The Foreign Office said the leaders focused on agriculture, mining and investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) and thanked Pakistan for facilitating market access for Canadian canola.
“Both leaders appreciated recent constructive engagements and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation,” the FO said, noting that the two ministers agreed to remain in close contact.
Pakistan’s merchandise exports to North America grew by nearly 10 percent in the last fiscal year, reaching $6.415 billion, largely driven by textile exports to the US and Canada.
Human rights advocates stress that Canada should consider ethical implications alongside economic cooperation, citing ongoing abuses against Baloch civilians.
