Quetta, Aug 31:
A leading human rights organisation has condemned Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s reported threat to “burn and demolish” orchards in Mastung district and arrest their owners, warning that such action could amount to collective punishment of civilians.
Bugti reportedly issued the warning at an event at the Central Police Office in Quetta after alleging that private orchards were being used by militants to launch attacks on security personnel and the provincial interior minister. He said the government could either relocate residents or eliminate orchards allegedly being used for militant activities.
The Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) strongly criticised the remarks, saying threats against private property and economic resources raised serious concerns over fundamental human rights, property rights and the right to livelihood. The organisation argued that destroying orchards would directly affect the income and survival of local families.
The rights group said that, against the backdrop of continuing allegations of human rights violations in Balochistan, threatening civilian property was particularly disturbing. It warned that targeting orchards and their owners could amount to collective pressure and collective punishment.
The BVJ called on Pakistani authorities to refrain from intimidating civilians or damaging private property and urged the government to address security concerns without punishing entire communities for alleged militant activity.