DECLARATION PASSED BY JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE (JAC)

Karachi, 30^th August 2006

A meeting of the concerned citizens and members
of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) was held
yesterday, the 29^th August, 2006 to consider the
most disastrous and alarming conditions in
Baluchistan. The meeting was held in HRCP Office
and was presided over by its Secretary General
Mr. Iqbal Haider, the following Declaration was
passed and is being released to the press.

We note with grave concern:

– The continuing operation by
the army and or paramilitary forces in
Baluchistan, particularly after the shocking
tragic event of August 26, 2006 resulting in the
death of Nawab Akbar Bugti and his companions has
pushed the political situation of the country
towards 1971 warlike conditions of alienation and
civil strife. The military operation in 1971 had
resulted in dismemberment of the country and
consequences of the present operation in
Baluchistan, we apprehend may be equally
disastrous, if it is not withdrawn forthwith.

– The use of disproportionate
and indiscriminate force, reportedly deployment
of air strikes and highly sophisticated
unconventional weapons by the Law Enforcement
Agencies in Baluchistan against its own
compatriots.

We strongly condemn:

– The targeted killing of
Nawab Akbar Bugti and his companions in the
military operations in Balochistan.

– The ongoing military operation in Balochistan.

– The grave violation of human
rights in Balochistan and of Baloch people and
their relations and colleagues and supporters in
Sindh or elsewhere in Pakistan in particular the
abduction and disappearance of the Baloch and
Sindhi nationalist, their victimization, torture,
illegal detentions, arrests and harassment.

We urgently demand:

– The hand-over of the remains
of Nawab Akbar Bugti and his companions and other
persons who lost their lives in the military
operation of 26 August to their rightful heirs.

– The respect of long-standing
traditions of our people regarding the last rites
of individuals regardless of previous enmity.

– The conduct of
investigations by an Independent Commission
comprising impartial respected citizens from the
civil society, into the causes as well as the
facts and circumstances of the death of Nawab
Akbar Bugti and his companions.

– Immediate access to the
areas of the military operations in particular
the spot of murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti and his
companions to independent civilians including
members of human rights organizations, lawyers,
journalists, teachers, professors and engineers
etc.

We also demand:

– The immediate cessation of
the ongoing military operations in Balochistan.

– The immediate ending of
police operations, harassment, victimization,
arrests and detentions of the Baloch communities
and their supporters in other provinces.

– The release of all arrested,
detained and “disappeared” citizens, forthwith
unconditionally.

– Maximum autonomy in letter &
spirit must be guaranteed for all the federating
units, forthwith.

We call for:

– The resolution of all
outstanding issues, causes and disputes
concerning Balochistan and its resources through
political negotiations and transparent dialogues
peacefully.

– All the recommendations of
the Parliamentary Committee headed by Ch. Shujaat
Hussain must me made public and implemented
forthwith in letter & spirit.

List of the participants in the meeting:

1. Aahung
2. Action Aid
3. All Pakistan Trade Union Federation
4. Amnesty International
5. Aurat Foundation
6. Caritas, Pakistan
7. Communist Party of Pakistan
8. Federal Urdu University, Karachi
9. Fishermen Unity
10. Forum for Democracy
11. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
12. Irtiqa
13. Karachi Bar Association
14. Karachi University, Karachi
15. Labour Education Foundation
16. Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy
17. Pakistan Institute for Labor Education and Research (PILER)
18. Pakistan Muslim League, N (PMLN)
19. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian (PPPP)
20. Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign
21. Pakistan Trade Union Federation
22. Pakistan Women Lawyers Association
23. People’s Labour Bureau
24. Progressive Youth Front
25. Roots for Equity
26. Shirkat Gah
27. Takhleeq Foundation
28. Urban Resource Center
29. War Against Rape (WAR)
30. Women’s Action Forum