World Sindhi Congress (WSC) held a protest demonstration in front of the American embassy in London on 24 Feb 2008. The rally was organised at the eve of completion of two years of Dr. Safdar Sarki’s disappearance, continued detention and torture at the hands of Pakistani establishment. Scores of Sindhi, Baloch and English human rights activists from all over the UK attended the rally. Balochistan Action Committee (UK) made a particular participation at the rally.
The rally was addressed by Mr. Peter Tatchell, Dr Haleem Bhatti, Mr. Qadir Jatoi, Mr. Iqbal Detho, Mr. Samad Baloch, Miss. Suraiya Makhdoom, Miss. Mehnaz Baloch, Dr Hidayat Bhutto and Lakhu Luhana.
Mr. Peter Tatchell, a renowned human rights activist, said in his speech that hundreds of Sindhi and Baloch political activists have been kidnapped by Pakistani intelligence agencies. He mentioned that Pakistan government is pressurising the British government to hand over Baloch activists, Herbiyar Marri and Faiz Baloch to appease Pakistan. Peter said that the weapons provided by west are being used against innocent Baloch people. Peter demanded that no aid should be given to Pakistan until human rights are restored.
Dr. Haleem Bhatti in his speech thanked all who came to show their solidarity with the cause of Dr. Safdar Sarki. He said that WSC will not rest until all the political and human rights activists of Sindhi and Baloch nations are not released. He said that Dr. Sarki is tortured so much in these two years that his life is in grave danger.
Mr. Qadir Jatoi said that the dictatorial and Sindh enemy government of Musharaf has brought a lot of pain, suffering and destruction for Sindhi and Baloch people. He reiterated that our united struggle would see us through this difficult period.
Well-known Sindhi human rights activist, Iqbal Detho, in his speech said that the basic premises of the war on terror need to be reanalysed as it is providing support and legitimacy to many despotic, tyrannical and anti human rights governments around the world. He said it is important to understand that it is not only Musharaf but the entire military institution that is responsible for our sufferings.
Mr. Samad Baloch said that it is the moral duty of the potential new government to ensure that all the Baloch and Sindhi activists are immediately released and the military operation in Balochistan is stopped.
Miss. Suraiya Makhdoom, who moderated the speeches at the rally, said that now MQM who was criminally imposed by Musharaf on Sindhi people is not accepting the mandate of Sindhi’s and would like to continue their illegal and criminal hold on Sindh.
Miss. Mehnaz Baloch said that we hope for the day when the sufferings of Baloch and Sindhi nation will come to an end.
Dr. Hidayat Bhutto said that Safdar left his comfortable life in the USA to Sindh to work for the disadvantaged people of Sindh and is paying a very high price for it. However, in spite of enormous torture his sprits are high. Although, the courts have given him the bail but Pakistani agencies are shamelessly still keeping him.
Lakhu Luhana said that it is our honest duty not to forget our heroes who suffered for the cause of our motherland.
The rally raised slogans against Musharaf and Pakistani establishment and for the release of Dr. Safdar Sarki, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Nawaz Zaour, Asif Baladi, Muzaffar Bhutto and hundreds of other Baloch and Sindhi political activists. WSC also requested all human rights organisations and individuals to please use your good offices, impress upon Pakistan authorities and get Dr Sarki released and get him proper medical and other facilities
At the end of the rally, the representative of the American ambassador, Mr. David Kidd, came to the rally and WSC Chairman Dr. Haleem Bhatti submitted a letter for immediate intervention of the USA government to save Dr. Sarki’s life.
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