WASHINGTON, DC: The Baloch American Congress (BAC) hailed the approval of a new US law in favour of Tibetan freedom and urged for a similar American measure for the people of Balochistan languishing under Pakistan military control.
The US Congress had last week passed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act (TPSA) of 2020 and President Donald Trump formally signed it into law on Monday.
“The new US law for Tibet brings hope for the long-suffering people of Balochistan in Pakistan,” said Dr Tara Chand, founder of BAC. “Just like Tibetans have been suffering under Chinese occupation for seven decades, people of Balochistan have been brutalized by one of China’s closest ally, Pakistan military, for the almost the same amount of time since 1948.”
Dr Tara Chand accused Pakistan military of carrying out war crimes and crimes against humanity against Baloch people opposed to Islamabad’s loot and plunder in Balochistan, just like Beijing has denied the people of Tibet their right to sovereignty over their homeland.
“Small wonder that Pakistan has long termed its relationship with China as higher than Himalayas and deeper than the oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than iron,” he said. “The US must censor Pakistan army generals who are committing crimes against humanity in Balochistan and seize their assets in the US. “
Dr Tara Chand pointed out that the family of former army General Asim Bajwa, who has the blood of thousands of Baloch patriots on his hands, has acquired millions of dollars in businesses in the US. “General Asim Bajwa is still Pakistan’s focal person in the multi-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which basically aims to take away Balochistan ports from the local people.”
Dr Tara Chand said Pakistan army brutalities in Balochistan have worsened in recent years as Pakistan has given the control of the key port of Gwadar to China.
He added: “Pakistan-China nexus threatens not only the national survival of Tibetan and Baloch people but also undermines democracy and human rights all over the world.”
The new US law, passed by President Trump, had bipartisan support in both the House by Representatives led by James McGovern, Democrat, and Chris Smith, Republican, and in the Senate led by Senators Marco Rubio, Republican, and Ben Cardin, Democrat.