OSLO (Page3NewsWorldwide) – Baloch political groups and diaspora activists have urged Norway to cancel planned meetings with former Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, citing allegations of human rights abuses and security concerns.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the groups said the two officials, who are expected to visit Norway from Feb. 15 to 17, should not be hosted under what they described as a “briefing” on Balochistan.
The activists allege that Kakar and Bugti are closely aligned with Pakistan’s military and intelligence services and accuse them of involvement in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and repression in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Pakistan’s government has previously denied similar accusations.
Allegations of Abuses
According to the statement, the groups claim Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has played a central role in detentions and killings of Baloch activists, accusations that Islamabad has consistently rejected.
The statement also accuses Bugti of responsibility for civilian abuses and environmental damage in the province, allegations that could not be independently verified by Reuters.
Security Concerns Raised
The activists further warned of alleged links between Pakistani officials and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and Israel. They said past investigations in Scandinavia into Iranian intelligence activities underscore the need for caution.
The statement cited the deaths of several Baloch activists and journalists in Norway, Sweden and Canada in recent years, which supporters have said warranted deeper investigation. Authorities in those countries have not publicly confirmed any foreign state involvement.
Calls for Engagement With Baloch Representatives
The groups called on Norway to halt meetings with the Pakistani delegation and instead engage with Baloch representatives in exile to discuss conditions in the province.
“Any official engagement risks legitimising repression and undermining international security,” the statement said.
Norway’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pakistani officials were not immediately available for comment.
