When Sushma speaks, the world listens, when Sharif speaks, the hall remains empty: Tarek Fatah

Geneva [Switzerland], Sept. 27 (ANI): Expressing gratitude to Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for raising the Baloch issue at the United Nations, Pakistan author and analyst Tarek Fatah has said her speech would give boost to the Baloch cause as her outreach far exceeds than that of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Speaking to ANI, Tarekh said when Sushma speaks, the world listens, but when the Pakistan Prime Minister speaks, the hall is usually empty. "I think it's very appropriate for the Indian Foreign Minister to raise the issue of atrocities in Balochistan, especially in view of the fact that the PM of Pakistan praised a known ISIS influenced Jihadi terrorist in his address to the UNGA. It shows the contrast between a terror-supporting state like Pakistan and as its neighbour, the Indian republic, which is fighting Islamic terrorism. I think that this will give a lot of incentive to the Baloch people because their voice will be heard across the world, because when the Indian Foreign Minister speaks, the world listens, when the Pakistan Prime Minister speaks, the hall is usually very empty," he said. Asserting that global terrorism is a very serious problem, Fateh further said that Pakistani establishments need to be dismantled which can only occur if Balochistan achieves independence. "Global terrorism is very serious and, I think, Pakistan has to be dismantled if we have to fight global terrorism. As long as there is Pakistan, there will be international terrorism, because it is not just a country which is involved in terrorism, it harbours terrorists, it nurtures people who want to give up their lives for a supposed paradise and that institution has to be dismantled, and for that, independence of Balochistan is absolutely essential," he said. Rebutting Sharif's statements, made five days earlier, at the UNGA, where he accused India of "committing brutalities in the Kashmir Valley" and hailed Hizbul-Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani as a "young leader", Swaraj, speaking at the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said, "On 21st September, the Prime Minister of Pakistan used this podium to make baseless allegations about human rights violations in my country. I can only say that 'jinke apne ghar shishe ke ho, unhe dusro par patthar nahi fekne chahiye. (those whose houses are made of glass should not throw stones at others). Those accusing others of human rights violations would do well to introspect and see what egregious abuses they are perpetrating in their own country, including in Balochistan. The brutality against the Baloch people represents the worst form of State oppression." Swaraj further said, "In our midst, there are nations that still speak the language of terrorism, that nurture it, peddle it, and export it. To shelter terrorists has become their calling card. We must identify these nations and hold them to account. These nations, in which UN designated terrorists roam freely, lead processions and deliver their poisonous sermons of hate with impunity, are as culpable as the very terrorists they harbour. Such countries should have no place in the comity of nations." (ANI)