LAHORE, Jan 14: The Joint Action Committee for Peoples Rights has demanded halting of the military operation in Balochistan and addressing issues of concern through a political dialogue by truly democratic forces as the military and its sponsored politicians had lost credibility in small provinces.

Announcing joining the ARD’s Jan 16 protest to show solidarity with forces condemning the military action, JAC convener Shahtaj Qizilbash urged civil society to participate in it regardless of any political or other affiliation. Solidarity on the issue was necessary in order to demonstrate the opposition of the Punjabi people to the violation of human rights and repression of democratic rights of all the Pakistanis.

Condemning the military action, she said it had resulted in serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws, including homicide, extra-judicial killings, destruction of civilian property and large scale displacement of population.