Pakistanis in US demand restoration of democracy

Pakistani expatriates in the United States staged a demonstration demanding a return of democracy in their country, and accused President Pervez Musharrafs military regime of violating human rights in Balochistan and Sindh provinces.

Washington, Aug 15 : Pakistani expatriates in the United States staged a demonstration demanding a return of democracy in their country, and accused President Pervez Musharraf's military regime of violating human rights in Balochistan and Sindh provinces.

The protestors from the World Sindhi Institute along with members of the Baloch Human Rights International organisation, held a sit-in outside Pakistan's embassy in Washington on Pakistan's Independence Day; in a symbolic show of what they say is continuing oppression in a free nation.

"In the last 60 days one thing has been achieved, that Pakistan is denying the truth. That is the achievement of the Pakistani military, that is the achievement of the Pakistani establishment and I would call it the Inter-Service intelligence - they are ruling the country. People are not ruling the country," said Munawar Laghari, Executive Director of the World Sindhi Institute.

Laghari said that they would continue their struggle for the Sindhis and Balochis and for their right to self-determination.

The protestors said that the Pakistan Army has been allowed to rule with an iron hand and little is done to question its unbridled power.

Pakistan' top rights groups had last year termed the Baloch crisis as a "war-like situation" and said it had "received evidence that action by armed forces had led to deaths and injuries to civilians" and that "populations had also been subjected to indiscriminate bombing".

The protestors said they wanted a complete end to Musharraf's rule, and demanded return of army to barracks.

"People of Pakistan are stricken with the dire poverty. We want those resources to be redirected from useless wasting of so-called defence," said Khalid Hashmini, a Sindhi protester.

Musharraf came to power in a bloodless military coup in 1999. The leaders of the main opposition live in exile and their parties have been marginalised over the last seven years.

Critics have often questioned the fairness of elections held during Musharraf's time in office.

Musharraf has controversially retained his role as Army Chief, saying that it was necessary for him to wage a war on terrorism in Pakistan and to seek peace with neighbouring India.

The US and UK, both wielding considerable influence on Pakistan, a key ally in their war against terrorism, are facing increasing pressure to link any aid to the impoverished nation.

Sindhi activists say international involvement is crucial in their campaign to end oppression. American supporters and human rights activists also joined the protesters.

ANI