GENEVA: In the realm of international human rights advocacy, few voices have been as persistent and provocative as that of Arif Ajakia. A former mayor of Karachi’s Jamshed Town and a relentless critic of Pakistan’s military establishment, Ajakia has emerged as a prominent figure in exposing systemic abuses across Pakistan’s provinces. His interventions at global forums, particularly the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), have drawn attention to the plight of marginalized communities—especially in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK).
In a powerful and unflinching address to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on September 17, 2025, human rights activist Arif Ajakia laid bare the systemic abuses perpetrated by the Pakistani state across its provinces and occupied territories. Speaking during the 57th Regular Session in Geneva, Ajakia’s intervention was not just a condemnation—it was a call to action, urging the international community to confront Pakistan’s long-standing violations of human dignity, freedom, and justice.
Arif Ajakia’s journey from municipal politics to international activism is rooted in his personal experiences and observations of state repression. As a Sindhi and a secular voice in Pakistan’s political landscape, Ajakia often found himself at odds with the dominant military narrative. His outspoken stance on minority rights, freedom of expression, and regional autonomy made him a target of intimidation, eventually leading to his relocation abroad. Ajakia’s activism, the nature of the allegations he has raised, the geopolitical implications of his claims, and the broader discourse surrounding human rights in Pakistan.
Arif Ajakia, Executive Director of the Asian Human Rights Forum and a prominent advocate for marginalized communities in South Asia, has long been a thorn in the side of authoritarian regimes. His speech at the UNHRC was a culmination of years of documentation, advocacy, and solidarity with victims of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political repression.
“The military establishment appoints its favored individuals to the Balochistan Parliament,” Ajakia declared, “to perpetuate fundamental human rights violations against the Baloch people. Under the guise of security, the Pakistan military executes extensive operations that amount to ethnic cleansing.”
Balochistan: A Region Under Siege
Ajakia’s most scathing remarks were directed at the situation in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province. Despite its wealth in natural gas, minerals, and strategic location, Balochistan remains one of the most underdeveloped and militarized regions in the country.
Pakistan ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” Ajakia noted, “but has miserably failed to fulfill its obligations. In fact, in Balochistan, Pakistan does the opposite of what it promises to the international community.
According to him, the Pakistani state—allegedly backed by Chinese interests—has engaged in what he termed “economic and physical genocide.” The exploitation of Balochistan’s resources, he argued, benefits only the elite and foreign investors, while the indigenous population suffers displacement, poverty, and violence.
Enforced Disappearances: A National Tragedy
One of the most harrowing aspects of Ajakia’s testimony was his focus on enforced disappearances—a tactic allegedly used by Pakistani security forces to silence dissent. Thousands of activists, students, journalists, and civilians have vanished without a trace, leaving families in perpetual anguish.
Sammi Deen Baloch, another speaker at the UNHRC session, shared her personal story. “It has been 15 years since my father, D Mohamed Baloch, was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces,” she said. “This is not just about my father. This is the story of thousands of Baloch people who have been taken away.”
Her words echoed the pain of countless families who live in fear, unable to seek justice or even information about their loved ones. These disappearances, according to Ajakia, are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign to suppress ethnic and political identities.
Pashtun Repression and the PTM
Ajakia also highlighted the plight of the Pashtun community, particularly members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a grassroots organization advocating for civil rights and accountability. He accused the military of harassing Pashtuns at checkpoints, targeting PTM leaders, and labeling peaceful activists as terrorists.
The PTM has faced bans, arrests, and media blackouts, despite its nonviolent stance. Ajakia argued that the repression of Pashtuns is emblematic of Pakistan’s broader strategy: using fear and force to maintain control over diverse ethnic groups.
Political Suppression and Cultural Erasure in Sindh
In Sindh, Ajakia alleged that the state engages in political suppression and economic exploitation. Sindhi nationalist parties and civil society organizations are reportedly banned or marginalized, while religious extremists operate with impunity.
“Pakistan labels Baloch political parties and civil rights organizations as banned outfits,” Ajakia said. “It doesn’t even spare student organizations, whereas religious extremists who openly operate in Balochistan are given a license to kill.”
This duality—where peaceful dissent is criminalized and extremism is weaponized—raises serious questions about Pakistan’s commitment to democratic norms and human rights.
Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir: A Forgotten Crisis
While much international attention has focused on the Indian side of the Jammu and Kashmir, Ajakia reminded the UNHRC that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) faces its own set of challenges i.e., terrorism by the Pakistan Army against the civilian of Indian side of the state. He also accused the Pakistani military of suppressing local voices, manipulating elections, and stifling media freedom.
Residents of PoJK, he claimed, are denied basic rights and subjected to surveillance, intimidation, and arbitrary detention. The region remains largely inaccessible to international observers, making it difficult to verify claims or provide humanitarian assistance.
The Role of Extremist Groups
Perhaps the most important aspect of Ajakia’s speech was his assertion that Pakistan’s military has created and manipulated extremist groups like Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for strategic purposes. These groups, he argued, were initially used to destabilize neighboring regions but have since turned against the state itself.
This allegation, if true, underscores the dangerous game of proxy warfare and ideological manipulation that has plagued South Asia for decades. It also highlights the blurred lines between state and non-state actors in Pakistan’s security apparatus.
International Law and Pakistan’s Obligations
As a member of the UNHRC and a signatory to multiple international treaties, Pakistan is legally bound to uphold human rights standards. Ajakia’s speech emphasized that the country has not only failed to meet these obligations but has actively undermined them.
He called on the UNHRC to initiate investigations, impose sanctions, and hold Pakistan accountable through international legal mechanisms. “Pakistan spares no effort in breaching the principles and ethics this esteemed council stands for,” he said. “It is time for the world to act.
Global Reactions and the Road Ahead
Ajakia’s address received widespread attention from human rights organizations, diaspora communities, and international media. His testimony, along with that of Sammi Deen Baloch and others, has reignited calls for a UN-led inquiry into Pakistan’s human rights record.
However, geopolitical realities complicate the path forward. Pakistan remains a strategic ally to several global powers, and its military plays a central role in regional security dynamics. Any punitive action would require consensus among UNHRC member states—a tall order given competing interests.
Still, activists remain hopeful. The visibility provided by the UNHRC platform, combined with grassroots mobilization and digital advocacy, could pave the way for meaningful change.
Arif Ajakia’s speech was more than a condemnation—it was a mirror held up to the international community. It challenged diplomats, policymakers, and citizens to confront uncomfortable truths and take principled stands.
Whether this moment becomes a turning point in Pakistan’s human rights trajectory depends on what happens next. Will the UNHRC launch investigations? Will member states demand accountability? Or will the cycle of silence and impunity continue?
One thing is certain: the voices of Baloch, Pashtun, Sindhi, and Pakistan side of the Kashmiri victims will not be silenced. And as long as activists like Arif Ajakia continue to speak truth to power, the world will be forced to listen.