Sindhi Baloch Forum (UK) Press Release

A meeting of Sindhi Baloch forum was held in London, 16 September 2001, chaired by Sardar Attaullah Mengal, Convener of PONAM (Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement).  The meeting was attended by Dr Rubina Shaikh, Dr Haleem Bhatti, Balach Marri, Akhtar Mengal, Ambreen Hisbani, Mehran Baluch Marri, Omar Memon and Dr Lakhu Lohanna.   The meeting expressed deep condolences on the tragic events of USA resulting in heavy loss of life, property and bringing enormous grief for the people of USA and world. The meeting condemned the atrocities and highlights that; this is the time to investigate the real causes that culminated the current tragedy. Forum insists that US and Western powers should arrive at convincing conclusions before starting any military action. Forum believes that the causes of these attacks needs to be analyzed, understood and dealt in proper context to avoid the recurrence of such events in future. The Forum also identified that these incidents could have been avoided if the Western powers were more supportive towards the liberal, democratic and tolerant forces.  However, It is not too late to support the genuine democratic forces that represent the aspirations of the people of the region. It was realized that Pakistan is trying to materialize the tragedy by putting the bargaining conditions, which may indicate the possible behind the scene involvement of these forces in creating US tragedy. Looking at above situation meeting suggested to US and western powers should not support the undemocratic militarized, fundamentalist forces of Pakistan for their short-term gain. Their, such support in the past to similar forces can partly be cited for the current incident and can create more sinister repercussion for the regional and global peace, stability and prosperity. 16.9.01