BHRC of Canada writes to Trudeau, questions his apathy towards Karima Baloch's murder

The Baloch Human Rights Council of Canada (BHRC-Canada) has written an open letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressing deep concern over what it perceives as inconsistencies in the Canadian Government's response to the mysterious death of Balochistan human rights activist Karima Baloch, who was found lifeless in Toronto in December 2020. The BHRC-Canada highlighted the contrasting reactions of the Canadian Government in the case involving the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Baloch activists, raising questions about fairness and consistency.

Karima Baloch's untimely death, which raised suspicion, was swiftly concluded by the Toronto Police within forty-eight hours of the discovery, stating that "no foul play was suspected." It is noteworthy that both the Canadian Government and the Toronto Police were aware of the grave death threats Karima Baloch had received from the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), yet they maintained silence on this matter.

Contrast in reactions

The BHRC-Canada pointed out the stark contrast between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's silence on Karima Baloch's death and his passionate speeches and international media coverage concerning the shooting death of Nijjar in Canada. This discrepancy raises concerns about the Canadian Government's consistency and fairness, particularly in addressing human rights violations in Balochistan by the Pakistan Army, wrote the Baloch Human Rights Council of Canada.

The BHRC-Canada said it speculated that the Canadian Government's reluctance to address Karima Baloch's death may be linked to electoral considerations. The Baloch community in Canada is relatively small and lacks significant electoral influence.

The BHRC-Canada called on Trudeau and his Government to provide a transparent and just response to the quest for justice in Karima Baloch's case. Karima Baloch dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and freedom of Balochistan, the organistan said. 

India-canada diplomatic row

This letter comes amidst a diplomatic row between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected allegations of its involvement in Nijjar's killing, leading to tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats. The strained relations between the two nations have been exacerbated by concerns about the Canadian Government's response to pro-Khalistani activities in Canada.