Experts Denounce Pakistan's Role in Global Terrorism at Geneva Seminar

Human rights defenders, social activists, and journalists convened in Geneva to tackle the complex issues of counter-terrorism and human rights, emphasizing Pakistan's controversial role in fostering terrorism. London-based journalist Mohammed Arif Aajakia labelled Pakistan a 'Nursery of Terrorism' and criticized the global community's approach towards the country.

The Inter-Cultural and Inter-Religious Forum (ICIRF) and the International Centre Against Terrorism (ICAT) held a seminar in Geneva on Tuesday. Human rights defenders, social activists, and journalists discussed counter-terrorism, violent extremism, and human rights in Africa and Asia. London-based journalist Mohammed Arif Aajakia condemned Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism in the region.

Aajakia referred to Pakistan as a 'Nursery of Terrorism,' highlighting the role of the Pakistani military in global terrorism. He stated, 'Global terrorism comes from Pakistan, under the direction of the Pakistani military.' He also accused Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of uniting radical Islamist groups to form Al-Qaeda. 'After 9/11, Osama Bin Laden and other notorious terrorists were found in Pakistan. Our alliance with Pakistan was a mistake,' he added.

Furthermore, Aajakia lamented the human rights violations in Sindh, Pakistan, where he claimed resources are disproportionately taken from the region without providing civic amenities or basic human rights. He also criticized the international community for accepting Pakistan's branding of Pakhtuns as terrorists, despite them being major victims of terrorism. Highlighting the ISI's transnational reach, Aajakia mentioned a case where the ISI had hired a hitman to kill human rights activist Ahmad Waqass Goraya in the Netherlands.

(With inputs from agencies.)