News Analysis |
The Transport for London(TFL) has ordered the removal of offensive advertisements from its cabs where were in violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity. The TFL acted upon the complaints lodged by the Pakistani High Commission in London.High Commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas met TfL officials after a few cabs were spotted carrying ‘Free Balochistan’ slogans in parts of Zone 1 & 2 in Central London. The High Commissioner called upon TFL to act without delay, something which it did immediately.
Sources believe that it is a replica of the one launched in Geneva last month by an NGO named Balochistan House.However, the campaign is not related to one launched in Geneva.
Also, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Tehmina Janjua summoned the British High Commissioner, Thomas Drew and protested as to why slogans directly attacking Pakistan’s territorial integrity are being spread in a city in which Pakistanis feel so at home. The strong bonds between Great Britain and Pakistan can be evidenced by the fact that a large Pakistani expat community is living in the UK.
The issue was also taken up at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by the Pakistan High Commissioner in London. The campaign is being advanced by a group calling itself World Baloch Organisation (WBO). Sources believe that it is a replica of the one launched in Geneva last month by an NGO named Balochistan House.However, the campaign is not related to one launched in Geneva.
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“The TfL confirmed that it has initiated an inquiry into the matter. As soon as the vicious campaign came to the notice of the High Commission, the matter was taken up with the British authorities, including the TfL. The TfL after taking the suitable action of removal of the advertisements, has assured of the disciplinary action against the perpetrators of this malicious campaign,” said the spokesman of the Pakistani High Commission.
TFL told The News that the TfL has appointed an enforcement officer who will make sure that the offensive slogans are removed and that the drivers not obliging the rules will be suspended from work.
These are the very allegations which inimical forces allege Pakistan of. Altaf who has been cut to size after his “Pakistan Murdabaad speech” last year ramped up his tirade against the Pakistani security forces.
London has gained traction as a hub of Pakistan-related activities especially since the Sharif family has perched itself there. After the highly-touted political activities of former MQM chief, Altaf Hussain, the PML-N has headquartered itself in London with the deposed Sharif deciding upon his next political moves from that city. A lot of ire was drawn when in August, Altaf Hussain along with Khan of Kalat, Suleiman Dawood met U.S lawmaker, Dana Rohrabacher.
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Throughout his meeting with the US Law Maker, Altaf focused on a few themes to include Punjabi domination, injustice against a community(Mujahir), Human rights violations and the so-called grotesque role of Pakistani security forces. These are the very allegations which inimical forces allege Pakistan of. Altaf who has been cut to size after his “Pakistan Murdabaad speech” last year ramped up his tirade against the Pakistani security forces.
Experts also stress upon how the Baloch issue is being festered from outside Pakistan while underscoring the kind of war Pakistan is confronting.
Last month, reports suggested that Pakistan will move the interpol for the arrest of Baloch separatist leaders. The leader of the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army(BLA), Harbiyar Marri is in self-exile in London.
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Watchers have raised eyebrows on why the UK lets nefarious elements operate from London. Experts also stress upon how the Baloch issue is being festered from outside Pakistan while underscoring the kind of war Pakistan is confronting.