Baloch rights advocates have expressed strong disapproval towards an international digital news platform for taking down an online interview with 21-year-old UK-based Baloch activist Yusuf Baluch shortly after its release. The interview, where Baluch discussed various issues faced by the people of Balochistan, such as state occupation, human rights violations, forced disappearances, and environmental challenges, was removed from social media soon after it was posted, leading to backlash from journalists and activists, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
Yusuf Baluch, in a post on X on February 8, revealed that Al Jazeera removed his interview post-publication, citing a “security issue” without providing further details. This move sparked concerns about the freedom of expression and the ability to have factual discussions on major networks in Pakistan.
Various activists took to X to condemn what they perceived as censorship of critical voices. Journalist and columnist Taj Baloch questioned the ethical implications of removing Yusuf Baluch’s interview, emphasizing the importance of journalistic integrity and editorial independence in such decisions.
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) Executive Director Abdullah Abbas Baluch raised concerns about potential political pressures influencing the removal of the interview. He criticized the media censorship of Baloch voices in Pakistan, questioning the extent of influence the Pakistani establishment holds over AJ English in deciding which voices are allowed to be heard.
Activist and journalist Naeema Zehri also expressed disappointment over the deletion of Baluch’s interview, urging AJ Plus to explain the rationale behind their decision. Additionally, Noor-e-Maryam Kanwar criticized the media outlet for silencing Baloch voices and accused Pakistan of censoring dissidents and Baloch individuals on an international scale.
