London to take down ‘Free Balochistan’ ads

Transport authorities in London issued instructions on Wednesday to remove “Free Balochistan” advertisements from more than 100 buses on the ground that they did not comply with guidelines, but Baloch activists contended they were being taken off under pressure from Pakistan.

The advertisements – first seen on London taxis and billboards – highlighted alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan’s restive southwestern province and evoked a sharp reaction from Islamabad.

A spokesman for Transport for London (TfL), which runs the transport network, told HT: “This advert does not comply with our advertising guidelines.

“It was accepted in error by our advertising partner and was not referred to us for our consideration. We have instructed that all such adverts must be removed immediately.”

Bhawal Mengal of World Baloch Organisation (WBO) said TfL is cooperating with Pakistan authorities, and said “the message has already gone across”.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province that has abundant natural resources such as gas and minerals, has for long been plagued by an insurgency .

In recent years, the bodies of hundreds of Baloch activists have been found dumped on the roadside, with rights groups blaming the Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies for their killing.

LONDON: