The Prime Minister, on a bilateral visit to the United States (his second since assuming office) was addressing the US Institute of Peace, which is a prominent think-tank. During his speech, the Sharif was interrupted by a protester who shouted ‘Free Balochistan’ and called the PM ‘ a friend of Bin Laden’. The interruption caused Nawaz Sharif to halt his speech briefly as security removed the man from the venue, after which he resumed his speech.
“I am an American, don’t touch me”:video of man who interrupted #NawazSharif‘s speech being thrown out https://t.co/6DlsAh3rG2 via @aziz_leo
— Sumaira Jajja (@SumairaJajja) October 23, 2015
Baloch activist who interrupted PM’s speech & chanted anti-Pakistan & Free #Balochistan slogans. Pic via Rabeel pic.twitter.com/C4ULjTHStS
— saeedhussain (@Saeed60Hussain) October 23, 2015
“Free free Balochistan”, “You’re Bin Laden friend” chanted from audience during PM Nawaz’s address at #SharifUSIP
— Sania Baloch (@khosobaloch9) October 23, 2015
Baloch activist chanted “Free Balochistan” slogan and called ‘liar’ amid Nawaz’s speech at USIP pic.twitter.com/JfeB5jBGND
— Na-Maloom Engineer (@Namaloom_Engr) October 23, 2015
The man was also carrying a poster which read ‘Free Balochistan’. Nawaz Sharif yesterday met United States President Barack Obama, in which the two held wide ranged talks and discussed Pakistan-US relations. Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz yesterday addressed a gathering at the White House hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.
Also read: Michelle Obama announces funding of US$70 million for Pakistani women
Pakistan’s security forces have been embroiled in a conflict with insurgents and separatists in Balochistan. A wave of insurgency had begun and violence in the province had escalated after influential leader Akbar Bugti was killed in what was believed to be an encounter between his men and security forces.
Pakistan has often leveled allegations of India supporting terrorism in its south-western province of Balochistan, and also claims that it is winning the battle against separatists in the region.
