US congressmen assured FBM delegation about VOA Balochi language service

 US congressmen assured FBM delegation about VOA Balochi language service

WASHINGTON DC: A delegation of Free Balochistan Movement has met the US Congressman during the Saath Forum conference in Washington DC on Tuesday and discussed a Balochi language programme by VOA.

According to details, the Free Balochistan Movement activists approached Congressman Brad Sherman and briefed him about the need of a Balochi language by Voice of America service. The FBM friends also informed the Congressmen about ongoing Human Rights Violations in Balochistan.

The FBM activists said that due to lack of electricity and internet facilities, the people Baloch of Balochistan regularly listen to Radio Voice of America Service. However, it’s unfortunate that there is no Balochi language VOA service.

‘The FBM delegation appeals on behalf of their Party – Free Balochistan Movement – that Voice of America should start Balochi language service.’

The US congressman Brad Sherman told FBM activists that there are no Balochi Language programs in any country on international media which is unfair to Balochi language speakers and listeners.

‘I assure that pretty soon the VOA will launch Balochi and Sindhi language services. We will seek help and guidance from Baloch residents of United State in this regard, ‘congressman said adding that I thank the Free Balochistan Movement for bringing this important issue to my attention.

Mr Sherman has long been advocating for a VOA Sindhi Language program. According to open sources, the US Congress’ Foreign Affairs Committee has approved the funds to the tune of a $1.5 million (on annual basis) for the Voice of America to be used only for Sindhi Language programming.

In July 2015 Rep. Dana Rohrabacher called on VOA to initiate native-langue broadcasting to the Baloch people living in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

 ‘[N]ative language broadcasting could help to provide Baloch with non-biased news and liberal and democratic values. It would also help to preserve Baloch people language and its secular culture,’ Mr Rohrabacher had maintained in his letter to John Lansing, the Chief executive officer of the Broadcasting Board Governors.

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