Critics accuse the pair of actively supporting terrorism and undermining Pakistan’s efforts to foster peace and development in Balochistan, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

McDonnell, known for his advocacy of negotiating with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Northern Ireland conflict, faces accusations of hypocrisy. While advocating for dialogue to resolve conflict in the UK, he seemingly ignores the atrocities committed by the BLA and BLF, which include the killing of innocent civilians, attacks on critical infrastructure, and the sabotage of development projects aimed at improving the lives of Baloch people.

Nassim Baloch, meanwhile, is accused of misrepresenting Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts as human rights violations. This narrative, critics argue, disregards the fact that many individuals previously reported as “missing persons” have been found in terrorist training camps.

Both McDonnell and Dr Baloch have been criticized for their silence on the human rights abuses perpetrated by the BLA and BLF, highlighting a perceived selective bias and fueling speculation of foreign-funded agendas designed to destabilize Pakistan.

Pakistan has invested heavily in Balochistan’s development, undertaking significant infrastructure projects, improving governance, and implementing socio-economic uplift programs.

Critics have also raised serious questions about the motivations behind their lobbying activities and their disregard for the devastating consequences of terrorism on the people of Balochistan.