Many important Baloch human rights activists are speaking out about the terrible things happening to the Baloch community in Pakistan for the past twenty years. They’re asking politicians and other leaders to pay attention to the rights of this suffering group.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the struggles of the Baloch community worldwide, drawing more than 500 participants from various parts of the globe. This diverse gathering comprised journalists, media representatives, UK government officials, intellectuals, and members of the Baloch community.
Hosted by the UK’s Labour Member of Parliament for Hayes and Harlington, John McDonnell, the event held on Friday was intended to bring attention to the severe hardships endured by the Baloch people on the international stage.
In the virtual session, well-known Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch shared harrowing accounts of the atrocities endured by the Baloch people. She bravely disclosed her personal experience of suffering from enforced disappearances, recalling the traumatic abduction of her father when she was only 14 years old. He was unjustly imprisoned after baseless accusations, joining the long list of Baloch individuals who have been forcibly taken and killed by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, Mahrang also added that, Pakistan’s judiciary also has failed to address this issue, and at times has taken the side of Pakistan’s military and state often safeguarding them by stating that the military and law enforcement agencies have nothing to do with those mass graves.
The recent long march which went through various cities of Balochistan and was welcomed by the local people finally witnessed the participation of thousands of Balochis.
The Baloch activist while referring to the same event said, “This movement actually witnesses and exposes the whole setup of the Pakistani state.”
Referring to the abduction of an individual named Balash, Mahrang narrated that he was first abducted and later on was presented in the court, but was ordered by the judiciary to a 10-day long remand but was killed during his remand after claiming he was a terrorist.
Balochistan, making up 43.6 percent of Pakistan’s total area, is the largest province in the country. It’s rich in natural resources like gold, copper, oil, and natural gas. Additionally, it features a 770km (478-mile) coastline hosting the strategically important Gwadar Port, a crucial part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Even though it’s abundant in resources, Balochistan continues to be the most economically disadvantaged province in Pakistan. The Baloch ethnic group, comprising one-third of the population, has suffered from long-term marginalization because of discriminatory policies by the Pakistani government. This ongoing history of marginalization has led to sustained armed resistance.
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