LONDON – The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest demonstration on Saturday outside the British Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street, highlighting concerns over the human rights situation in Balochistan, particularly the issue of enforced disappearances.
According to the organizers, the protest focused on the enforced disappearances of Baloch women, children, and young girls. Demonstrators gathered near the prime minister’s residence, chanting slogans and calling for justice, accountability, and international attention to the situation in Balochistan.
BNM said the practice of enforced disappearances and collective punishment continues in the region. During the demonstration, protesters demanded the recovery of several individuals, including Mahjabeen Baloch, Nasreena Baloch, Farzana Baloch, Hani Baloch and Hairnasa, whom they said were detained by Pakistani forces and later went missing.
Speakers at the protest also raised concerns over the arrests of members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), stating that its leadership has been detained in false cases. They said that human rights activists have been arrested, imprisoned despite bail orders and subjected to media campaigns on social media.
The speakers named BYC leaders Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, GulZadi Baloch, Bebgar Baloch, and Sibghatullah Baloch, saying they are leading a movement against enforced disappearances but have faced arrests and detention.
BNM representatives said these detentions were unlawful and urged international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, to investigate and increase pressure on Pakistan over the reported violations.
The protest was addressed by senior BNM leaders, officials from its UK chapter and other activists. The organization also called on the British government to take what it termed a more active role regarding the situation in Balochistan.
