GENEVA: Members of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) addressed the 63rd session of the U.N. Human Rights Council, raising concerns about the situation in Balochistan, alleged Pakistan Army airstrikes in Surab, Zehri and Chiltan and the challenges faced by Baloch women and girls.
BNM said it is continuing its political and diplomatic activities in Geneva during the council’s 63rd session.
BNM member Mahrah Baloch drew the council’s attention to the situation of Baloch women and girls. She said Pakistani authorities continue to commit serious violations of their fundamental rights, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial killings and restrictions on peaceful political expression.
She said Baloch women have played a prominent role in movements for justice and accountability. However, many continue to bear the emotional, social and economic consequences of the enforced disappearance and killing of their family members. According to her, their voices, rights and participation in public life must be protected and respected.
Mahrah Baloch described the conduct of Pakistani state authorities as “state terrorism”. She called on the council to ensure independent monitoring of Balochistan, transparent investigations and protection for those who peacefully document and challenge abuses.
BNM member Ahmed Baloch drew the council’s attention to what he described as Pakistan’s use of air power against civilians in Balochistan. He said a Pakistan Army airstrike took place in Surab on Sept. 12, 2026, killing six civilians, including a woman and a 2-year-old child. Nine others were injured, most of them young children, he said.
Ahmed Baloch said Pakistan attributed the deaths to concealed explosive devices, while photographs and footage from the area showed fragments of numbered munitions and damage consistent with aerial bombardment.
He said the Surab incident was not isolated, alleging that the army had previously used air power in Zehri and in the Chiltan area of Shaal.
According to Ahmed Baloch, the increasing use of fighter jets, drones and helicopter gunships in populated areas is putting thousands of lives at risk. He called for an end to airstrikes, international access to Balochistan, and recognition of and support for the Baloch people’s right to self-determination.
