First, I want to sincerely thank John McDonnell MP for standing with the Baloch people. I am deeply grateful to him for hosting this important event in the House of Commons.
Ladies and gentlemen,
On this Human Rights Day, I speak not only as a survivor but also as someone who has witnessed the immense suffering of my homeland, Balochistan. Once an independent country, Balochistan has endured relentless oppression and control since its occupation by Pakistan. Thousands of lives have been lost, and countless people remain confined in dark, hidden torture cells. Yet, amidst this suffering, the hope for Balochistan’s freedom sustains us, giving us the strength to persevere.
If someone were to ask how I survived the horrors of Pakistani torture cells and what gave me hope, I would answer: it was my unwavering belief in the struggle for Balochistan’s freedom. This belief became my lifeline, my reason to endure.
I was forcibly disappeared twice for daring to stand for freedom and human dignity. The first time, on 25th March 2005, is a day etched into my memory. Armed men stormed my home late at night, plunging my life into unimaginable suffering. For 45 days, I endured brutal torture—they beat me with leather straps, suffocated me with plastic bags, and burned me with cigarettes. Sleep deprivation was their weapon, and the screams of my fellow detainees pierced my soul.
Yet, the worst part of the ordeal wasn’t my own pain but the anguish of worrying about my family. I recall sitting in a car, chained, as the radio played an announcement about Mother’s Day. In that moment, I feared my mother might have died from the heartbreak of not knowing what had happened to me. Enforced disappearances not only harm the victims but also shatter the hearts of their families.
The second time I was taken, in 2010, I thought I would be prepared. But nothing could ready me for the darkness and pain that followed. Even today, the sound of keys jangling triggers terrifying memories of the moments before my torture would begin.
But my story is not unique. Thousands of Baloch men and women have faced the same fate—disappeared, killed without trial, and forced to live under the constant fear of a repressive state. Balochistan has become a land of terror, where uncertainty and fear dictate daily life.
Still, we refuse to give up. Despite the pain and the scars, I choose to speak out. I cannot remain silent while so many others continue to suffer.
On this Human Rights Day, I call upon the international community to take action. Investigate the crimes against humanity in Balochistan. Do not remain silent, as silence only empowers the oppressors.
To my fellow Baloch, even in our darkest moments, our spirit endures. We are the keepers of hope and dignity for our people.
To the free world and the United Kingdom,
I share my story today not to seek pity but to expose the suffering of my people. In nearly every Baloch household, someone has been taken or tortured. These are not remnants of the past but the harsh reality we face daily.
If you truly wish to help us, join our struggle for freedom. While individual support is meaningful, it is not enough to dismantle the systemic oppression we face. A united effort is necessary to break these chains.
Once again, I thank John McDonnell MP and all of you here today for standing with the Baloch people. Your support means everything to us. I dream of the day when the fight for Balochistan’s freedom is not just a topic for events like this but a matter debated in the halls of the British Parliament. Such a step would signify justice, healing, and a brighter future for us all.
Thank you.
Long live an independent Balochistan.
