Baloch National Movement (BNM)’s Foreign Department has launched an international campaign to raise awareness about the ongoing crackdown in Balochistan, which has garnered international concern. As part of this effort, BNM has reached out to ministers and members of parliament in Ireland and the European Parliament. They have been informed about the illegal detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders, attacks on peaceful protesters, and shootings that have injured and killed many people.
The campaign also underscores that Pakistan’s trade benefits under the GSP+ scheme are at risk due to its failure to uphold international human rights standards, a concern that has been raised by various international bodies.
During the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, a BNM delegation led by Party Chairman Dr. Naseem Baloch ensured its presence. The delegation participated in various UN programs and organized the 6th Balochistan International Conference. BNM representatives in Geneva also engaged in multiple diplomatic and advocacy initiatives related to Balochistan.
According to BNM’s Foreign Department, in response, the office of Ireland’s Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Harris, expressed concern. The office confirmed that Ireland’s embassy in Islamabad is aware of the arrests of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other civil society activists. Ireland is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with the EU and other partners in Pakistan to discuss the issue.
The Irish government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting human rights, including freedom of speech, peaceful protest, and political participation. It also stressed that human rights remain a key topic in EU-Pakistan discussions, referencing concerns raised at the 14th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission meeting in November 2024. The Irish government further highlighted that Pakistan’s trade benefits under the GSP+ scheme depend on its compliance with international human rights standards and assured that it will continue monitoring developments in Balochistan.
BNM also received a response from Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Barry Andrews, who expressed deep concern over the situation in Balochistan and the illegal detention of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and others. He referred to his social media posts condemning these arrests and calling for their release. Andrews also recalled meeting Sammi Deen Baloch during the Frontline Defenders award ceremony in Ireland last year and promised to push Pakistani authorities to respect human rights.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to defending individual rights and pledged further action in the coming weeks.Similarly, the office of MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú raised serious concerns about the arrests of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and others.
The statement confirmed that MEP Ní Mhurchú strongly opposes arbitrary detentions and ill-treatment. She emphasized her commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law and promised to bring up the issue with her colleagues in the Renew Europe group.Additionally, Irish Member of Parliament (TD) Richard Boyd Barrett’s office condemned Pakistan’s repression of the Baloch people. He stated that he will urge the Irish government to take a strong stand for the release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch. He also confirmed that a parliamentary question has been submitted to the Irish Foreign Minister regarding the issue, and updates will be shared once a response is received.
BNM’s Foreign Department affirmed that the Baloch National Movement will continue its international efforts to highlight the human rights crisis in Balochistan. BNM has reached out to European and US parliament members, human rights organisations, the United Nations, and media outlets, calling for urgent action against these serious violations.
BNM will soon provide updates on responses from the UN Human Rights Commission, members of the European Parliament from other European countries, UK, German, and Dutch MPs, as well as US senators.
