QUETTA: Dr. Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has raised serious concerns over what he described as a new phase of state-led repression in Balochistan, warning that the Pakistani military is now resorting to “peace militias”(Aman Force) and international terrorist groups like ISIS to wage destruction against the Baloch national movement.
In a detailed statement, Dr. Baloch reiterated that the ongoing armed resistance in Balochistan is not a new development, but rather a continuation of a long-standing historical struggle. “From resisting British colonialism to the current battle against Pakistani occupation, the Baloch nation has always considered resistance a sacred duty,” he said.
He highlighted that today’s resistance has evolved into a more organized and strategic effort, with growing public support and tactical discipline. “Baloch Freedom fighters are now capable of mounting highway blockades, attacking military convoys, and holding roads for hours, often without any challenge from Pakistani forces,” Dr. Baloch noted. He added that in retaliation, the military often targets civilians, including women and children, exposing its “strategic and moral collapse.”
Dr. Naseem Baloch accused the Pakistani state of being unable to counter the core of the national movement and instead resorting to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the mutilation of bodies. He emphasized that the earlier reliance on covert “death squads” has now morphed into an overt use of armed groups disguised as “peace militias.”
He cited a recent example in the Rakhni area of Barkahan, where a militia led by Aftab Bugti brother of caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti—reportedly attacked Baloch fighters, killing four. “This incident proves the state’s increasing dependence on mafias, tribal militias, and contract killers,” he said.
More alarmingly, Dr. Baloch claimed that the Pakistan Army is collaborating with international terrorist organizations like ISIS. According to him, training camps for ISIS are being set up in Balochistan to suppress the Baloch resistance and destabilize the broader region. “This is not just a domestic crisis; it is a serious threat to international peace and security,” he warned.
Calling on the global community, Dr. Naseem Baloch issued a series of appeals:
- Immediate international intervention is required to stop the use of death squads, peace militias, and religious extremist groups under state sponsorship.
- The United Nations and regional powers must act urgently to dismantle ISIS training camps reportedly operating in Balochistan.
- The collective punishment of Baloch civilians, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, must be prosecuted as war crimes at the International Criminal Court.
- The BNM will continue its political and resistance efforts on international forums to highlight these crimes.
- A call to human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society worldwide to document and expose these violations and hold Pakistan accountable under international law.
Concluding his statement, Dr. Baloch declared:
“Balochistan today is a test for the world. This is a moment to choose between standing with the oppressor or standing with the oppressed. The Baloch nation is fighting for survival, for their land, language, identity and freedom. This is not merely a conflict of arms, but a battle for justice, dignity and humanity. The Baloch National Movement will continue this struggle on every front.”
