The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a protest in front of the UK Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street, London, to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the 16th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of party leader Dr. Deen Mohammad Baloch.
BNM members and human rights activists participated in the demonstration. The protesters held banners and placards condemning ongoing state repression and enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
Speakers at the protest stated that enforced disappearances in Balochistan have become a severe humanitarian crisis, with Pakistani state institutions forcibly disappearing Baloch individuals for years and subjecting their families to prolonged suffering. However, they emphasized that the Baloch nation remains determined in its struggle for land and freedom.
Referencing the case of Dr. Deen Mohammad Baloch, speakers recalled that his daughter, Sammi Deen Baloch, led one of the world’s longest protest marches. They noted that thousands of mothers and daughters are currently protesting across Balochistan. Senior politician Wahid Kambar Baloch also remains disappeared and reportedly held in a torture cell, while numerous human rights defenders, journalists, political leaders and lawyers including Dr. Mahrang Baloch are imprisoned in Pakistani detention centers.
BNM leaders urged the international community and human rights organizations to break their silence over the atrocities in Balochistan and to take concrete action to end Pakistan’s state terrorism and enforced disappearances.
They reaffirmed that despite brutal state oppression, enforced disappearances, and killings, the Baloch people remain steadfast in their struggle for freedom and human rights.
