Quetta: The Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Dr. Naseem Baloch, speaking at a party event in Quetta to mark August 11, observed as the anniversary of Balochistan’s independence from Britain, said that before Pakistan’s “unlawful occupation,” Balochistan was a sovereign state.
He stated that on March 27, 1948, Pakistan forcibly occupied Balochistan and since then, thousands of Baloch men and women have lost their lives for the freedom of their homeland, while many others remain imprisoned in Pakistan’s jails, enduring inhumane conditions.
Dr. Naseem Baloch added that despite severe state repression, the Baloch nation continues to move forward with determination towards its goal. “Freedom lovers will end Pakistan’s occupation of Balochistan and a bright dawn awaits the Baloch nation,” he said.
The event, organized by BNM’s Quetta Zone under the chairmanship of Deputy Organizer Master Baloch, was held to mark the 78th anniversary of Balochistan’s independence from Britain. The program began with the Baloch national anthem, followed by two minutes of silence in memory of Baloch martyrs.
Addressing the gathering, the deputy organizer said that 78 years ago, Balochistan gained freedom from British colonial rule, but a few months later, “our independence was taken away by a newly formed state.”
He added that living nations preserve their freedom, culture, traditions and if freedom is lost, they make its restoration the very purpose of their existence.
