On August 11, observed as the Day of Renewal of the Pledge (the day of Balochistan’s independence from Britain), the Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a protest demonstration outside 10 Downing Street in London, along with a rally in support of the Baloch independence movement.
Addressing the British government, the protesters said that if Britain truly stands for democracy, then it carries a historic responsibility to support their struggle. They added that if the British state is a genuine supporter of freedom, it should recognize the Baloch nation’s struggle and raise its voice against enforced disappearances.
Speakers recalled that on August 11, 1947, following Britain’s withdrawal from the region, Balochistan declared independence. Though this independence was short-lived, during that period the Baloch people lived with self-determination, democracy and in accordance with their own language, culture and traditions. In March 1948, Pakistan launched a military assault and forcibly occupied Balochistan against the will of its people.
They stated that since Pakistan’s occupation, thousands of Baloch have been forcibly disappeared, countless subjected to torture, while students, intellectuals, writers and political workers are silenced through state repression — their only crime being the demand for legitimate rights and national freedom.
The speakers further said that in 1947, at Kalat, the capital of Balochistan, the Khan of Kalat declared independence on behalf of the Baloch state and nation. Before Pakistan’s military invasion, the world recognized the Baloch as a free people. Since then, the Baloch nation has faced occupation, plunder of resources, enforced disappearances, killings and attempts to erase its culture.
They stressed that their message to the world is clear: the freedom of Balochistan is not a dream but a historical right. They demanded international investigations into Pakistan’s atrocities in Balochistan, an end to military aid provided to Pakistan and recognition of the Baloch right to self-determination.
