WRITER: JAMEEL BALOCH
History is incomplete if the national heroes of a society are forgotten. Baloch history is rich with extraordinary figures and among them stands Shaheed Noor Ul Haq Hussainzai, also known as Barag Baloch. He was an exceptional personality, distinguished by his bravery, courage and unwavering dedication to the Baloch cause of national liberation. Known for his innovative techniques in recruiting youth for the movement, he wielded both pen and gun to advance the struggle for self-determination.
Shaheed Barag opened his eyes to this world in 1989 in Kharan, Balochistan. His father, Zahir Ahmed Hussainzai, played a crucial role in educating and guiding him, particularly supporting him in his early days of political activism. Barag began his primary education at Primary School WAPDA Colony, Kharan. Remarkably, he became involved in student politics as early as the 5th grade, joining the Baloch Student Organization (BSO). After completing his primary education, he enrolled in Government High School, Hindu Mahallah, Kharan, to continue his educational journey.
During his school years, the politics of Balochistan underwent significant upheaval. Dera Bugti was completely besieged by Pakistani forces and the ex-chairman of BSO, Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch, was kidnapped from his flat in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi. These state atrocities profoundly affected Barag, transforming him from a regular student into an extraordinary political activist. From school until his martyrdom, he devoted his life to the Baloch movement as state cruelties escalated in every corner of Balochistan.
The history of Balochistan is adorned with heroes such as Shaheed Barag Jan. He was one of those sons of the soil who courageously challenged state colonialism from an early age. He openly spoke against state institutions without hesitation. During his student activism, he had very few comrades, but this did not weaken his determination. With a handful of friends, he organized rallies against state barbarism and initiated study circles and seminars on the Baloch Question. Despite threats, he remained steadfast in his ideas. While much of the youth was drawn toward parliamentary political parties, motivated by greed or fear, Barag worked to mold their mindset from individualistic concerns to a collective cause Baloch nationalism and liberation from Punjabi dominance. Every step he took was recognized as heroic among Baloch comrades.
Observing his personality, it becomes clear that Barag Jan was an unprecedented symbol of bravery. He never wavered in open politics or clandestine operations. According to one of his close friends, “Shaheed Barag openly challenged injustice in school, especially noticing threats against his classmates or any irregularities by the school management.” Even as a child, he was witnessed throwing stones at the army deployed in Kharan by General Pervez Musharraf, demonstrating early courage and defiance against invaders. He often said, “I have to die first to set an example for my comrades, death must not be an obstacle in our fight against state occupation.”
Barag Jan was at the frontline in battles, showing extraordinary boldness during numerous military operations in the mountainous regions of Balochistan. His courage mirrored that of Shaheed Professor Saba Dashtyari, who often said, “Death is accepted everywhere and at all times for the liberation of Balochistan.” Gallantry was central to his philosophy of struggle. He frequently reiterated, “Self-sacrifice, honesty and dedication are the urgent needs we must demonstrate first; afterward, our comrades will follow unquestionably.” Even today, his courage is discussed in study circles among Baloch guerrillas to motivate newly recruited members in the fight for separatism. Barag Jan remained brave in every moment of his struggle for his nation’s rights.
Honesty was another defining characteristic of Barag Jan. He was explicit, committed and completely dedicated to the Baloch cause. One of his close friends said, “Shaheed Barag saved his pocket money given by his parents for study needs, purchased revolutionary books from different shops and distributed them freely to his comrades.” He did not focus on personal life but invested his time and money in strengthening the Baloch National Movement. A friend from Tando Jam University noted, “Barag has no life other than the Baloch Movement.” Instead of preparing for exams to secure a job or seeking financial gain, he devoted himself entirely to the movement, prioritizing comrades over even his blood relatives.
Recruitment played a crucial role in strengthening the movement and Barag Jan focused intensely on convincing youth to join the Baloch National Movement for liberation from Punjabi dominance. He made widespread contacts in cities, villages and educational institutions to persuade young people to join Baloch National struggle. His efforts led to comrades like Shaheed Nisar Siapad (Meeral) and Shaheed Mohammad Asa Hussainzai (Major Mullah Ibrahim) joining the insurgency. One of his friends said, “Shaheed Barag endeavored to recruit youth wherever he visited. He gathered information, built trust, and then invited them to join the Baloch Movement. He sought brave, high-tempered and honest youth and motivated them to join the ongoing fight against colonialism.”
Barag Jan believed in purity of soul and honesty. He stated, “I never waste my time with shopkeepers, characterless, or greedy people because they cannot join a movement that demands inner sincerity; polluted souls fear revolutionary missions.” He carefully evaluated potential recruits, ensuring they could endure hardships and contribute effectively. He believed that youth from peripheral regions were ideal recruits, as they were less influenced by state propaganda and carried ancestral qualities of resistance. Barag Jan tirelessly sought pure and committed souls to accompany him in the process of decolonization.
Through confidential sources, it is known that Barag Jan proudly said in his inner circles, “The people of Kharan are courageous enough to join the fight against enemies, as they proved in the past. Dinar Nousherwani, son of Dosten Nousherwani, along with Bijar Meerwani, after the martyrdom of Umar Meerwani in 1485 at the hands of Jadgals, fought bravely in the Bravi Jadgal Wars of the early 16th century. Similarly, Azad Khan Nousherwani, ruler of Kharan (1831–1887), provided shelter to Naseer Khan II, son of Shaheed Mehrab Khan II, in 1839, attacked Kalat Fort in 1841 with the help of Kharan’s people and Nawab Mohamed Khan Shawani, successfully defeating Shanawaz Khan and his British supporters, and helped assign Naseer Khan II as ruler of Kalat State.”
Barag Jan tirelessly roamed the streets of his childhood neighborhood, Kulan Mullah, seeking youth for recruitment. According to local sources, the FC headquarters in Kharan continuously complained about him, stating, “Whenever we arrest terrorists, it is revealed that Barag Baloch recruited or brainwashed them. He is the main mastermind in Kharan, molding people’s thoughts against the state and its institutions. If Barag were not in Kharan, there would be no insurgency.” His ability to recruit systematically was recognized both by friends and feared by enemies. Barag Jan ensured the participation of Kharan’s sons of the soil in the war of liberation against the Pakistani state.
Despite immense threats, Barag Jan continued to struggle not only with weapons but also with the pen. He wrote extensively against state barbarism, seeking to organize his people against a common enemy. He contributed to the Baloch newspaper ASAP, exposing atrocities and mobilizing the youth. Even when warned about the dangers of writing against the state, he persisted. For example, after Captain Hamad raped a Sindhi nurse in Dera Bugti, Barag Jan condemned the Pakistani Army in ASAP, sparking widespread outrage across Balochistan.
When Dr. Allah Nazar was abducted in 2005, Barag Jan visited the hunger strike camp in Quetta to demand his release. He told the youth, “We must take both guns and pens against the Punjabi state to achieve our goals.” Many comrades, including Shaheed Surab Mari, Shaheed Kareem Dewar Baloch, and Shaheed Hakeem Sasoli Baloch, recognized his sincerity and followed him until their last days.
With the rise of social media, Barag Jan effectively used it to spread awareness and recruit youth, sometimes under the pseudonym “Shabana Kubdani,” criticizing FC Kharan and Ameen Durejo. Even when FC Kharan kidnapped people to trace these writings, they could not find evidence. After Barag Jan’s martyrdom, these writings naturally ceased. He also encouraged educated youth to write about “Baloch Shuda” to honor their noble cause.
Shaheed Barag Jan’s self-sacrifice and determination made the Baloch liberation movement gain momentum. He demonstrated that if natives fail to create symbols of courage for future generations and prioritize personal life, greed, or desire, they cannot challenge their colonizers. Barag Jan courageously fought with both gun and pen, inspiring many, especially the people of Kharan, to join the movement for Baloch national liberation.
After a long journey toward freedom, Barag Jan attained martyrdom on 19th February 2018, alongside Zia Ur Rahman Zehri (Diljan Jan Baloch) in Tarasani Zehri during a fierce battle with Pakistani forces. Witnesses praised his bravery, noting that after his ammunition was exhausted, he used his last bullet on himself to follow the example of Shaheed Suleman, Shaheed Ameer ul Mulk Qalandrani, and other Baloch martyrs. His family and the family of Shaheed Dil Jan chose to bury both together, honoring their bravery. Shaheed Barag Jan was laid to rest in Kharan at Bazar Qabristan, where thousands, especially comrades, continue to pay tribute.
In the end, Barag Jan proved that actions speak louder than words. Thousands of people from Balochistan, particularly Kharan, have joined the liberation movement, inspired by his dedication and sacrifice. He remains a symbol of courage, honesty, and commitment in the history of Baloch national struggle.
