The Hague: A delegation of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) held meetings with representatives of the Dutch Parliament, during which detailed discussions were held on human rights violations in Balochistan and the European Union’s GSP Plus trade status granted to Pakistan.
According to a statement issued by the BNM, the delegation briefed Dutch parliamentarians on the current situation in Balochistan and submitted a formal petition highlighting serious and systematic human rights abuses.
The delegation was led by Muheem Abdul Raheem Baloch, President of the BNM Netherlands Chapter. Other members included Jamal Baloch, Media Coordinator of Paank, Waheed Baloch, Vice President; Deedag Baloch, General Secretary, Bahar Baloch, Finance Secretary, as well as Abid Baloch and Zohra Baloch. Jamal Baloch presented an overview of the situation in Balochistan to the Dutch parliamentary representatives.
During the meeting, the delegation said that Pakistani security forces continue to carry out military operations in Balochistan involving house raids, aerial bombardment, drone strikes, and enforced disappearances. They claimed that enforced disappearances have increasingly affected women as well, and that individuals who speak out against these practices are also being targeted.
The BNM delegation further said that leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Beeberg Baloch, and Shahji Sibghatullah Baloch, have been imprisoned without formal charges for raising their voices against human rights violations.
According to the delegation, drone strikes in Balochistan have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, including women and children, and have forced thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The delegation also raised concerns regarding Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, arguing that the EU grants the trade preference to countries that uphold international conventions on human rights, labor rights, democratic freedoms, and good governance. They contended that ongoing enforced disappearances and repression in Balochistan contradict the principles underpinning the GSP Plus framework.
In this context, the BNM urged Dutch parliamentarians to review arms and military equipment agreements between the Netherlands and Pakistan, such equipment is being used against civilians in Balochistan. The delegation called for the suspension of arms deals and for Pakistan to be held accountable at international forums for human rights violations.
Concluding the meeting, the BNM delegation stated that addressing human rights concerns in Balochistan is not only the responsibility of the Dutch government but also of the European Union. They called on EU institutions to take urgent steps to protect human rights and to uphold international commitments to justice, equality, and human dignity.
