LONDON: On April 8, 2026, the UK chapter of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a protest in front of the Prime Minister’s residence in London to raise awareness about ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan. The demonstration highlighted serious issues including enforced disappearances, collective punishment and the systematic oppression of the Baloch people.
The protest attracted a large turnout, with BNM members and many from the Baloch diaspora joining the event. This rally was part of BNM’s global campaign, which ran from March 10 to April 9, featuring activities in multiple countries. Notably, the campaign included BNM’s 11th International Conference in Geneva during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, as well as events in South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. On April 9, related events were held to mark the Day of the Martyrs of Murgaap.
After the protest, BNM activists launched an awareness campaign, distributing pamphlets at key political and media locations across London. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the British Parliament and the BBC headquarters, aiming to inform the public about the crisis in Balochistan.
Senior BNM leader Hassan Dost Baloch addressed the crowd, condemning Pakistan’s attempts to silence the Baloch national movement through violence. He traced the roots of the struggle back to 1839, when British forces attacked the State of Kalat and Khan Mehrab Khan was martyred resisting the invasion a moment seen as the start of the Baloch fight for freedom.
Hassan Dost emphasized that the Baloch movement has evolved over time, while Pakistan itself was only formed in 1947. He stressed that the Baloch people have never accepted domination and that today’s struggle carries a new intellectual and strategic approach.
Referring to the killing of prominent Baloch leaders in 2009, he said the movement has grown stronger since then and the Baloch nation is now closer than ever to achieving independence. He added that Pakistan’s ongoing military actions in Balochistan only highlight its failure to suppress the movement.
Other speakers, including Abid Abdullah, Jasim Baloch and Ahmed Abdul Hameed, also called for greater international focus on the human rights situation in Balochistan.
