Faheem Baloch, the Foreign Secretary of the Baloch National Movement, delivered a powerful speech in the UK Parliament on Human Rights Day. The event was hosted by Honourable Sojan Joseph MP on behalf of the Baloch Human Rights Council.
In his address, Mr. Baloch highlighted the ongoing plight of the people of Balochistan:The Baloch National Movement struggles not just for independence but also to be the voice of the people of Balochistan, who are suffering deeply. Balochistan is extremely rich in mineral resources, yet it is reeling under atrocities. Thousands of men, women, and children have been abducted by Pakistani security forces, leaving families in agony, unaware of their loved ones’ whereabouts.
Just last week, I was reminded of the case of Zakir Majeed, who was abducted nearly 15 years ago. His mother, addressing the community while holding her son’s photo, said, ‘This is my last will: if I die, I request you to keep his photo alive.’ This is the face of a grieving mother.
Consider the case of Dr. Deen Jan Baloch, a senior leader of the Baloch National Movement, who was also abducted 15 years ago. His wife often says, ‘I don’t know whether to call myself a married woman or a widow.’ Their daughter, Sammi Deen Baloch, has grown up on the streets, protesting for justice.
Three days ago, the remains of a man abducted eight years ago from Khuzdar district were found. Only his bones were identified. His father, while heartbroken, expressed relief, saying, ‘At least we can now sleep in peace, knowing our son has been killed and buried. His mother won’t cry every night fearing he’s being tortured.’
These are just a few of the countless harrowing stories from Balochistan. Thousands of such cases exist.
The question is: why are these abductions happening?
Zakir Majeed was abducted because he spoke for the independence of Balochistan. Dr. Deen was abducted for the same reason.
The root cause of this suffering is the colonization of Balochistan. The Baloch are not merely struggling for basic rights, water, jobs, or the gas extracted from Sui. They are struggling for the independence of Balochistan.
We expect leaders like Mr Joseph to amplify the voices of the Baloch people, who are fighting for their independence and fundamental rights.
Video llink of the speech –
