In an inspiring display of unity, thousands of Baloch, including women and children, flooded the streets of Malir, Karachi, demanding an end to enforced disappearances and human rights violations in Pak-occupied Balochistan. The protest, organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has transformed into a mass movement with overwhelming nationwide support.
The rally in Malir, Karachi, is not merely a local outcry; it is a resounding condemnation of the ongoing Baloch genocide. Despite the Pak “establishment’s” attempts to quell the Baloch Long March through force, the movement has only gained strength, fueled by the unwavering support of the public.
This grassroot movement has transcended borders, with the Balochistan diaspora staging protests outside the White House. Waheed Baloch, a former speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, emphasized that their protests are against the 75 years of atrocities committed by Pakistan in Balochistan.
“We’re protesting against the atrocities that have been done to Balochistan by Pakistan for the last 75 years. We’re protesting here in support of those Baloch families that were abducted and missing. For the last 75 years, Pakistan has forcefully occupied Balochistan,” declared Waheed Baloch.
Sufi Laghari, a member of a Sindhi foundation, criticized Pakistan’s habitual blame on India. He stated, “One of the biggest failures of Pakistan is that they always blame India…thousands of people in Balochistan have disappeared; do you think it is sponsored by India? These are useless weapons they’re using. These are just blames, games and fake theories…This is going to be the end of the story for Pakistan, and we are going to get freedom soon”.
In the face of adversity, Sammi Baloch, a young protester outside the White House, passionately voiced her concern for the Baloch people who have suffered atrocities and human rights violations for decades.
“We are here because many Baloch people have been murdered and they have been genocided and kidnapped by the Pakistan Army. Today we are here to stand with them and their families because what happened to them is atrocious and is a human rights violation,” expressed Sammi Baloch.
Her impassioned plea resonated with the painful history of Pak-occupied Balochistan, a land marred by relentless oppression and heinous crimes against its people since the dawn of occupation in 1948.
Since March 27, 1948, the Baloch people have endured relentless oppression, facing home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, and kidnappings for ransom. The Long March, ignited by the extrajudicial killing of Balaach Mola Bakhsh, persists in its demands for the release of missing persons, the disarmament of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and accountability for the Army’s transgressions.
It’s a heartfelt request to reveal the harsh truth of the Baloch people’s oppression. They endure a planned genocide without the simple right to peacefully protest. May their voices travel far and wide, urging for immediate help and support from every corner of the world.