Home Blog Page 85

VBMP hunger strike against forced disappearances continues into 15th year

The long-running hunger strike camp against forced disappearances in Pak-occupied-Balochistan, organized by the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), has marked its 5,496th day. The camp, located in Quetta, continues to draw attention to the issue of missing persons in the region.

Prominent figures, including Aminullah Baloch and Alauddin Baloch from Nushki, along with Abrar Baloch, General Secretary of BSO Pajjar, visited the camp to express solidarity with the families of the disappeared.

In a statement to the press, Mama Qadir Baloch, Vice Chairman of VBMP, highlighted the challenges faced by the Baloch people. He described the current situation in POB as one of occupation, where legitimate means of livelihood are increasingly scarce, forcing many to resort to illegal activities for survival.

Mama Qadir Baloch criticized the current state of affairs, where the honest citizens are marginalized while corrupt individuals hold positions of power. He emphasized the importance of peaceful struggle and sacrifice for national prosperity and the future generations.

The VBMP leader called upon individuals to fulfill their duties to society and to continue the fight against oppression through non-violent means. He referred to POB as a “land of martyrs,” praising those who have dedicated their lives to the cause of their people.

As the hunger strike enters its 5,497th day, it remains one of the longest-running peaceful protests in the region, drawing both national and international attention to the plight of missing persons in POB.

BLA launches multiple attacks on Pak forces across PoB

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launches series of attacks targeting Pak forces and infrastructure in various parts of Pak-occupied-Balochistan, according to a statement released by the spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch.

In the Mach area of Bolan district, BLA fighters reportedly destroyed a 24-inch diameter gas pipeline using explosive materials. The attack occurred at a location known as Koh Baash, causing significant damage to the pipeline infrastructure.

In a separate incident in Bolan, BLA operatives intercepted a vehicle carrying supplies for Pak Army near Samsuri Kor. The group said that they seized the vehicle but later released it along with the driver, who was identified as being from Sindh province, after issuing a warning.

BLA also reported an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attack on June 16 in the Pir Koh Patra area of Dera Bugti. According to the statement, the attack targeted the Army as they were leaving their post for a patrol, resulting in injuries to two personnel.

Jeeyand Baloch, speaking on behalf of the BLA, stated that these attacks are part of the group’s ongoing campaign against the occupying Pak Army. The spokesperson reiterated the BLA’s commitment to continue their armed struggle until their goal of an independent POB is achieved.

These incidents highlight the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, where pro-independence groups like the BLA have been engaged in a long-standing revolution against Pakistan Army.

Kech observes complete shutter-down strike against enforced disappearances by Pak Army

A sit-in protest in Pak-occupied-Balochistan’s Kech district has entered its fifteenth day, with local traders and residents joining in solidarity by shutting down their businesses. The demonstration, initiated by families of missing individuals from various areas of Kech, is gaining widespread support.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, an organization advocating for Baloch rights, reported on social media platform X that Kech is experiencing a “complete shutter-down protest”. They emphasized the voluntary nature of this action, stating that traders and residents have chosen to forgo their daily earnings to stand with the protesters.

This protest is part of a long-standing issue in PoB, where the Pak Army’s enforced disappearances and human rights violations have persisted for years. The Baloch people have consistently raised concerns about suppression, socio-economic disparities, and political injustices that they have continued to face for past three decades.

Of particular concern is the rampant abduction of Baloch students, which has drawn both local and international attention. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings carried out by Pak Army and its affiliated groups.

Despite Pakistan’s stance, the international community continues to express concerns over human rights issues in PoB, citing evidence of systematic discrimination and suppression of Baloch perspectives and rights.

Armed men assassinate doctor in Bajaur after years of threats

Dr. Abdul Rasheed, a physician serving at the District Hospital Khar, was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in Mamond, Bajaur merged district. The tragic incident marks the culmination of years of threats and violence directed at the doctor.

Reportedly, Dr. Rasheed had been the target of more than 25 attacks over the past five years. The hostility towards him reportedly intensified after an incident a few years ago when he fatally shot two armed men who had attempted to extort money from him.

The assassination has sent shockwaves through the medical community in Bajaur and surrounding areas.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the killing, but no arrests have been made so far. The incident has raised serious questions about the security of healthcare professionals in the region, particularly those who resist pressures.

Armed men attack gas pipeline in Bolan

A major gas pipeline in Pak-occupied-Balochistan’s Bolan district was severely damaged in an explosion late Sunday night, disrupting gas supply to other parts of Pakistan.

Reportedly, unidentified men targeted a 24-inch diameter pipeline near Mach Koh Bash in the Bolan area. The assailants planted explosive materials on the pipeline before detonating them and fleeing the scene.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of yet.

This latest incident is part of a trend of attacks on energy infrastructure in PoB. Pipelines carrying gas from the resource-rich province to other parts of Pakistan have been frequently targeted in the past, with various Baloch freedom fighters often claiming responsibility for such attacks.

The pipeline explosion comes amid heightened concerns for Pak Army. Within the past week, security personnel guarding gas fields in Kalat and Quetta have also been targeted in separate incidents.

Peace rally in Khyber district against Pak Army operations

A peace rally was organized in the Khyber district on Sunday, drawing participants from various ethnic groups in the Khyber Bara area. The demonstration, spearheaded by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), was held to protest against mercenary war and terrorist military policy in the Pashtun homeland.

The rally, which took place at 3 PM in Qamarabad Shlobar, was primarily aimed at the youth of Shlobar. Earlier, PTM Khyber Malatar had issued a call for widespread participation in the event.

Protesters voiced their opposition to fake dollar operations and foreign wars imposed on their region. The rise of militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is part of a deliberate strategy by the Pakistan military to attract foreign aid.

When the Pak Army faces budget constraints or during economic downturns, they fake terrorism on Pashtun areas. This allows the military to portray itself as a victim of terrorism to the international community, potentially leading to increased foreign aid.

The PTM has consistently that Pashtuns bear the brunt of counter-terrorism operations, facing issues such as targeted killings, fake encounters, and forced disappearances.

BLF launches attack on Pak Army camp in Mand

The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Pak Army camp in the Mand area of Kech district, of Pak-occupied-Balochistan.

According to BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch, the attack took place at 9 PM last night. In a statement sent to media, Baloch said that BLF fighters used heavy and modern weapons to target the main camp of the Army in Mand Soro.

The spokesperson claimed that the attack resulted in both casualties and material losses for Pak Army forces.

Major Baloch further stated that such attacks would continue until, the liberation of Baloch land is achieved. The BLF, a pro-independence group, has been involved in an ongoing resistance against brutal occupying Pak forces in Pak-occupied-Balochistan.

Amarnath Yatra begins with arrival of first batch of pilgrims in Kashmir

The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on Friday as the first batch of 4,603 pilgrims arrived in the Kashmir valley amid tight security arrangements. The 52-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine, situated at an altitude of 3,880 meters, is set to begin officially on Saturday and conclude on August 19.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the initial convoy of 231 vehicles from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu early Friday morning. The pilgrims were welcomed by senior officials and local residents upon their arrival at the Navyug tunnel in Kulgam district’s Qazigund area.

“May the blessings of Baba Amarnath ji bring peace, happiness and prosperity to everyone’s life,” said Lt. Governor Sinha, extending his wishes for a safe and spiritually enriching journey to the pilgrims.

Sacred Yatra

The yatra will proceed along two routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal. Authorities have implemented a three-tier security system, including area domination and checkpoints, to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

Kulgam Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan assured that proper arrangements are in place for the pilgrims’ comfort and safety. “We welcome all of them. There are proper arrangements in place for them,” Khan told reporters.

This year’s yatra has seen over 3.50 lakh registrations, highlighting its enduring popularity. To support the pilgrims, 125 community kitchens (langars) have been set up along the routes, backed by more than 6,000 volunteers.

Traffic restrictions will be in effect on various routes from June 28 to August 19, with daily advisories to be issued to minimize inconvenience to locals and pilgrims alike.

Pak Army abducts yet another Pashtun from Lahore

Recent reports of arbitrary detentions and human rights abuses have once again brought attention to the ongoing tensions in the Pashtun areas. The latest incident involves Hameed-Ullah, a resident of North Waziristan, who was reportedly detained by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Lahore.

Hameed-Ullah was missing for 18 days before being charged in a fabricated case. This incident has raised concerns about the community, this is not isolated events but part of a broader pattern affecting hundreds of Pashtuns monthly.

Earlier, Wali Salam, who had been reportedly missing for three years, died in an internment center, as he succumbed to injuries sustained from torture inflicted upon by Pak Army during his disappearance.

This policy in the area is a part of a strategy to maintain control over the resource-rich Pashtun regions. The Pakistan Army not only harbours terrorists in the region but also engaged in the abduction, torture, and rape of innocent Pashtuns. These actions are aimed at exerting control over the region, depriving of Pashtuns, and exploiting their resources for monetary gain.

BLF launches multiple attacks on Pak Army across Pak-occupied Balochistan

The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), a pro-independence group active in Pak-occupied southwestern province, has claimed responsibility for two separate attacks on Pak security forces in the Kech district.

Major Gwahram Baloch, spokesperson for the BLF, issued a statement detailing the incidents. The first attack reportedly occurred on June 26 at noon in the Shahrak area of Kech. According to the BLF, their operatives targeted a convoy of two military vehicles on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route with an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast destroyed one vehicle, resulting in casualties among the personnel on board.

In a second incident, the BLF ambushed a military convoy in Turbat Satellite Town at approximately 7:30 AM. The attack, involving automatic and heavy weapons, reportedly left two security personnel dead and two others injured. The targets were described as a three-vehicle road clearance team moving between military installations.

Series of Attacks

The BLF spokesperson expressed regret over the injury of a civilian in the Shahrak attack, stating that they have repeatedly warned civilians to avoid proximity to military convoys due to the risk of such incidents.

In another statement, the BLF said that Bahadur alias Babu, son of Yaqub, has denied allegations against him of forming death squads and taking action against the Baloch national liberation movement and freedom fighters, and has offered to present his clarification to the Balochistan Liberation Front.

The spokesperson said that BLF is a responsible national organization fighting a war for independence. If Bahadur alias Babu, son of Yaqub, resident of Mand, wants to present his clarification against accusations of national treachery, forming death squads under the Army patronage, and involvement in actions against freedom fighters, the BLF will give him a transparent opportunity to present his clarification.

This latest series of attacks underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Army in the province, particularly along the strategic CPEC route. The BLF has waged an armed struggle against the Army for subjugation of the Baloch people and exploitation of the resource-rich region’s natural resources.