Afghanistan: Afghan-Baloch solidarity day held, FBM run twitter campaign

HELMAND: Afghan-Baloch Solidarity Day was marked in an event organised by the Ministry of Border and Tribal Affairs of Afghanistan in Helmand province’s Lashkargah city on 31 of August.

Aimed to strengthen brotherly and historical ties between the Afghan and Baloch people further the event a number of government officials and tribal leaders including governor of Helmand Mr Mujadullah Safari, Hamidullah Wayad and Navid Nazari and elders of Baloch Council Helmand including Najeeb Baloch, Haji Abdul Latif Baloch, Haji Ahmad Jan, Mohammad Siddique and dozens of other Baloch and Pashtun people.

A large number of religious scholars, youth, media representatives and other members of the Baloch and Pashtun community were present at the gathering. The participants were wearing traditional Balochi and Pashtun attire, turbans, handmade shoes.

The speakers at the event have urged the Afghan and Baloch youth to unite to defeat conspires of their enemies and highlight the ongoing atrocities against Baloch and Afghan people. ‘The Afghan and Baloch countries were divided due to the Durand Line,’ the participants of the event said.

The organiser of the event said that Baloch and Pashtun youth must understand the current rapid changes of the region and the world, and should strive to protect their national interests. ‘The Afghan and Baloch unity is needed more than ever and since Afghan have a state of their own they have a greater responsibility to support the Baloch struggle.’

The leader of Baloch Council Helmand, Mr Najeeb Baloch, said that Afghan and Baloch leaders (Mir Naseer Khan Noori and Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1757) have laid the foundations of Afghan Baloch unity. ‘It is now the responsibility of the new generations (Afghan and Baloch youth) to continue those historical bonds,’ he said.

He said that the youth of both nations (Afghan and Baloch) must cooperate and help each other against Pakistan’s Punjabi atrocities and defend their country and people.

The ‘Afghan Baloch Unity Day 31 August’ was marked officially by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Border and Tribal Affairs in different regions of the country.

Meanwhile, the Free Balochistan Movement run a twitter campaign to highlight the importance of the Afghan-Baloch Unity and emphasised on the need for cooperation and unity between the two nations.

The participants of Lashkargah event have also appreciated the efforts of Baloch leader and head of Free Balochistan Movement, Mr Hyrbyair Marri’s, genuine efforts for the solidarity and unity of Afghan and Baloch people.