Jeremy Corbyn Addressed Baloch Genocide Concerns at UK Summer Festival

LONDON: At the Beautiful Summer 2024 festival in the UK, Hashim Baloch, a member of Free Balochistan Movement, raised concerns about the Baloch genocide at the hands of Pakistan.

Addressing Jeremy Corbyn, Baloch highlighted the severe media blackout in Balochistan, which prevents reports from reaching the public or being covered by mainstream media. Baloch urged Corbyn and others to speak out against the ongoing oppression and genocide faced by the Baloch people. 

He also referenced a petition submitted by John McDonnell to the UK Parliament concerning the Pakistani state’s actions against the Baloch and requested Corbyn to sign it.

Jeremy Corbyn, who has previously voiced concerns about Pakistani repression in Balochistan and is known for his commitment to human rights, acknowledged the issue. 

In response, Corbyn assured that he and his colleagues will continue to advocate against the oppression in Balochistan and thanked Hashim Baloch for bringing the matter to the forefront of the festival for other people to know about the plight of the Baloch people.

It should be noted that in 1947, before the British withdrawal from India, Balochistan’s eastern party, currently occupied by Pakistan, was recognised as an independent state. 

However, after the partition of the subcontinent and the formation of Pakistan, Balochistan was forcibly incorporated into Pakistan. 

The Baloch nation holds the British Empire responsible, believing that without British support, newly created Pakistan would not be able to impose its control over Balochistan.