The Baloch Women Forum Hosts Seminar Against Occupation of Home by Pakistan Army

QUETTA: A protest against the Pakistani military’s ongoing occupation of civilian homes in the Mand Mehr area of Kech district, Balochistan, has entered its eleventh day.

Local residents have accused the Frontier Corps (FC) of seizing their homes over the past five years and establishing military posts on nearby mountain peaks, causing widespread insecurity in the region.

The affected residents say that the Pakistani military’s occupation of their properties has left them vulnerable, and they are calling for an end to the violation of their rights. The military’s presence in the area, particularly the establishment of posts in residential zones, has made the local population feel unsafe and increasingly threatened.

Today, the Baloch Women Forum organised a seminar at the protest site, titled “State Oppression and Public Responsibility.” The seminar, which attracted a large audience, featured key speakers, including Dr. Shali Baloch, a representative from the Baloch Women Forum.

Several other speakers also addressed the gathering, and attendees expressed their solidarity with the ongoing protest.

During the seminar, protesters shared their experiences, accusing the Pakistani forces of taking control of their homes while they were abroad seeking employment. They claim that the military’s occupation of their homes occurred in their absence, leaving them with no recourse to reclaim their properties.

Further concerns were raised about the establishment of military cantonments within residential areas, which protesters argue puts their lives and property at significant risk.

Local political and social organisations in Mand have accused the military of intentionally setting up military posts among civilian populations to use them as human shields in case of future attacks. These groups suggest that if civilian casualties occur, the military could blame Baloch armed groups to gain political support from the state.

In addition to the seminar, the Baloch Women Forum has launched a social media campaign to raise awareness about the occupation. The campaign includes posts on X (formerly Twitter) and the distribution of pamphlets, aimed at informing the public about the ongoing situation and calling for action against the military’s practices.