The Baloch Nation Is Resisting Against Iran and Pakistan’s Occupation of Balochistan: FBM

LONDON: The spokesperson of the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) issued a statement condemning the United Nations (UN) for categorising the Baloch national struggle for independence as terrorism. The statement emphasized that this stance serves to further embolden Pakistan’s efforts to continue the systematic genocide of the Baloch people.

The spokesperson argued that the UN’s failure to understand the context of the Baloch resistance, which is focused on defending national identity and homeland against aggression from both Pakistan and Iran, is alarming. “The Baloch national army is fighting for the restoration of a united and sovereign Balochistan,” the spokesperson said, adding that once the Pakistani and Iranian occupations end, peace and security will return to the region.

The FBM spokesperson also highlighted that the Baloch struggle for independence has a long history, dating back centuries. From resistance against Portuguese and British forces in the 15th and 19th centuries to the present day, the Baloch nation has consistently resisted foreign occupations. The spokesperson noted that the current movement is not a new phenomenon but part of an ongoing battle against systematic genocide and colonial occupation.

Drawing parallels to global resistance movements, the spokesperson pointed out that just as the international community recognizes movements against occupation and genocide, such as the French and Polish resistance during World War II, the Baloch resistance should be similarly acknowledged.

The spokesperson further criticized the UN for its failure to address Pakistan’s continued occupation of Balochistan, which they described as a violation of multiple articles in the UN Charter, particularly Articles 2(3) and 2(4), which emphasize respect for national sovereignty. Despite the resolutions passed by the Balochistan Assembly calling for a Free Balochistan, Pakistan has refused to acknowledge them and has instead militarily invaded the region, further escalating tensions.

The UN’s continued inaction, the spokesperson argued, has undermined the rights of the Baloch people to live freely in their homeland. Instead of condemning the resistance, the UN should be taking steps to address the situation and hold Pakistan accountable for its violations.

The FBM spokesperson also raised concerns over the UN’s failure to address the human rights abuses occurring in Balochistan. They criticized the UN for providing millions of dollars to Iran for anti-drug efforts, while failing to question how these funds are being spent, especially when reports indicate that they are being used to perpetuate the Baloch genocide.

Thousands of Baloch political activists have been killed, while many others have been subjected to torture in Pakistani prisons. Despite this, the spokesperson noted, the UN has never made an official statement or taken action to address these violations, further demonstrating the UN’s apparent indifference to the plight of the Baloch people.

The statement also drew attention to the destruction of Baloch homes under the guise of development by the occupying forces of Iran and Pakistan. In the name of progress, large numbers of Baloch are being forcibly displaced, with many facing violent reprisals for resisting the loss of their land. “The ongoing campaign aims to make the Baloch a minority in their own homeland and transform Chabahar into Iran’s capital,” the spokesperson said.

While the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community, including the UN, has failed to adequately respond to these injustices, according to the FBM.

The FBM concluded by urging the UN to recognize that the Baloch struggle for independence is a legitimate movement grounded in international law. They called on the international community to support the Baloch people’s right to liberation and the restoration of a united Balochistan’s freedom and sovereignty.

“The Baloch are not fighting for violence’s sake but for the rightful restoration of their homeland,” the spokesperson stated, adding that any attempt to label the movement otherwise would be unacceptable to the Baloch nation.