FBM to Hold Protests Across the UK and Europe on May 28 Against Nuclear Tests

LONDON: The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) has announced plans to hold protests across the UK and Europe on May 28 to mark the 27th anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Balochistan, conducted on the same date in 1998.

The FBM UK will lead a peaceful demonstration in front of the UK Prime Minister’s official residence at 10 Downing Street in London from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The protest will focus on demanding global recognition of the lasting human, environmental, and health impacts caused by the nuclear tests carried out in 1998 in the Chagai district of Balochistan.

Since 1998 the Baloch have been demonstrating annually in May 28 to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of these nuclear tests, particularly on the Baloch population.

The organiser of the FBM UK branch emphasised that the people of Balochistan have suffered for over two decades due to Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions, with increased cases of cancer, skin diseases, birth defects, and other life-threatening conditions. Radiation and environmental damage continue to have a severe and ongoing impact on the local population.

A spokesperson for the Free Balochistan Movement stated, “The people of Balochistan have paid a heavy price for Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. The region continues to suffer from the harmful effects of radiation, and the people’s health, land, and water have been irreparably damaged. Despite 27 years passing, the victims of these tests have received no justice.”

The protesters will present the following demands during the demonstration:

• The immediate cessation of nuclear radiation and an environmental cleanup of the affected areas in Balochistan.
• The establishment of an independent and impartial international investigation to ensure justice for the victims.
• The prevention of further nuclear activity by Pakistan in Balochistan.
• The global disarmament of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, which pose a threat not only to Balochistan but to global security.

In addition to the protest in London, the Free Balochistan Movement has organised simultaneous demonstrations across Europe to further amplify the cause:

• Germany: A protest will take place at Hamburg Central Station from 14:00 – 16:00.
• Finland: The procession will begin at the Parliament (Eduskunta) in Helsinki, marching to Citizen Square from 17:30 – 20:30.
• Netherlands: A demonstration will be held outside the International Court of Justice in Den Haag from 13:00 – 14:00.

FBM has called on the international community, media, and human rights organisations to cover these protests and amplify the voices of the affected people of Balochistan.

“We urge the media and human rights groups to stand with the people of Balochistan and highlight the ongoing human rights violations,” a representative of FBM UK said. “The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the lasting damage caused by Pakistan’s nuclear tests, and it is time to hold those responsible accountable.”

These protests are part of the Free Balochistan Movement’s ongoing efforts to demand justice and seek international intervention to address the grave human rights abuses faced by the people of Balochistan. The movement continues to raise its voice against the continued suffering of the Baloch people and the environmental and health consequences of Pakistan’s nuclear policies.