The Baloch Martyrs Day commemorated with national zeal in Balochistan and abroad

BalochWarna News Report, 13 November 2025: Balochistan and Baloch communities around the world marked 13 November as “Shahmeerain Balochani Ruch” Baloch Martyrs’ Day, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the struggle for national rights, dignity and freedom. Events, rallies and cultural gatherings were held across the Balochistan and in the diaspora, with political and student organizations reiterating their commitment to the cause for which the martyrs sacrificed their lives.

The idea of a National Remembrance Day for Baloch Martyrs and State Victims was first proposed by Baloch pro-freedom leader Hyrbyair Marri and his colleagues, including Dr Mostafa Baloch. The first international event was held in London in July 2009 to honour victims of the Baloch freedom movement and those affected by alleged Pakistani and Iranian state actions.

In 2010, the Baloch Students Organization (Azad) endorsed the initiative and suggested changing the date from July to 13 November, arguing that the attack of 13 November 1839 marked the beginning of the fall of Baloch sovereignty and the subsequent division and occupation of Balochistan. Since then, 13 November has been formally observed as Baloch Martyrs’ Day, with the date included in the Balochistan Liberation Charter.

Ceremonies were held in different regions of Balochistan and abroad. Social media saw widespread activity, with people sharing messages of remembrance and solidarity.

The Freedom Balochistan Movement organised Martyrs’ Day events in Balochistan and abroad, as it does every year. The group held gatherings and social media campaigns in honour of fallen Baloch heroes.

Activists associated with the movement renewed their pledge to continue the mission of the martyrs for the establishment of a united Baloch nation-state and for the freedom of Balochistan from the occupation of Pakistan and Iran.

The National Democratic Party also issued a statement marking Baloch Martyrs’ Day, saying the date commemorates the sacrifices of Khan Mehrab Khan and his companions in 1839 and reflects the long history of Baloch resistance. The party stated that this unbroken tradition of sacrifice has kept Baloch national consciousness alive and emphasised following the teachings of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri by prioritising national interests over personal ones.

The NDP spokesperson said that every Baloch, in any profession, has a responsibility to build a dignified and self-reliant future for coming generations. The statement described Balochistan as the sacred trust of the martyrs and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to national rights, political autonomy, intellectual awakening and completing the mission of the martyrs.

The Baloch Students Organization (Pajjar) also held a memorial reference that began with two minutes of silence. Central Senior Vice Chairman Babul Malik Baloch said that the sacrifices of Baloch youth in pursuit of education, awareness and equality form the core of BSO’s intellectual and political work. He said the red colour of the BSO flag symbolizes the blood of the martyrs and their spirit of resistance.

He paid tribute to Zubair Baloch, Tabish Baloch, Irfan Baloch, Majid Baloch, Zulfiqar Baloch and Manzoor Baloch, acknowledging their foundational contributions to the Baloch student movement.

Other speakers, including Waseem Baloch, Akram Baloch, Anees Bugti, Saleem Baloch, Junaid Baloch, Zafar Baloch, Shakir Baloch and Amir Bizenjo, urged young people to continue the martyrs’ mission through education, political awareness and democratic struggle.

Commemorations continued throughout the day, as organizations and individuals across Balochistan and among the diaspora reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the memory of the martyrs and continuing their struggle.