Protest in The Hague to Highlight 28 Years of Nuclear Suffering in Balochistan
The Hague, Netherlands: The Netherlands branch of the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) has announced a peaceful demonstration in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 28, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm.
The protest marks the 28th anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan (POB), a date officially designated by the Baloch nation as “Aasrokh – A Day of Mourning” to commemorate decades of radioactive suffering and colonial exploitation in Balochistan.
FBM activists will highlight the long-term consequences of Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests in Chagai district, which the party calls a deliberate atomic attack on the Baloch population.
According to the movement, residents of Chagai have faced elevated rates of terminal illnesses, rare cancers, skin diseases, congenital disabilities and severe environmental damage. The fragile desert ecosystem has suffered irreversible harm, including poisoned groundwater and the destruction of local livelihoods.
The demonstration will also draw attention to the perceived growing threat posed by Iranian nuclear ambitions. The FBM warns that Balochistan is increasingly caught between two nuclear-armed powers, with the potential for catastrophic consequences for both the local population and global security.
Activists from the FBM Finland Branch will also join the demonstration in the Netherlands. The organisers are calling on the Dutch government, the European Union, and the United Nations to formally recognise the colonial nature of Pakistani and Iranian occupation over Balochistan and to take action to protect the indigenous population.
“The world cannot remain silent while Balochistan is used as a laboratory for the nuclear ambitions of states that sponsor terrorism,” said FBM representatives. “Pakistan’s tests devastated our environment; an Iranian nuclear weapon could threaten global peace.”
