Surge in rights violations against Baloch by Pakistan and Iran: FBM
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) has expressed concern over the renewed escalation in human rights violations against Baloch people by both Pakistan and Iran, adding that enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and political repression have increased.
In a statement issued by the FBM spokesperson, the party said that Pakistani security forces had intensified a campaign of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and the dumping of mutilated bodies in Balochistan. It further added that, following recent regional tensions involving Iran, judicial and extrajudicial actions against Baloch political activists, social workers and individuals identified as Baloch had also increased in Iranian-occupied Balochistan (IOB).
The FBM said the developments reflected the continued political marginalisation of the Baloch people and the denial of their national identity across both parts of Balochistan.
Reiterating its political stance, the party described Pakistan and Iran as “occupying states” in Balochistan, saying its position was based on the Baloch nation’s right to freedom and self-rule under international law. It maintained that its struggle was directed against state policies rather than the people of either country.
The statement added that both governments were employing similar methods to suppress political dissent, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, executions and collective punishment. It argued that such measures could not permanently suppress the aspirations of the Baloch people for political rights and national sovereignty.
The FBM reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing political, diplomatic and public advocacy for the protection of the political, cultural, national and human rights of the Baloch people and all long-settled inhabitants of Balochistan, while continuing its campaign for an independent Balochistan.
The Free Balochistan Movement also called on the United Nations, international human rights organisations and democratic governments to take notice of serious human rights violations in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture of political prisoners and restrictions on freedom of expression.
It urged the international community to play an effective role in recognising the Baloch people’s right to self-rule in accordance with international law.
The FBM reiterated that the party is committed to strengthening its political, diplomatic and public campaigns. It expressed solidarity with the families of martyrs, political prisoners and victims of enforced disappearances, adding that its campaign was based on the principles of freedom, justice, human dignity and the Baloch nation’s right to freedom.
