Party members, along with social and human rights activists in Balochistan, should prioritize the agenda of Balochistan’s independence, as the root of our problems lies in the subjugation of the Baloch nation. The only way out of slavery is through independence.
These were the opening remarks by Dr. Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), at the fourth meeting of the BNM’s Central Committee.
He emphasized that party members and supporters must support ongoing events in Balochistan and collaborate with other nationalist forces that align with the interests of the Baloch and Balochistan. They should introduce these forces to the media and other supportive platforms while keeping the struggle for freedom as the foremost priority. Above all, BNM members should remain committed to their program, focusing on its promotion and dissemination.
The Chairman highlighted the importance of distinguishing between secondary issues and the primary goal, cautioning that secondary issues should not overshadow the core objectives of the movement so that future generations do not lose sight of its essence. He noted that several prominent political parties demand Balochistan’s independence, with BNM being the most active both domestically and internationally. Therefore, forces supporting Baloch’s national independence and wishing to see the movement strengthened should support BNM and contribute to advancing the independence agenda.
Pointing to the failures of democratic politics in Pakistan, the BNM chairman stated that Pakistan sabotaged the Baloch Raji Muchi, resulting in the martyrdom of four Baloch individuals. A similar attempt was made to stop the PTM jirga, where four Pashtuns were also martyred. Despite protests and sit-ins, enforced disappearances have only accelerated in Balochistan. Dozens of Baloch students have been forcibly disappeared in Punjab without fear of accountability, as Pakistan continues to suppress voices rising against these atrocities.
Dr. Naseem criticized the parliamentary political parties, referencing some recent incidents. He highlighted that BNM was previously asked what it was doing for the Balochi language. Today, BNM has made significant strides in developing Balochi language and literature. However, he questioned what the parliamentary parties are doing, emphasizing that they should at least contribute to initiatives that benefit the Baloch nation. He pointed out that the statue of Waja Sayed Zahoor Shah Hashumi was defaced in Gwadar. Sayed Hashumi is a significant figure in Baloch national literature, akin to Waja Khair Bakhsh Marri and Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti in politics. Yet, no literary or non-literary organization protested against this act. Similarly, the statue of Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti was demolished in Panjgur, and the response to that incident has also been disappointing. In such matters, the parties engaged in the surface politics of Balochistan should have reacted more strongly, given their soft stance.