The Foreign Department of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) continues to strengthen its global advocacy campaign, aimed at exposing the ongoing state repression in Balochistan—particularly the systematic crackdown on peaceful political activists—and building international support for the Baloch national liberation movement.
As part of these efforts, BNM has engaged with United Nations representatives, urging action against the arbitrary arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other activists. On March 23, 2025, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders was formally briefed on the situation in Balochistan and urged to issue a statement. In response, the UN Working Group confirmed in a written message that a joint statement had been issued on March 26, condemning the arbitrary detention of human rights defenders in the region.
These diplomatic initiatives have led to significant engagement from lawmakers in the United Kingdom, European Union, and the United States. Parliamentarians, senators, and MEPs have been urged to raise concerns over Pakistan’s widespread human rights abuses and the unlawful detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders.
In the UK, Member of Parliament Andrew Percy directly questioned Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Hamesh Falconer, about ongoing rights violations in Balochistan and the treatment of BYC leaders. Responding to the inquiry, Minister Falconer stated:
“The UK strongly condemns extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. We urge states to thoroughly investigate such allegations, bring perpetrators to justice, and deliver justice to victims and their families.”
He further noted that the UK government continues to press Pakistan to criminalize enforced disappearances and uphold its human rights obligations. Expressing solidarity with Baloch protesters, Falconer added:
“The UK is aware of the mistreatment of demonstrators. Freedom of expression—free from censorship or intimidation—is a fundamental pillar of democracy.”
He also confirmed that the British High Commissioner regularly raises concerns about human rights violations in Balochistan in meetings with Pakistan’s Minister for Human Rights and Law.
Labour MP Mary Rimmer also expressed solidarity with the Baloch people, stating:
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Balochistan and want to assure you that the UK government is also closely following these developments.”
She recalled that Minister Falconer had previously condemned enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, particularly during statements on November 28 and December 10, 2024. She noted that human rights issues were raised in diplomatic engagements on September 4 and November 19.
In Ireland, BNM’s campaign prompted Irish MP Richard Boyd Barrett to question the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and the broader situation in Balochistan. Responding on behalf of the government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said:
“I am aware of the recent arrests in Balochistan and the ongoing unrest in the region, which has experienced prolonged conflict and repression.”
He confirmed that Ireland is closely monitoring developments through its embassy in Islamabad, working in coordination with the EU mission and like-minded partners to ensure a principled response.
Minister Harris reiterated Ireland’s firm commitment to defending global human rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation. He emphasized that Ireland continues to engage with Pakistan through both bilateral and multilateral forums.
Referring to the 14th Joint Commission meeting between the EU and Pakistan in November 2024, Harris stated that the EU had raised serious concerns regarding human rights, democracy, and governance. He stressed that respect for human rights remains central to Pakistan’s eligibility for trade privileges under the GSP+ scheme.
Harris concluded by assuring that Ireland, through its embassy in Islamabad and in collaboration with EU partners, will continue to monitor the situation in Balochistan closely.
