To mark Baloch Martyrs’ Day, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a gathering in its Kech–Gwadar Zone, attended by numerous party members. The chief guest was BNM’s Information and Culture Secretary, Qazi Dad Mohammad Rehan. Addressing the historical background of 13 November and the theme of martyrdom, he said that martyrdom is neither our aspiration nor our goal, nor a pathway to achieving that goal.
He stated that as political activists, we believe in facts and action, not in mysticism or romanticism. Therefore, we must understand the reasons behind martyrdom in the Baloch movement, the importance of resistance, and the purpose for which Baloch—from Khan of Baloch Mir Mehrab Khan to Chairman Zubair—have laid down their lives.
Rehan said that Mir Mehrab Khan understood that Balochistan—on the brink of internal fragmentation, with a traditional defense structure, disunity among tribal leaders, a weak government, and inadequate weaponry—could not militarily confront the organized British forces. “Yet he chose resistance over surrender. The collective wisdom of the Baloch has long determined that when war becomes unavoidable, facing it is the only path to success—retreat is not.”
He added: “Mir Mehrab Khan knew that nations are not destroyed by death but by submission. It was clear that had he not resisted, the Baloch nation would have faced lasting disgrace in history. The resistance and sacrifices of 13 November continue to inspire the spirit of defending the land. Such was the strength of this resolve that even those Baloch sons who were Hindu declared that if their faith stood in the way of defending their homeland, they would abandon it—but they would not abandon their duty to defend the land. We honor this history and remember all martyrs who showed that resistance gives life, and submission does not.”
Qazi Rehan further said that every struggle is waged for a purpose, and “our purpose is the freedom of Balochistan. We will succeed only when we defeat the enemy on every front—minimizing our losses while inflicting damage on its interests. This struggle is not for the promise of paradise, but for a free Balochistan where our future generations can live with freedom, equality, and justice.”
BNM Kech–Gwadar Zone President Baba J. R. Baloch stated that the Baloch are “watering their land with their own blood so that they may regain their freedom and become masters of their homeland with their national identity intact. The Baloch will never forget the sacrifices of their martyrs, nor abandon their principles. The chain of sacrifices will continue until Balochistan attains freedom.”
BNM Kech–Gwadar Zone Secretary Jehand Baloch said that the movement has reached this stage due to the “immense sacrifices” of its leaders. “Even today, figures like Ustad Waheed Qambar and others endure imprisonment and hardship, yet refuse to bow their heads. Ustad Waheed Qambar says that the survival of the movement lies in the strength of party institutions, and that the spirit of being Baloch keeps us steadfast in the struggle.”
