Organized by the Baloch National Movement (BNM), a protest was held outside 10 Downing Street in London to mark 17 years since the enforced disappearance of Dr. Deen Mohammad Baloch. The demonstration aimed to draw the attention of the UK government, the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and the broader global community to the deteriorating socio-political situation in occupied Balochistan. Key issues highlighted included the freedom movement, ongoing enforced disappearances, the Pakistani state’s policy of collective punishment, and severe human rights violations.
Addressing the gathering, BNM Junior Joint Secretary Hasan Dost stated that the Pakistan Army is aggressively pursuing a policy of “collective punishment” against Baloch political activists. He urged international institutions and the global community to exert pressure on Pakistan and reconsider the financial assistance being provided to this country.
Furthermore, Dost appealed to the global Baloch diaspora to join the BNM and take a more active role in the Baloch freedom movement.
Other speakers condemned the 17-year-long enforced disappearance, unlawful imprisonment, and continuous torture of Dr. Deen Mohammad Baloch, describing it as a gross human rights violation. They emphasized that enforced disappearances have now become a formalized state policy in occupied Balochistan, operating in blatant defiance of international law. Thousands of Baloch families have been devastated by this practice, with the relatives of political activists increasingly targeted in retaliatory actions.
The speakers also highlighted that the father, uncles, and other close relatives of the BNM Chairman have been subjected to enforced disappearances, citing it as a glaring example of collective punishment inflicted upon the family of a peaceful political leader.
Protesters carried portraits, posters, and banners featuring Dr. Deen Mohammad Baloch and other victims of enforced disappearances. They chanted slogans demanding the immediate safe recovery of all forcibly missing persons, an end to collective punishment, an immediate halt to human rights abuses, and freedom for Balochistan.
The protest proceedings were moderated by Kambar Bakhshi Baloch, Secretary of the BNM UK Chapter. Key addresses were delivered by BNM Junior Joint Secretary Hasan Dost, Saleem Elahi, and Kifayat Baloch.
