The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest in the German city of Bremen to highlight the overall situation in occupied Balochistan and the atrocities committed by the Pakistani state.
The protesters also spoke about the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sibgatulla, Bebo, Gulzadi, Bibgar Baloch, and Syed Bibi Sharif, stating that these human rights activists have been punished through fabricated cases and false judicial proceedings for raising their voices for human rights in Balochistan.
The speakers also highlighted the enforced disappearance of the father, uncle, and maternal uncle of Baloch National Movement (BNM) Chairman Dr. Naseem Baloch, who were targeted solely due to his political activities. His family has been subjected to severe state pressure. Even his sister was forced to hold a press conference and issue a statement distancing herself from Dr. Naseem Baloch.
Addressing the demonstration, speakers said that the state of Pakistan is subjecting the people of Balochistan to large-scale collective punishment. Enforced disappearances and custodial killings have become routine. They added that the occupying Pakistani state is demolishing homes and forcing people into displacement.
They further stated that the uncertainty created by enforced disappearances develops into deep psychological trauma. It is no longer only the issue of the disappeared individual but becomes the suffering of entire families. Mothers wait daily for any news, fathers live under severe mental stress and helplessness, while children grow up in fear and emotional instability. Life does not remain normal, and even routine daily activities become difficult.
The speakers further emphasized that, based solely on an individual’s political activities or affiliations, their family members are subjected not only to psychological, financial, and social harm, but in some cases are also killed to intensify pressure and spread fear within Baloch society. Families of the disappeared are often forced into silence; nevertheless, they continue to receive bodies of their loved ones, killed in custody by the Pakistan Army.
They urged the international community to recognize its responsibilities and support the restoration of human rights in Balochistan as well as the right to self-determination of the Baloch nation. They stated that the Baloch nation deserves the restoration of its lost freedom.
The protest was addressed by Umair and Akbar Baloch, and pamphlets were distributed regarding the grave situation in Balochistan.