In The Hague, Netherlands, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a protest rally against Pakistan’s nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998, in the Chagai region of Balochistan. The protest culminated in a demonstration in front of the Pakistani Embassy.
Protesters carried placards and banners with slogans condemning nuclear testing in Balochistan, the military occupation of the region, and gross human rights violations. They chanted slogans denouncing the nuclear explosions in Chagai, the forcible annexation of Balochistan, and in support of the region’s struggle for independence.
Speakers at the demonstration included Muhim Abdul Rahim, President of BNM Netherlands Chapter, Dr. Latif Baloch, Wahid Baloch, Asa Bijjaar, Zahra Baloch, and Zar Khan, an activist from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).
Local communities still suffer from the aftermath of radiation – Speakers
The speakers emphasized that the nuclear detonations in the mountainous area of Chagai drastically increased radioactive contamination in the soil, water, and air. They stated that the local population continues to suffer, with alarming increases in skin diseases, respiratory issues, vision impairment, and cancer cases.
They added that no prior warning was given to the residents of the affected villages before the explosions, nor were any effective health or welfare measures taken afterwards. Several families were forced to abandon their homes out of fear of radiation exposure. The speakers lamented that no international body or human rights organization has ever conducted an independent, scientific, or impartial investigation into these nuclear tests.
Global silence on Pakistan’s nuclear activities – A serious concern
The speakers criticized the international community, noting that in other countries, nuclear testing is often accompanied by safety protocols and transparent investigations. However, in Balochistan, not only were nuclear tests conducted without safeguards, but according to some reports, Pakistan has also stored nuclear weapons on Baloch soil.
They warned that if radioactive leakage were to occur, the Baloch people would be the primary victims, a community already grappling with economic, political, and humanitarian crises.
The speakers strongly condemned the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for remaining silent spectators in the face of Pakistan’s nuclear actions. They criticized the lack of accountability or preventive measures taken to this day.
