The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest in front of the British Prime Minister’s residence in London, marking 16 years since the enforced disappearance of Zakir Majeed Baloch, a central leader of the Baloch Students Organization (Azad).
Protesters carried banners and placards bearing slogans such as “Release Zakir Majeed,” “End Enforced Disappearances,” and “Justice for the Forcibly Disappeared.” Participants urged the international community, including the United Nations and the UK government, to take notice of the grave human rights violations in Balochistan and to press Pakistan for the recovery of forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals.
Speaking at the protest, Zakir Majeed’s mother, Raj Bibi, said she was forced to leave Pakistan and migrate to the United Kingdom because the justice system in Pakistan failed her. She explained that her move was not just for her son, but to become the voice of all those who have been forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani state — people for whom justice has been made unreachable.
Addressing the gathering, other speakers emphasized that their protest aimed to make the world aware of the atrocities faced by the Baloch nation.They said the Pakistani state continues to target Baloch citizens solely because of their national identity, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations.
BNM leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resisting the inhumane crime of enforced disappearance, stating that the Baloch nation stands united with one voice and one stance. They pledged to continue the struggle until Pakistan is held accountable and all disappeared individuals are brought back.
In addition to Raj Bibi, the protest was addressed by BNM’s Junior Joint Secretary Hassan Dost Baloch, Foreign Secretary Faheem Baloch, Coordinator of the Foreign Department Niaz Baloch, and BNM UK Chapter President Master Manzoor Baloch. They not only highlighted the ongoing state oppression in Balochistan but also called on British and international institutions to intervene immediately. Informational leaflets detailing the issue of enforced disappearances and the situation in Balochistan were distributed at the protest.
