On 11 August, the Day of Pledge Renewal (marking Balochistan’s independence from Britain), the Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest in front of 10 Downing Street, London, and organized a rally in support of the Baloch freedom movement.
Addressing the British government, protesters stated that if the United Kingdom truly supports democracy, it has a historical responsibility to stand with the Baloch struggle. If the British state genuinely supports freedom, it should recognize the Baloch nation’s struggle and speak out against enforced disappearances.
Speakers highlighted that on 11 August 1947, following Britain’s withdrawal from the region, Balochistan declared its independence. Although this freedom was short-lived, during that period the Baloch nation lived autonomously, democratically, and in accordance with its language, culture, and traditions. In March 1948, Pakistan launched a military attack on Balochistan against the will of the Baloch people and forcibly occupied the region.
Since the Pakistani occupation, thousands of Baloch have been forcibly disappeared, countless others have suffered violence, and Baloch students, intellectuals, writers, and political activists continue to face state repression for demanding their legitimate rights and national freedom.
The speakers noted that in 1947, the Khan of Baloch declared Balochistan’s independence in its capital, Kalat, representing both the state and the Baloch nation. Before Pakistan’s military invasion, Balochistan was recognized by the world as a free nation. Since then, the homeland has endured occupation, resource plundering, enforced disappearances, killings, destruction, and systematic attempts to erase its culture.
They emphasized that Balochistan’s independence is not a dream but a historical right. The protesters called for international investigations into Pakistan’s atrocities in Balochistan, an end to military aid to Pakistan, and recognition of the Baloch nation’s right to self-determination.
