Banuk Karima Baloch’s Political Legacy, Resistance, and the Unity of Oppressed Nations — BNM’s Martyrs’ Day Event in London

The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a seminar in London to mark the fifth anniversary of the martyrdom of Shaheed Banuk Karima Baloch. Political leaders, intellectuals, human rights activists, and representatives of oppressed nations attended the event and expressed solidarity with the Baloch struggle. Participation by people from various nations—particularly Sindhi, Pashtun, Kashmiri, and Gilgit-Baltistan communities—was seen as a symbol of unity among oppressed nations.

At the beginning of the program, BNM members Mahganj Baloch and Durreen Baloch, who performed the duties of hosts, welcomed the guests. The participants observed a one-minute silence to remember Banuk Karima’s life, struggle, and sacrifice. Following this, Baloch women came onto the stage to pay tribute. Flowers were laid on her portrait created by artist Sanji Baloch, and candles were lit in her memory.

A short documentary titled “ Banuk Karima: Life, Struggle, and Legacy ” was then screened, highlighting Banuk Karima Baloch’s political journey, her fearless leadership, and her enduring legacy as a global symbol of resistance.

The seminar also featured the launch of the book “ Karima Baloch: From Student Leader to a Global Symbol of Resistance,” published by Zurbesh Publications. At the conclusion of the program, a song dedicated to Banuk Karima was presented, produced by the Media Cell of BSO-Azad.

Speakers at the event included BNM Chairman Dr. Naseem Baloch; author Dr. Naseer Dashti; University of London scholar and SOAS South Asia Centre member Burzine Waghmar; Fahmeeda Khushik, Deputy Organizer of the World Sindhi Congress (UK & Europe); human rights activist Noor-e-Maryam Kanwar; Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) representative Brakhna Sayyad; and Banuk Karima’s cousin, Mehlab Kambar.

Dr. Naseer Dashti: Karima Baloch Transformed the Foundations of the Baloch National Struggle

Author and political analyst Dr. Naseer Dashti said that Banuk Karima Baloch will be remembered as a pioneer who transformed the foundations of the Baloch national struggle. Comparing her historical role to that of Nawab Akbar Bugti, he said Karima inspired a new generation—especially Baloch women—to actively participate in politics and resistance. He stressed that today’s Baloch leadership must make bold and principled decisions, adapt to global conditions, and work to secure dignity and unity for the nation.

Burzine Waghmar : Pakistan’s Deep State Is Responsible for the Killing of Karima Baloch

University of London scholar and SOAS South Asia Centre member Burzine Waghmar strongly criticized Pakistan’s human rights record and held Pakistan’s deep state responsible for the killing of Karima Baloch. He said Pakistan exploits international neglect and impunity to target peaceful activists even in exile. He also questioned the failure of Canadian authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and raised concerns about the role of international interests in the exploitation of Balochistan’s resources. Waghmar warned that silence over such crimes is often bought through financial and political collusion.

Fahmeeda Khushik : Karima Baloch’s Legacy Influences Baloch and Sindhi Resistance

Fahmeeda Khushik, Deputy Organizer of the World Sindhi Congress in the UK and Europe, said that Karima Baloch played a central role in organizing Baloch youth and raising global awareness about enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. She emphasized that Karima’s struggle transcended gender and geography, and that her martyrdom represents a shared loss for both the Baloch and Sindhi nations. According to her, Karima Baloch’s legacy continues to inspire political activism and resistance among oppressed nations.

Noor-e-Maryam Kanwar: Collective Punishment Is Used to Silence Baloch Resistance

Human rights activist Noor-e-Maryam Kanwar said that collective punishment is among the most brutal methods used against the Baloch nation. She referred to the enforced disappearance of the father of prominent human rights activist and young leader of the movement for the recovery of enforced disappeared persons, Mahzeb Shafiq, explaining how the state targets families to suppress resistance. She described the Baloch Women’s Red March as a historical continuation of Karima Baloch’s struggle and said that Karima provided leadership in organizing women even under extreme pressure.

Barkhna Syed: Truth Must Be Spoken Despite Terror

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) representative Barkhna Syed expressed solidarity with the Baloch struggle and said that enforced disappearances and collective punishment have become a daily reality in Pashtun regions as well. She described Karima Baloch as a symbol of hope who broke patriarchal barriers and stood firmly against state repression. Rejecting official claims regarding Karima’s death, she said her martyrdom symbolizes resistance against international pressure and oppression.

Mehlab Kambar: Banuk Karima Persistently Fought for Justice

Banuk Karima Baloch’s cousin, Mehlab Kambar, highlighted Karima’s continuous struggle for justice, national identity, and collective strength. She said Karima organized rallies and protests for enforced disappeared persons and consistently raised her voice against the genocide of the Baloch nation. She emphasized that Karima never confined the struggle to herself but encouraged collective participation and always worked for a better future for the Baloch nation.

She further stated that Karima was born into a politically conscious family, where her uncles—Wahid Kambar and Dr. Khalid—devoted their lives to the national struggle. Despite repeated state raids and threats, Karima remained a source of strength, courage, and resilience for her family. Mehlab said that Karima’s presence, guidance, and unwavering commitment made her a central figure in sustaining and advancing the Baloch movement.