Introduction
Can you imagine that in the 21st century, an entire family is punished for the alleged actions of a single individual?
Collective punishment is a practice associated with colonial regimes and authoritarian systems of the past. Yet, in Balochistan, the state of Pakistan continues to implement this inhumane policy—and has recently even acknowledged it openly.
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Ground Reality
In Balochistan, collective punishment is not a theoretical debate—it is the daily reality of thousands of affected families:
• Justice and rule of law are virtually absent
• Fundamental human rights are systematically violated
• The region has been turned into a vast prison, and increasingly, a killing field and torture zone
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Recent Case
In the district of Panjgur, within just 20 days:
• 22 Baloch youths were forcibly disappeared from different areas
• They were subjected to severe torture in custody
• One by one, they were killed and their bodies were dumped
For many, their only “crime” was having relatives associated with the Baloch national movement—or raising their voices for human rights in Europe.
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Political Repression and Collective Punishment
The case of Dr. Naseem Baloch (Chairman of the Baloch National Movement) illustrates this policy:
• His elderly and ill father
• His two uncles
were forcibly disappeared solely because of his political role.
It is important to note that Dr. Baloch himself has previously been subjected to enforced disappearance and severe torture on two occasions before being forced into exile.
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Enforced Disappearances and Coercion
Across Balochistan:
• Young men, women, and even children are forcibly disappeared on a daily basis
• Families are pressured into holding press conferences
• They are forced to publicly disown their relatives
In many cases:
• Victims are never produced before a court
• They are denied legal representation
• After months or years in custody, they are presented to the media for forced confessions
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Grave Violations of Human Rights
These actions constitute serious violations of international law, including:
• Enforced disappearances
• Extrajudicial killings
• Torture and inhumane treatment
• Collective punishment
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Appeal to the International Community
We call upon the international community, human rights organizations, and global institutions—including the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva—to:
• Take urgent notice of the situation in Balochistan
• Ensure independent investigations
• Hold perpetrators accountable
• to end enforced disappearances and collective punishment
It is a recognized reality that without international attention and intervention, these violations will continue unchecked.
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Our Collective Responsibility
We gather each year because:
• Humanity still has a conscience
• The voices of victims must be heard
• Silence is not an option
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Baloch National Movement
#BNM
#BNMGlobalCampaign
Download pdf file
https://thebnm.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Baloch-National-Movement-Pamphlet.pdf
