Geneva, Switzerland – Baloch National Movement (BNM)’s Chairman Dr Naseem Baloch addressed the 5th Balochistan International Conference of BNM, he said When you hear the name Balochistan, you may think of a region, a place on a map. But Balochistan is more than just geography—it has become a graveyard of hopes and lives, where humanity is continually violated.
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) successfully organized the 5th Balochistan International Conference, a significant event aimed at raising global awareness of the ongoing atrocities faced by the Baloch nation. The conference in Geneva saw participation from international activists, scholars, and BNM members, all united to shed light on the Baloch struggle for freedom and human rights.
“Exile: A Forced Reality, Not a Choice”
In a poignant personal reflection, Dr. Naseem Baloch recounted his journey from being a physician in the rural areas of Balochistan to living in exile in France. He emphasized that his displacement was not a voluntary pursuit of a better life but a necessary escape from the brutal oppression of the Pakistani state.
“I am not here to seek sympathy or recount my personal suffering,” he declared. “I stand here to share the story of my people, the Baloch nation, whose tragedy resonates beyond Balochistan, echoing through Pashtun, Sindhi, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmiri communities.”
“Balochistan: More Than Geography, A Graveyard of Hopes”
In his speech, Dr. Baloch highlighted the plight of Balochistan, which he described as “more than just geography—it has become a graveyard of hopes and lives, where humanity is continually violated.” He painted a grim picture of Pakistan’s military operations in the region, where enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the discovery of mutilated bodies have become a haunting reality.
He spoke of the infamous ‘Cemetery of Unknown Bodies’ in Mastung, where unidentified victims of state violence are buried without dignity, justice, or closure for their families. “Can a state that respects human rights behave this way?” he asked, asserting that Pakistan’s actions reflect those of a terrorist state.
“The Global Implications of Pakistan-China Collaboration”
Dr. Baloch also pointed to China’s involvement in the region, particularly its strategic projects that undermine the Baloch nation’s rights. He warned that China’s collaboration with Pakistan is not just an internal issue, but one that will have global ramifications, particularly due to the projects targeting regional power and control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
“I challenge anyone to uncover the details of the agreements between Pakistan and China regarding Balochistan,” he said. “The Baloch nation has been excluded from every decision regarding their own land and resources.”
“Our Struggle Is For Freedom, Not Just Human Rights”
The Baloch leader stressed that the Baloch struggle is not just about addressing human rights violations but is fundamentally a struggle for national freedom. “Human rights abuses will not cease until we achieve our rightful independence,” he stated firmly. He called on the international community to support the Baloch nation’s demand for independence, noting that Balochistan was once a free and sovereign state.
Dr. Naseem Baloch emphasized that the fight for Balochistan’s freedom is not just a regional issue but a question of international justice, one that is intertwined with the struggles of other oppressed nations, including the Pashtuns, Sindhis, and Kashmiris.
“We Will Not Rest Until We Are Free”
The speech concluded with a call for unity among oppressed nations and international allies. Dr. Baloch stressed that the Baloch resistance, which has endured for over two decades, will continue until Balochistan is free from occupation. “We will not rest until we are free,” he declared. “Long live the struggle for a Free Balochistan.”
To read the complete speech, please click on the following link:
