The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized the 6th Balochistan International Conference in Geneva, bringing together political leaders, journalists, and intellectuals to discuss ongoing human rights violations and the exploitation of Balochistan by Pakistan and China.
In his keynote address, Dr. Naseem Baloch, Chairman of BNM, underscored the severe human rights abuses in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the exploitation of the region’s natural resources by Pakistan and China.
Dr. Baloch reflected on the historical significance of the day, noting that 77 years ago, Pakistan forcibly annexed Balochistan. He emphasized that this was not a peaceful integration but an act of aggression against the Baloch people, a betrayal of the region’s sovereignty. Since then, the people of Balochistan have endured brutal military operations, economic marginalization, and systemic violence.
Describing the situation in Balochistan, Dr. Baloch stated, “Our homeland is bleeding. The so-called ‘kill and dump’ policy has transformed our land into a graveyard. Thousands of Baloch men, women, and children have been abducted, tortured, and left lifeless in the wilderness as a warning to those who dare to demand freedom. Thousands remain missing, with families left in a perpetual cycle of grief and uncertainty.”
The conference also highlighted the increasingly brutal tactics employed by the Pakistani state, particularly its targeting of Baloch women. Historically, Baloch women have been at the forefront of resistance efforts, but Dr. Baloch pointed out that they are now subjected to some of the most severe forms of state violence.
Dr. Baloch recounted the stories of two prominent women activists: Dr. Mahrang Baloch, who was abducted and imprisoned under false charges, and Sammi Deen Baloch, who was arrested and severely beaten for peacefully protesting. He argued that these cases are not isolated but part of a systematic effort to undermine the Baloch struggle for freedom.
Dr. Baloch emphasized that the ongoing repression in Balochistan is not merely a series of human rights violations but constitutes clear crimes against humanity. He condemned Pakistan for violating international laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which it is a signatory.
“How can Western democracies preach human rights while continuing to support a state that is committing genocide in Balochistan?” Dr. Baloch asked. “The silence in the face of these atrocities is not neutrality—it is complicity.”
The BNM Chairman called for urgent international action, urging the United Nations to send an independent fact-finding mission to investigate Pakistan’s actions in Balochistan. He also called on human rights organizations, international media, and democratic nations to take a stand against Pakistan’s repression and support the Baloch people’s right to self-determination.
In conclusion, Dr. Baloch made it clear that no amount of violence or oppression would break the Baloch spirit. “Despite the disappearances, massacres, and suffering, the Baloch struggle for freedom remains unshaken. We will not be silenced. We will not surrender,” he declared.
The conference concluded with a call to action: “Let this gathering be more than just words. Let it be a commitment to raise awareness, take action, and stand with the oppressed. We owe it to the martyrs, to the families searching for their loved ones, and to the brave daughters of Balochistan who continue to resist tyranny.”
The conference featured speeches from prominent figures, including Dr. Naseem Baloch , Willem Marx (Author & Journalist), Eleonora Mongelli (VP, Italian Federation for Human Rights – FIDU), John McDonnell (Member, British House of Commons), Dr. Naseer Dashti (Author & Historian), Said Alam (Pashtun Rights Advocate & PTM Leader), Dr. Lakhu Lohana (Secretary General, World Sindhi Congress), Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa (Political Scientist & Author), Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur (Veteran Baloch Activist & Columnist), Reed Brody (Commissioner, International Commission of Jurists), and Iman Mazari (Advocate & Human Rights Lawyer).
While Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), was scheduled to speak, technical issues prevented his participation. In his absence, Fazal Afridi represented PTM.
The conference attracted participants from various oppressed communities and was streamed live across nine platforms, reaching thousands of viewers in real time. BNM’s media team provided instant updates and video highlights throughout the event.
