Karima Baloch’s courage and political legacy are deeply reflected in the struggles of Baloch women as well as women from other oppressed nations across the region. The bravery with which she led the Baloch resistance not only inspired Baloch women but also left a profound impact on other marginalized nations of the region.
These views were expressed by Hassan Dost Baloch, Junior Joint Secretary of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), while addressing a ceremony held in memory of Banuk Karima at the Shaheed Anwar Advocate Zone (Kech–Gwadar).
He stated that the members of the Baloch National Movement are the true heirs of Banuk Karima’s struggle and are carrying her mission forward. He said that the Pakistani state’s strategy was to push Baloch youth into the mountains and disconnect urban centers from resistance and national politics. However, due to leaders such as Waja Ghulam Mohammad and Banuk Karima, the Baloch national struggle has continued to advance with strong political consciousness. Followers of Banuk Karima have endured immense hardships and suffering. Today, he said, the movement has risen above tribal and familial interests.
Hassan Dost Baloch emphasized that activists are the most valuable asset of the national movement and that their lives and safety must be prioritized. While acknowledging that sacrifices may be unavoidable in a liberation struggle, he stressed the importance of minimizing losses wherever possible.
Responding to questions at the conclusion of his speech, he said that Banuk Karima’s struggle has not weakened. On the contrary, the role of women in resistance today is stronger than ever, proving that her struggle has borne fruit. He described the enforced disappearances of Baloch women by the Pakistan Army as deeply painful, but added that the intensification of violence itself is evidence that the resistance continues and that the state is resorting to repression to suppress it. The strengthening of the Baloch women’s movement, he said, has led to an increase in state brutality and irrational repression.
He also criticized the conduct of Canadian authorities in investigating the killing of Banuk Karima, calling it disappointing. Instead of carrying out a transparent and satisfactory investigation into the death of an international figure, the case was closed without a detailed report. This, he said, suggests either political pressure from Pakistan or economic interests linked to lucrative projects such as Reko Diq, in which Canadian companies are involved. Such conduct reflects a troubling lack of seriousness by Canadian authorities.
Hassan Dost Baloch stressed that oppressed nations should rely on their own strength rather than on global powers. “When we build our own power,” he said, “the world will be compelled to listen.”
He further emphasized the need to understand modern technology and innovations and to align the struggle accordingly. He said the factors behind state crackdowns and ways to mitigate their impact must be carefully analyzed. At the same time, he noted that Pakistan is deliberately targeting Baloch women as a form of collective punishment, in an attempt to force the Baloch nation to abandon its struggle for freedom through fear and repression.
He acknowledged that the Baloch diaspora abroad is not large enough to exert decisive pressure on other states against Pakistan. The international community views Pakistan as a state, while the Baloch are seen as an oppressed nation. Despite these limitations, he said, BNM’s diplomatic efforts over the past few years have been more successful than in the past. Although BNM’s organized presence in the diaspora is relatively recent, its activists have played a key role in making Baloch national politics more active and structured abroad.
The event was moderated by Jihand Baloch, Secretary of the BNM Shaheed Anwar Advocate Zone.