Göttingen, Germany –The Baloch National Movement held a protest in Göttingen, Germany, against Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Balochistan. This day, marked as Black Day by the people of Balochistan, commemorates the devastating nuclear explosion in Chaghai, Balochistan, in 1998. The protest highlighted the long-term repercussions of the tests, which have led to widespread health issues and environmental damage in the region.
‘ These were attacks on us-Shar Hasan Baloch’
Shar Hassan Baloch, president of the BNM Germany Chapter, emphasized the colonial and militaristic exploitation of Balochistan. “Since May 28, 1998, Pakistan has conducted so-called tests in Balochistan, but these were attacks against us because Pakistan occupied Balochistan in 1948. These tests should have been in Punjab, not Balochistan, which is treated as a colony. Pakistan uses Balochistan for testing weapons, including those from China. We stand against this colonialism and exploitation. The Baloch nation does not accept these actions and will resist any form of colonialism or capitalism on our land, regardless of the cost.,” he declared.
‘ These tests were a flagrant violation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty-Safia Baloch-
Safia Manzoor, vice president of the BNM Germany Chapter, condemned Pakistan’s nuclear tests and called for global justice and solidarity. “Today, we stand united in condemnation of Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Balochistan, which have left a legacy of suffering and devastation that continues to afflict our people to this day. These tests were a flagrant violation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, endangering not only the people of Balochistan but also global security,” she stated.
‘Pakistan’s 1998 Nuclear Tests Cause Severe Contamination, Leading to High Rates of Cancer, Child Mortality, and Environmental Damage- Abdul Jabbar Baloch’
Abdul Jabbar Baloch, General Secretary of the BNM Germany , detailed the human and environmental costs of the nuclear tests. “Pakistan’s nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, led to severe contamination, resulting in high rates of radiation-induced cancers, child mortality, and environmental damage. Independent investigations into these effects are blocked. Additionally, Balochistan suffers from severe human rights abuses by the Pakistani government, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent,” he highlighted.
‘The global community must heed this call to action by implementing a ban on Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal-Shali Baloch’
Shali Baloch, Joint Secretary of the BNM Germany Chapter, emphasized the need for justice and support for the affected children. “There’s an urgent imperative for justice, support, and a promising future for the children afflicted by genetic disorders resulting from Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests in Balochistan. The global community must heed this call to action by implementing a ban on Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, recognizing the grave war crimes perpetrated in Balochistan,” she urged.
‘ In 1998, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in Chagai, displacing its residents without warning- Asghar Baloch ‘
Asghar Baloch, former president of the BNM Germany Chapter, called for international acknowledgment of the suffering in Balochistan. “In 1998, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in Chagai, displacing its residents without warning. This forced eviction left hundreds of people without their homes. The international community must acknowledge and address this injustice,” he said.
Pakistan’s nuclear tests mark a day of mourning in Balochistan’s history- Asif Baloch
Asif Baloch, a member of the BNM, denounced the tests and called for global action. “Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Chagai, Balochistan, on May 28, 1998, mark a day of mourning in Balochistan’s history. These tests, branded as the ‘Islamic Bomb,’ have devastating aftermaths, including radiation effects and widespread diseases. The international community must condition financial support on Pakistan’s nuclear disarmament,” he asserted.
‘ It’s crucial for the government and large organizations to focus on fixing the damage- Sammu Dad’
Sammu Dad emphasized the need for accountability and action to heal Balochistan. “We need to speak up and ensure someone takes responsibility for what happened. It’s crucial for the government and large organizations to focus on fixing the damage, restoring the environment, and aiding the affected communities,” she stressed.
Shaari Baloch, addressing the participants, highlighted the suffering caused by the nuclear tests and the disregard for the region’s well-being. “The pain of our people in Balochistan cannot be ignored any longer,” she said.
Eman Baloch and Balach members of the Baloch National Movement, called for an end to nuclear tests and oppression in Balochistan. “Since May 28, 1998, our people have suffered from illnesses and environmental damage. We demand an end to these tests. Our government must stop these dangerous experiments. Our people deserve a peaceful, safe future without nuclear weapons,” they declared.
The protest also featured a powerful anti-nuclear theater performance at Gänseliesel, depicting a world where humans cannot breathe, critiquing the bureaucratic and militaristic language used in nuclear planning.
The Baloch National Movement demands the deployment of an independent international research team to Chaghai to assess the impact of nuclear radiation. Pakistan must be held accountable and penalized for its reckless atomic test in Balochistan, which has caused continuous harm to the local population. The catastrophic effects of this test should be made public, and stringent measures must be implemented to disarm Pakistan of its nuclear arsenal.
Balach Baloch played Baloch national anthem on the benjo saaz,before starting demonstration honoring Balochistan’s rich cultural heritage.
