The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a program to commemorate the fourth martyrdom anniversary of the prominent Baloch leader Banuk Karima Baloch. Dr. Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement, along with other speakers, addressed the program. They honored her memory and paid tribute to her enduring legacy.
“The absence of personalities like Banuk Karima leaves a vacuum that cannot be filled for centuries.” – Dr. Naseem Baloch
Dr. Naseem Baloch highlighted Karima’s role, stating, “Banuk Karima is the symbol of resistance not only for the Baloch nation but also for other oppressed nations. She was the voice of the Baloch nation for those sections that were voiceless in society. Today we are together for Banuk. The word ‘Banuk’ is generally used for all women, but if someone says ‘Banuk’ today, everyone knows it refers to Karima Baloch. She earned this title through her character. She has been titled ‘Lumma-e-Watan’ and ‘Ruzn-e-Balochistan,’ but she deserves more than these titles. As Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur writes, Karima is the soul and consciousness of the Baloch nation.”
He further elaborated on her impact, “For bringing a revolution, it needs generations of sacrifices. But Banuk Karima brought a revolution within the span of fourteen years through her term, character, and discipline, where today the echoes of revolution are heard in every nook and corner of Balochistan. No one can deny the philosophy of sacrifice. But once we accept the reality that the vacuum left by figures like Banuk Karima, Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, or Balach Marri cannot be filled in centuries, it is necessary and essential that they should live and struggle for a longer time. Because they know their role better than anyone else. Banuk Karima Baloch created her own legacy. Her cause was not just the emancipation of Baloch women; that was secondary. Her real mission was the freedom for Balochistan. But due to her charisma, she installed every Baloch woman and girl in the national struggle for freedom. She is a role model for the entire Baloch nation. When we see a Baloch girl struggling for a national cause today, we instantly remember Banuk. This is actually the extension of her struggle in today’s arena of struggle. She is the forerunner of today’s movement. Here we can imagine, if she were alive, what the scenario would be.”
“Karima Baloch will be remembered as a leader of the nation.” – Kamal Baloch
Kamal Baloch, the senior joint secretary, highlighted the political aspect of Karima’s struggle, “If we speak realistically, then the Baloch political struggle is extremely hard because of slavery. The role of Karima Baloch was not confined to encouraging only Baloch women; rather, she inspired the entire nation and society. This division between men and women in Baloch society has always been minimal. Karima has always been treated as a leader of the Baloch nation, nothing less.”
“While the world was struggling for women’s justice, Banuk Karima took Baloch women to leadership positions.” – Asghar Baloch.
Asghar Ali from the Baloch National Movement’s Germany Chapter remarked, “Banuk’s role was a revolution within a revolution. While the world was struggling for women’s justice, Banuk Karima took Baloch women to leadership positions where today the entire nation feels proud that Baloch women are leading them. It was Karima who paved the way for such a legacy.”
“She teaches us to not surrender against atrocities.” – Noor-e-Maryam
Noor-e-Maryam, human rights activist, spoke of her personal connection with Karima, “It is an absolute honor and privilege to speak about a person and friend, Karima Baloch. However, it is not easy to speak about her because it makes all of us emotional. A lot can be said and written about Karima, and history will always remember her as someone who stood for her land, her people, and against state oppression. As a young girl, she went to remote areas, giving awareness from door to door, which is something very amazing. Her struggle has become part of Baloch history and memories. She can be considered a pioneer of Baloch Liberation for women. There are many lessons in Karima’s life that would continue to inspire generations and guide those from oppressed nations. Her life teaches us with her smiling face. Her smiles also teach us a lesson to not surrender against atrocities.”
“She brought women out of their homes and into the mainstream politics.” – Dur Bibi
Dur Bibi added her perspective, emphasizing Karima’s impact on political engagement, “Banuk Karima inspired all of us to engage in the political process of the Baloch national struggle. She took us out of our homes and brought us into mainstream politics. She inspired us to visit our people. She always contacted everyone, giving us a pure vision to love Baloch and Balochistan. She used to say if you need your people, then go and visit them. She always visited the families of her friends.”
The program was hosted by Hatim Baloch, the Coordinator of Paank, with technical support provided by Abid Jan Qadir, IT and Visual Incharge of BNM’s Media and IT Department.
