Balochistan Prepares for July 28 Baloch National Gathering
Quetta, Pakistan – Balochistan is gearing up for the Baloch National Gathering, which will begin on July 28. This event aims to protest against the Baloch genocide and the exploitation of natural resources by Pakistan and China.
Activist Mahrang Baloch Speaks Out
Mahrang Baloch, a well-known Baloch activist and organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, shared her thoughts on social media. She stated, “Imperial megaprojects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan support state actions that amount to Baloch genocide. These projects, supposedly for development, exploit the Baloch people and facilitate state repression.”
She added, “The Baloch Raaji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) will not only oppose Baloch genocide and advocate for the survival of the Baloch nation but will also serve as a historic referendum. This event will declare that the Baloch Nation will not tolerate annihilation and genocide under any circumstances.”
Social Media and Local Efforts
The hashtag #BalochNationalGathering is gaining popularity on social media platforms. In Karachi, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee Karachi Zone held a meeting in Fakeer Colony to raise awareness about the upcoming event. They emphasized the importance of unity among the Baloch people to end the genocide.
Previous Efforts and Ongoing Struggles
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee announced the launch of the Baloch National Gathering through a video press release on July 6. In her video statement, Mahrang Baloch recalled a massive long march from Turbat to Islamabad last year, which ended in a significant protest at the National Press Club in Islamabad. Despite these efforts, the Baloch genocide continues.
She lamented, “Pakistan shows no inclination to stop this atrocity. Every year, from Gwadar to Shall, from Koh-e-Sulaiman to Karachi, our youth are forcibly disappeared, tortured, and their mutilated bodies discarded. Baloch individuals face targeted attacks.” She emphasized that the Baloch genocide includes more than just abductions and killings of Baloch youth.
