Free Balochistan Movement Protests in London Against Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan
The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM), a group advocating for Baloch independence from Pakistan, organized a protest outside the British Prime Minister’s official residence in London. The protest aimed to raise awareness about enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
Protesters carried banners, placards, and pictures of the disappeared, chanting slogans against severe human rights violations in Pakistan. Ibra Taj Baloch, whose father was abducted by the ISI in 2020, said, “August 30 is International Day of the Disappeared, and this day is dedicated to standing up and speaking out against this injustice.”
Shahvazar Baloch, Vice President of the FBM, stated, “The protest is being held today against the enforced disappearances in Balochistan because thousands of Baloch have been abducted in Pakistan and Iran, leading to severe hardships for their families.”
British activist Heather Joans expressed solidarity with the Baloch, saying, “I am an ordinary citizen, and I am here today to express solidarity with the Baloch against the heinous crime of enforced disappearances. It saddened me deeply to learn that there is hardly a single household in Balochistan that hasn’t been affected by abduction.”
Alongside members of the Free Balochistan Movement, a considerable group of Baloch residents living in the UK and British human rights activists took part in the protest. A similar protest took place in Amsterdam, focusing on enforced disappearances by Pakistani Security forces. Pashtun human rights activist Zar Ali Khan Afridi also participated.
Latif Baloch, a protest participant, called on international organizations to address ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan, highlighting the daily mental and physical torture inflicted by Pakistani forces. Obaidullah Baloch, a member of the Free Balochistan Movement’s Executive Council, criticized Pakistan for exploiting Balochistan’s resources while infringing on the rights of its people.
Pashtun activist Zar Ali Khan Afridi linked the genocide of Baloch and Pashtun communities to Pakistani military operations, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention. The Free Balochistan Movement called on international organizations to hold Pakistan and Iran accountable and to take immediate steps to protect the fundamental rights to freedom and sovereignty.
Doubts Revealed
Free Balochistan Movement -: The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) is a group that wants freedom for the Balochistan region, which is currently part of Pakistan. They believe the people there are not treated fairly.
enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away secretly by the government or other groups, and their families don’t know where they are or if they are safe.
British Prime Minister’s residence -: This is the official home of the leader of the United Kingdom, where important decisions are made. It’s like the Prime Minister’s house.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region in Pakistan. Some people there feel they are not treated well and want more rights or independence.
human rights violations -: These are actions that go against basic rights and freedoms that every person should have, like being safe and treated fairly.
Ibra Taj Baloch -: Ibra Taj Baloch is a person who speaks out for the rights of people in Balochistan.
Shahvazar Baloch -: Shahvazar Baloch is another person who talks about the problems faced by people in Balochistan.
Heather Joans -: Heather Joans is a British person who supports the cause of the Balochistan people and speaks out against their mistreatment.
Amsterdam -: Amsterdam is a city in the Netherlands, a country in Europe. It’s known for its canals and museums.
international intervention -: This means asking other countries or global organizations to help solve a problem that one country can’t fix on its own.
Pakistani and Iranian forces -: These are the military and police from Pakistan and Iran. Some people believe they are responsible for the problems in Balochistan.