Geneva, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Naseem Baloch, chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has accused Pakistani authorities of subjecting generations of Baloch political activists, students, doctors, teachers, lawyers and ordinary citizens to imprisonment, enforced disappearance, exile and death.
Addressing human rights defenders, representatives of various countries and organisations, media members and Baloch political activists at the 12th Balochistan International Conference in Geneva, Naseem alleged that Islamabad’s efforts to suppress what he called the “Baloch national question” involved military force, political engineering, enforced disappearances, imprisonment and control over Balochistan’s resources.
Naseem also remembered Abdul Rasheed, a member of the BNM Central Committee, alleging that Pakistani forces killed him. He said the organisation lost Dr Abdul Rasheed, whom it knew as Dr Nokaap Baloch, on September 10.
Referring to life imprisonment sentences handed to Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji, Naseem cited UN human rights experts who had described the punishment as a “grave injustice” and raised concerns over the fairness of the proceedings and the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful political activism.
He also criticised the recent life imprisonment sentence handed to another BYC leader, Gulzadi Baloch, by a Pakistani court, alleging that she had been convicted on “fake charges”.
Naseem also referred to China’s investment in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and international interest in the province’s copper, gold and other natural resources.
He argued that discussions surrounding Balochistan’s resources, minerals and international investment could not be separated from what he described as the political future of the Baloch nation.
“Our political position is a free and independent Balochistan,” the BNM chairman said.
Addressing families of people reported missing in Balochistan, political prisoners, colleagues living in exile and families who have lost loved ones, Naseem said their pain was part of the organisation’s “collective memory”.
Concluding his speech, he reiterated the BNM’s political position, saying the organisation believes that “the lasting solution to the conflict, repression and recurring crises in Balochistan is the freedom of Balochistan and the right of the Baloch nation to determine its own future.”
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