Washington, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest in Seattle, drawing attention to alleged human rights violations in Balochistan and calling on the United States and the international community to take action over reported military operations and civilian casualties in the Pakistani province.
According to the BNM, speakers at the protest urged the American public to raise their voices against alleged abuses by Pakistani forces, including military operations and bombardments that they said had resulted in civilian deaths.
The speakers also expressed concern that assistance provided to Pakistan through US taxpayers’ funds could indirectly support the Pakistani military. They called on the US government to review its relationship with Pakistan and reconsider its assistance, urging that any continued support be linked to respect for human rights.
The protesters called on the international community, particularly the United States, to help address alleged violations in Balochistan and safeguard the fundamental rights of the Baloch people.
The protest followed concerns raised by BNM members during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Thursday. They highlighted the reported impact of Pakistani military airstrikes in Surab, Zehri and Chiltan, as well as the human rights situation faced by Baloch women and girls.
Addressing the Council, BNM member Mahrah Baloch alleged that Baloch women and girls continued to face serious violations of their fundamental rights, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial killings and restrictions on peaceful political expression.
She said Baloch women had played a prominent role in movements seeking justice and accountability, but many continued to experience emotional, social and economic hardship following the alleged disappearances and killings of family members.
Mahrah called for the protection of women’s voices, rights and participation in public life. Describing the alleged actions of Pakistani authorities as “state terrorism”, she urged the Council to ensure independent monitoring of Balochistan, transparent investigations and protection for people who peacefully document or challenge alleged abuses.
At the same session, BNM member Ahmed Baloch raised concerns over the reported use of airstrikes in civilian areas. He alleged that a Pakistani Army airstrike in Surab on September 12, 2026, killed six civilians, including a woman and a two-year-old child, and injured nine others, most of them young children.
The BNM has called for greater international scrutiny of the human rights situation in Balochistan and for measures to protect civilians and ensure accountability for alleged violations.
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