Extra Judicial Executions of Abducted Baloch Political Activists

Five Bullet Riddled bodies were recovered yesterday on Rojhan rd. in the Punjab city of Rahim Yar Khan.  Three of the recovered bodies have been identified as Baloch Republican Party activists Zabar Khan Bugti s/o Hassan Khan Bugti, Beuragh Bugti s/o Chagro Bugti & Badla Mazari while the other 2 have yet to be identified.  The victims were abducted 2 months ago by Pakistan’s Intelligence Agents during raids on the homes of Bugti IDPs living in Rahim Yar Khan.  Two more unidentified bodies were recovered on Friday in Sibi, Balochistan.

Baloch Republican Party - Pakistan Army’s operation and bombardment in Dera Bugti

Earlier this week in Dera Bugti, Pakistani Armed Forces conducted an intense military operation.  Occupational State Forces heavily bombarded the Pelawagh and Sanghar pati districts of Dera Bugti on Monday killing Hayat Khan Bugti and wounding Pazo Bibi, Ghulam Nabi Bugti & Shahi Bugti.  After heavily shelling the villages, State Forces invaded civilian houses, looting valuables and setting the homes ablaze.  State Agents abducted 5 residents during the operation.

“Despite of all such brutalities of Pakistani forces over Baloch civilians, the United Nations and civilized world keeps silence. Mr Bugti appealed to the human rights advocate groups to raise their voice against the state brutalities in Balochistan. Where the state terrorism on Baloch people have become a routine.”  – BRP – Dera Bugti District President Riaz Gul Bugti

CBC News - Islamic militants shut schools, spurring protests, in Pakistan

Private schools throughout the region have been forced to close after state endorsed terrorist gang Tanzeem-ul-Islami-ul-Furqan distributed a threatening flyer in the Panjgur region earlier this month.  Al-Furqan terrorists accuse school administrators of “corrupting the minds of young girls by exposing them to western education” and demanded “all private schools must immediately disallow girls from seeking an education”.  The terrorist gang has effectively assumed the role of enforcing a long established Pakistan State policy of strictly oppressing education of Baloch.  On May 14^th, within close vicinity to a FC checkpoint, Al-Furqan militants set fire to a school van transporting female students and teachers.  Although Pakistani FC soldiers were stationed at a checkpoint only a few meters away, they did not respond to the attack.

On May 21st Panjgur residents protested the enforced closure of local schools and threats to education from
Tanzeem-ul-Islami-ul-Furqan

For several months, the entire Panjgur region has been under heavy occupation by State Forces.  Pakistan Armed Forces have established checkpoints and camps at every major intersection and roadway.  Vacant schools and public buildings have been reportedly repurposed into military barracks and detention centers.

Despite Pakistan’s heavy military presence in the Panjgur region, radical terrorist gangs openly operate with impunity.  Instead of fighting the extremist thugs, Pakistan’s army directs their force against Balochistan’s impoverished rural villages.  Students, journalists, activists, suspected nationalists and even their relatives are routinely targeted by State endorsed death squads.  The use of mercenary gangs to enforce the policy of the Occupational State has been a long standing practice in Pakistan.  Recently in Sindh, the tortured remains of Sindhi Nationalist Ameen Malhani were found with the word “Pakistan” viciously carved into his chest.

For over a month BSO Azad Central Committee member Sangat Lateef Johar has been on a  #HungerStrikeTillDeath protest to #SaveBSOAzadLeader.  Since the young student activist began his hunger strike, Lateef Johar has lost more than 20kg and his health is rapidly declining.  Friends, Associates, Journalists, Activists, and sympathizers have urged Lateef Johar to end his hunger strike.  Despite the excruciating hunger and fatigue, Lateef Johar remains determined to continue his hunger strike until BSO Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch is released.

“Our generation is the generation of waste and destruction. We must sacrifice one generation” – Lateef Johar (via twitter: @LateefJohar)

Seldom is there a man such as Sangat Lateef Johar; so willing to sacrifice everything to awaken a sense of humanity within us.  If Lateef continues his hunger strike until death, his martyrdom would be a terrible loss to all mankind.  As a result of Lateef’s hunger strike, he has exposed the Pakistan government’s flagrant human rights abuses, oppression of education, as well as revealed the international community’s cruel complacency.

On April 22^nd BSO-Azad student group established a protest camp at the Karachi Press Club in Sindh to protest the enforced disappearance of BSO Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.  Zahid Baloch was arrested by State Security Forces on March 18^th2014, while attending a BSO-Azad meeting in Satellite Town, Quetta.  Zahid has since been imprisoned without charge or crime.  Zahid’s family, his BSO-Azad associates, as well as Journalists, Activists, Human Rights Advocates have all publicly expressed serious concern about Zahid’s safety.  Although concerned parties have attempted to file FIR (First Information Report), Pakistan authorities refused to accept the report stating “cases cannot be lodged against members of security agencies.”

Pakistan’s Security Forces have frequently targeted Journalists, Activists, Lawyers, and their relatives for Enforced Abduction and Extrajudicial Execution.  Thousands of their Bullet Riddled bodies have been recovered during the past ten years in Balochistan.  The remains of abductees are often discovered “dumped” in rural areas and Disfigured by Severe Acts of Torture.  On May 10^th BSO-Azad member Jahanzaib Baloch was extrajudicially executed by State Sponsored Death Squads in Mastung.  To this day, not one single political abductee has been charged with a crime or granted due process.

BSO-Azad announced calls for a Balochistan province wide strike on May 21^st.  Cities all across Balochistan were completely shut down.  Throughout the day roads were empty and shops were closed in protest of the illegal abduction of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.  The BSO-Azad strike call was publicly endorsed by BRP, BYW and BNM.  BSO-Azad officially thanked all the citizens, workers and businessmen of Balochistan for participating in the strike.

Activists around the world continue to show their support and solidarity staging protests and demonstrations urging the international community to demand Pakistan release all political prisoners and cease their violent military campaign in Balochistan.  On May 16th BHRO held a seminar in Karachi and on May 18th Protestors in Busan held a rally to show their support.  

In Toronto, Ontario, Progressive students Tayyaba and Urooj Shahzadi, BHRC-Canada, Baloch Community Ontario and World Sindhi Congress held a protest on May 18th to show solidarity with BSO-Azad and condemn Pakistan’s campaign of human rights abuses in Balochistan.

Amnesty International has recently released a document calling upon the Pakistan Administration to either release Zahid Baloch or promptly charge him with a criminal offense in accordance with international laws.  Activists are urged to print and mail the document to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, and Chief Minister of Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik.

May 17th a delegation led by Baloch Nationalist Hyrbyair Marri met with Swedish leaders to discuss the human rights abuses in Balochistan.

“Pakistan and Iran are not only committing Baloch Genocide but also destroying Baloch’s culture.” – Hyrbyair Marri Baloch

Join the May 25th Social Media E-Campaign
from 3pm-11pm (PKT)
under hashtag #SaveEducationinBalochistan

12 Hours on Day 23 of Hunger Strike Till Death

Since April 22^nd members of the Baloch Students Organization (Azad) have been gathered at the Karachi Press Club in Pakistan to protest the abduction of the student organization's chairman Zahid Baloch.  For the 23 days since the protest began, BSO-Azad Central Committee member Lateef Johar has been on a #HungerStrikeTillDeath to #SaveBSOAzadLeader .  

As result of his hunger strike, Lateef Johar has descended into a very fragile condition.  Lateef Johar has lost over 17kg, his glucose levels are significantly below normal, and his blood pressure is dangerously low.  Attending doctors have said Lateef is nearing critical condition.

Despite his weakened state Lateef Johar's courage and willpower remains strong.  Since they began the #HungerStrikeTillDeath protest at the Karachi Press club to #SaveBSOAzadLeader.  The young student activists and demonstrators have been faced with; Tear Gas attacks by State Police, counter-protests by fanatical extremist groups, violent threats, as well as a brazen attack on Banuk Kareema Baloch's home in Tump, Balochistan.  Undeterred, the brave young student protesters remain vigilant in their peaceful campaign for the safe release of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.

In a recent interview with Collateral Damage Magazine, Lateef Johar stated:

"If it goes on like this then one day the sun of freedom will rise. Regarding your question about a peaceful solution, let me tell you that since the very beginning we are waging a peaceful struggle and we still believe in it. My hunger strike here is also peaceful. BSO-Azad is a democratic organization" - BSO-Azad Central Committee Member Sangat Lateef Johar

Protest in Kolwah against the abduction of Chairman Zahid Baloch and in solidarity with Sangat Lateef Johar's ‪#‎HungerStrikeTillDeath‬ to ‪#‎SaveBSOAzadLeader

Hyrbyair Marri, Khan of Kalat and Baloch Activists
Demonstrated at Norwegian
Parlaiment in Oslo on May 12th 2014

People throughout Balochistan, and around the world, have shown their support for the Baloch Students Organization through protests, rallies, marches, token hunger strikes, and other demonstrations.  Many sympathetic activists and prominent figures have called upon Lateef to end his hunger strike, but Lateef Johar remains adamant in his resolve to continue the hunger strike until the BSO-Azad CC Chairman Zahid Baloch is recovered

BHRO chairperson Bibi Gul shows
solidarity #12HoursForLateefJohar

Today Lateef Johar is joined in his hunger strike for 12 hours by BHRO, NSF, BSO activists and supporters at the Karachi Press Club. Social Media Activists online and Human Rights advocates around the world are joining the #12HoursForLateefJohar campaign.  Participants are asked to join Lateef Johar in hunger strike for 12 hours in person, in public, at home and online; using the #12HoursForLateefJohar hashtag.

International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons protest to #SaveBSOAzadLeader Zahid Baloch

International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons coordinator Aziz Baloch, Journalist and Writer Jahanzeb Hussain, as well as a diverse group of Human Rights Defenders from the South Asian Community and Activists in Canada held a protest rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery in Vancouver, British Columbia yesterday to raise awareness of the ongoing campaign of extra judicial killings and enforced abductions in Balochistan.   

Participants showed their solidarity for the #SaveBSOAzadLeader campaign for the release of extra judicially abducted BSO-Azad Student Leader Zahid Baloch.   IVBMP demonstrators and activists called upon the Canadian Government, Prime Minister Harper, the United Nations, and the entire international community to condemn Pakistan’s policy of enforced abductions and play a role in the safe release of the abducted BSO-Azad student leader Zahid Baloch.

Students and Activists in Toronto, Canada, will be holding a protest at Nathan Philips Square, 100 Queen St. West on May 18^th from 4pm until 7pm(EST) to show their solidarity with Lateef Johar’s #HungerStrikeTillDeath to #SaveBSOAzadLeader Zahid Baloch.  The protesters demand Pakistan immediately release imprisoned BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch & all other political prisoners, as well as immediately cease all military aggression in Balochistan.  Demonstrators also call upon the Canadian government to suspend all financial and political support for the Pakistani regime.

Throughout Pakistan’s aggressive occupation of Balochistan, Occupational State Forces have systematically sabotaged the education of the Indigenous Baloch population.  The enforced abduction and unlawful imprisonment of Baloch Student Leader Zahid Baloch is especially indicative of the ongoing oppression of education in Balochistan.  Learning centers and schools in Panjgur, Turbat, Awaran, Mashkay, Dera Bugti, Mastung, and many other regions have been routinely attacked by Pakistan’s Armed Forces.  Teachers & students are abducted and subjected to acts of torture, and quite often their bullet riddled remains are found dumped. 

During a massive military operation in Mashkay, in April 2014, the Pakistan Army invaded and occupied the local schools. Classrooms were converted into military barracks & detention centers, complete with private torture cells.   In March 2014 State Forces also attacked schools in Panjgur & Turbat.  Students and teachers were threatened & tortured, and the schools forcibly closed.  During the raid in Turbat at least 6 teachers were abducted by State Agents.

Occupational State Forces have forced the closure of countless schools in the region, and seized or destroyed all learning materials & supplies.  As a result, currently more than 2.3 million Baloch children are not attending school.  Since the implementation of the "National Commission for Human Development" (NCHD) in 2002, all of the 615 schools built under the program are now closed.  Although the Occupational State Administration claims to have re-opened 450 of these schools, most of these are state funded religious seminaries.  Baloch classrooms are being systematically replaced by Military Bases and Madrassahs. 

“They want to make the young generation into extremists by depriving them of the study of science, philosophy and creative research. For this purpose, madrassas are being set up in Balochistan. Heavy finances are being provided to these madrassas. The Baloch people are being pushed into destitution. Then, their poverty-stricken children are being enrolled into madrassas. The secular schools set up by the Baloch youth are being forcibly closed and their teachers are being kidnapped.” – BSO-Azad Central Committee Member Sangat Lateef Johar

Through the systematic deprivation of education, the Pakistani state not only enforces a condition of perpetual poverty, but they also cultivate radicalization through fundamentalist religious schools.  Preventing the Baloch people from attaining meaningful education is crucial to the occupational state’s system of oppression. By denying the Indigenous Population of Balochistan adequate education, the Baloch Youth are subsequently prevented from achieving their personal potential and attaining meaningful employment.

Even college dorms and book stores are victimized by State Forces for possessing or selling educational materials.  In January of 2014, State Forces raided a college dorm and proudly confiscated learning material from Baloch students.  During the raid, State Forces subjected the students and a professor to acts of torture, and even abducted one of the students.  In April 2014 bookshops in Gwadar & Turbat were raided by Occupational State Soldiers.  The owners & employees were tortured and abducted, and educational books were seized.

Balochwarna News - Underground Religious Group Warns Against Girls’ Education in Panjgur
BRP Media Cell - State sponsored extremists threaten to shut girls education in Balochistan

Although the Pakistan Army has readily and proudly accepted responsibility for their oppression of education in Balochistan, an unknown and fictitious terrorist gang Tanzeem-ul-Islami-ul-Furqan have recently distributed flyers in Panjgur and several other areas, threatening residents who send their girls to school.  Baloch Political Leaders, Activists, and Prominent Figures have all released public statements exposing these flyers and Tanzeem-ul-Islami-ul-Furqan as nothing more than Occupational State manufactured propaganda.

As a result of the continual military aggression directed at the learning centers & schools, as well as the distribution of these flyers, many parents in the region have become concerned for the safety of their children and are reluctant to send them to school.  

Pakistan State endorsement of extremism and oppression of education in Balochistan has been an integral component of the occupation of Balochistan for a very long time.  IVBMP coordinator Aziz Baloch describes Pakistan’s policies suppressing secular Baloch culture and modern education through sabotaging education in the region.

“In 1979, During General Zia era who received billions of dollars from US (Reagan Administration) for Mujaheedin (holy worriers) to defeat former USSR in Afghanistan I was a student that time in Quetta. Dictator Zia used all US aid; started opening thousands religious school across Balochistan to counter our secular Baloch national struggle. This Pak- state propaganda is nothing new against Baloch national struggle.”  – IVBMP coordinator Aziz Baloch

Day 10 of BSO-Azad Hunger Strike Till Death Protest

Ten days ago, 22 year old student and BSO-Azad CentralCommitte member Lateef Johar began his #HungerStrikeTillDeath to#SaveBSOAzadLeader protest.  Since then the entire Baloch nation has joined the young hero; staging protest rallies & shutter-down strikes throughout Balochistan and around the world to protest the enforced disappearance of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch. 

Lateef Johar has now suffered without food or drink for morethan 230 hours in his devoted protest of the extra judicial abduction ofBSO-Azad leader Zahid Baloch.  Doctors, closely monitoring his vital signs, determined him to be in a very fragile condition.  With each passing moment, Lateef Johar’s health significantly deteriorates.

Despite this young man’s excruciating ordeal, the inhuman Pakistani administration refuses to even acknowledge his protest.  International Human Rights Organizations helplessly witness this tragedy from afar and they too remain silent.  The United Nations and Governments of the World watch idly as Pakistan remains exempt from international law.

Repected scholar, intellect, activist and BSO-Azad Central Chairman Zahid Baloch was well known for his dedicated activism promoting the Baloch national identity & right to self determination.  For over 10 years Zahid was a devoted and active member of the Baloch Students Organization. 

"Baloch Students Organisation (BSO) is a student organisation that is championing the rights of Baloch people through peaceful means.  Only students who are studying in a educational institution can be members of BSO.” – BSO-Azad Azad Leadership

Zahid Baloch joined the BSO-Azad in 2003 when he moved to Karachi after completing his matriculation in his hometown of Naal, Khuzdar.  While studying at Urdu College in Karachi, he served as president of BSO-Azad Karachi Zone from 2004 until 2005.  In 2006 he joined the BSO-Azad Central Committee and 2 years later was elected to the position of General Secretary.  After 6 years with the BSO-Azad CC, Zahid Baloch was elected as BSO-Azad Central Chairman in a 2012 BSO-Azad council session.

On March 18^th 2014 Zahid Baloch and 3 other senior BSO-Azad leaders attended a BSO-Azad meeting in Satellite Town, Quetta.  At around 5pm, as BSO-Azad members were leaving the meeting, Pakistan Frontier Corps Soldiers descended upon them.  Several eyewitnesses including BSO-Azad senior Vice Chairperson Kareema Baloch and three other BSO-Azad leaders saw the PFC Paramilitary Soldiers detain interrogate and abduct BSO-Azad Central Chairman Zahid Baloch.

“The BSO-A, comprised of Baloch youngsters campaigning against human rights abuses in Balochistan, has been a victim of political persecution at the hands of Pakistan’s military establishment.  Scores of its leaders and activists have been abducted and killed by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and military in a brutal campaign of ‘abduct, kill and dump’.  Zahid Baloch is the second chairman of the group to become a victim of enforced disappearance. On June 8, 2009, the group’s then chairman Zakir Majeed was picked up by intelligence agencies from Balochistan’s Mastung area. He is still missing." – BSO-Azad Azad Leadership

The Pakistani administration has refused to issue any statements regarding the extrajudicial abduction and subsequent detention of BSO-Azad leader Zahid Baloch.  Zahid Baloch has been illegally detained without crime, charge, or legal representation for over 40 days now.   BSO-Azad representatives have expressed serious concerns for Zahid’s safety and believe his life is in jeopardy.   BSO-Azad senior Vice-Chairperson Kareema Baloch said the decision to conduct a hunger strike protest was agreed upon by the central committee, many members volunteered to do it. “If Johar is taken away or, God forbid, something happens to him, other members will step forward and take his place,” she said. “This cycle of hunger strikes will go on till Zahid Baloch is released.”

On April 29^th renowned journalist Usad Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur visited Lateef and the BSO-Azad #HungerStrikeTillDeath protest camp in Karachi.  In a statement made during his visit Mir Mohammad said  "we cannot expect people to just lay down their rights and not to resist in any way the Pakistani state and injustices they commit against the Baloch."  Mir Mohammad also urged Lateef and the BSO to end their hunger strike suggesting other avenues of peaceful protest.  "I have came here specifically to request my friend Latif Johar and the BSO that each life is very very precious and we should give up the strike"
Lateef, devoted to his cause, remains committed to his hunger strike till death unless BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch is released. 

Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur requests Latif Johar to end his hunger strike from GulZameen on Vimeo.

Over the past few days scores of journalists, human rights activists, and representatives from various political parties visited Lateef Johar to show their support and solidarity.  Among his many visitors were; VBMP Vice-Chairman Mama Qadeer, BRP representative Dr. Hakeem Lehri, HRCP assistant coordinator Abdullah, HRCP representatives Kamal Baloch, Nawaz Arain, & Muhammad Ali, HRCP-Sindh vice chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt, DSF-Karachi president Naghma and DSF info secretary Rehan Mazhar, Artist Tariq Murad, Balochi poet Bakhtiar Deenar Kolanchi, Baloch Muttehda Mahaz representative Sardar Mubasher Qaesrani, PPP members Zarkhan Baloch, Hammad Baloch & Razzak Raja, as well as many other journalists, activists, students, and supporters.

Peaceful Protests continue to be held throughout Balochistan this week in support of the #HungerStrikeTillDeath to #SaveBSOAzadLeader .  In Gishkor, Balochistan, BRP and BRSO held a joint protest rally for the safe release of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.  The demonstrators appealed to the UNO to play their role in the safe recovery of Zahid Baloch.  Relatives of extra-judicially abducted people held a protest in Panjgur.  Participants blocked the roads and chanted slogans demanding the safe release of their abducted relatives illegally held in the custody of Pakistan security forces.  Activists also held large scale protests in Jahoo and Balgathar to show solidarity with Sangat Lateef Johar and demand release of BSO-Azad chairman Zahid Baloch.  BNM Activists in Switzerland distributed brochures creating awareness for Lateef Johar’s #HungerStrikeTillDeath to #SaveBSOAzadLeader protest.  Activists in BRP-Germany chapter also held public demonstrations to show their support for Lateef Johar’s Hunger Strike.

Baloch National Movement announced a wheel jam shutter down strike in Balochistan on Saturday May 3^rd 2014 to protest the enforced abduction of BSO-Azad chairman Zahid Baloch by Pakistan Security Agents.  Baloch Republican Party fully endorses and promotes this strike call.  BNM calls upon all Baloch pro-independence parties to support and announce the strike call.

On May 4^th 2014 BSO-Azad will be holding a protest rally from Lyari to Karachi Press Club.  Activists, Residents, Students, Journalists are called upon to join the protest and help #SaveBSOAzadLeader.

BSO-Azad, BNM, BSYA & World Sindhi Congress announced UK activists will begin a hunger strike demonstration at the Prime Minister’s office to protest the illegal abduction of Zahid  Baloch and to show support for Lateef Johar’s brave struggle.  Demonstrators will begin their hunger strike on Friday May 2^nd, 2014 at 10 Downing st. Westminster, London, UK.

BSO-Azad Australia chapter will be holding a protest in front of the Australian Parliament House on Spring st. East Melbourne City at 12:30pm to support Lateef Johar’s hunger strike and create awareness of the enforced abduction of Zahid Baloch.

On Monday May 5^th 2014 the Baloch Community of USA will be holding a demonstration in front of the State Department with “International Solidarity Camp to Saev Zahid Baloch, Chairman BSO (Azad)” from 11:00am until 3:00pm @ 2201 C Street, NW Washington, D.C., U.S

Meanwhile in Occupied Balochistan Pakistani Forces and their Death Squads continue to enforce a sinister policy of oppression.

On April 29^th Pakistani Forces raided the English Language center in Khudabad.  Soldiers invaded the language center and delivered a cruel beating to the teacher then set the building on fire.  Earlier this week two other language centers in Washbood, Panjgur, were forced to close after raids by Pakistani Security Forces.  

In Tump, Shaik Balach s/o Elahi Baksh was assassinated by unidentified Target Killers on Tuesday.  On Wednesday a bullet riddled body was found in Muslim Bagh, Quetta, while in Washuk, Besima, two people were killed by unidentified gunmen.

On the early morning of April 29^th Pakistan Armed Forces seized the coastal city of Pasni, Balochistan.  State Forces occupied the city and proceeded to conduct homes invasion operations throughout the day.  Occupational State Soldiers raided countless homes, looting valuables and subjecting the residents to severe acts of torture, including the Women & Children.
>>>>>>>>>>>UPDATE<<<<<<<<<<<<
At least 15 people were abducted from ward 6 during the attack.  The abductees have been identified as Abdul Rasool s/o Ghulam Rasool, Ghulam Rasool, Mastir Riaz Testi, Arshid, Zarif, Baba Mir Rahmat, Yaseen Mir Rahmat, Haji Hahmat, Faisal Haji Rahmat, Zobair Haji Rahmat, Janzahib Ameen, Junaid Ameen, Ali Ameen, Zafaar Malang, and Zafar.  All have been detained by State Forces and taken to an undisclosed location without charge or crime.


Struggle for freedom will intensify: Brahamdagh... by EuropeNews1
"Whatever atrocities they commit against us - be it the killing of Baloch people, women and children - our freedom struggle will continue.  The movement will only intensify further.  The more the bloodshed, the more we'll fight back." - Brahamdagh Bugti