Occupational State Forces Conduct Mass Abductions in Balochistan

Last Wednesday Pakistani Forces resumed their ruthless bombardment of rural Baloch villages in the Dera Bugti region.  Civilian neighborhoods in the region were decimated by Indiscriminate Shelling from artillery and gunship helicopters.  At least 12 residents were abducted by Occupational State Forces, and countless homes were looted & set ablaze.

Early morning on June 16^th in Paroom, Panjgur, Pakistani Armed Forces swept through residential areas indiscriminately looting and burning civilian homes. Throughout the day Occupational State Forces invaded civilian homes, looted valuable properties & livestock, and subjected the residents to acts of torture.  Afterwards, Paksitani Soldiers set the homes ablaze, reducing several Panjgur homes have been reduced to smoldering ruins.  During the attack, State Forces abducted at least 6 residents; Four of the abductees were identified as Salal Idress, Khair Bux, Hazoor Bux, Hamal Yasin, & Aalim Dost Mohammad.

On June 17^th in Killi, Quetta, Unidentified Persons set fire to the Chashma Achuzai government school.  The school was reported to have burned to the ground in the blaze.  On Monday, two people were killed by unidentified gunmen; the first was shot dead in Kalat, while the second victim was killed in Hub.  On June 15^th the bullet riddled remains of 2 brothers were discovered in the Kech district of Turbat.  Locals spotted the bodies in a derelict car in the Murgap area and alerted authorities who shifted the bodies to the local morgue where they were identified as Imran & Noor Ahmed s/o Jan Muhammad r/o Cah Sar, Turbat.

On June 14^th, Tump resident Rasool Baksh s/o Mansoor was abducted from in Gwadar.

Last weekend, on June 14^th, the Baloch Republican Party Germany Chapter conducted demonstrations at the Frankfurt Romerberg Town Hall to protest the ongoing gross Human Rights Violations in Balochistan by Pakistan.  Activists and participants highlighted Pakistan’s relentless campaign of enforced disappearances, extra judicial executions, and massive military operations against civilian targets.  BRP-Germany also appeals to the United Nations, European Union, NATO aligned nations, and the entire international community to take immediate action to pressure Pakistan release abducted BSO-Azad leader Zahid Baloch.

BSO-Azad Belgatar Zone held a protest on June 17th against the

enforced disappearance of BSO Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch

#SaveBSOAzadLeader #TokenHungerStrike  from BSO-Azad Tump Zone
for the Safe Recovery of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch

Baloch Republican Party Switzerland Chapter has announced a protest at the UN headquarters in Geneva on June 25^th, 2014 from 1pm until 2pm CEST.  BRP Switzerland is holding the demonstration to protest the relentless atrocities and severe human rights abuses committed against the Baloch people by the Pakistani State.  Human Rights activists are requested to join the protest and help create awareness of the dire situation in Balochistan.

WARNING - The Following Content is Extremely Graphic

This shocking footage reveals the remains of Abdullah Dahmardh Baloch as he was presented to his family members. Abdullah Dahmardh Baloch was imprisoned at Kerman Prison in Iran. On June 3rd 2014 it was reported his health had suddenly become critical and he was shifted to the Bahnor Hospital in Kerman. His family members were not informed of his condition or whereabouts. Six days later, other prisoners in Kerman called Abdullah Dahmardh's family to inform them that Abdullah had been taken to the hospital. When the family members arrived at the hospital they were directed to the morgue where they were they recorded the following video.

WARNING EXTREMELY GRAPHIC: Remains of Baloch Prisoner Abdullah Dahmardh Baloch - Kerman Prison Iran from Shawn Forbes on Vimeo.

Pakistan Continues Relentless Bombardment of Dera Bugti Civilians

video c/o BRP Media Cell

On Sunday June 8^th Pakistan Armed Forces indiscriminately bombarded civilian targets in the Geyandari, Sori, Jataro Rekh and surrounding areas of Dera Bugti with heavy artillery, fighter jets and at least as many as 16 gunship helicopters.  10 civilian residents were killed during the attack; among them were 2 Mazari tribesmen, one Bugti tribesman, 3 women and two children.  This most recent attack was reportedly conducted under the direct supervision of Baloch Traitor and War Criminal; Occupational State Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti.  Throughout Sui, Occupational State Forces conducted door to door home invasions, abducting 9 residents; Edo s/o Darman Bugti, Bangal s/o Darbani Bugti, Marshalah s/o Manu Bugti, Ali Husain s/o Bhamba Bugti, Saif Rahman s/o Khair Bux, Jaffar s/o Javed Bugti and Allaho s/o Javed Bugti.

Sunday’s attack is a continuation of a week-long offensive which has devastated at least 9 towns in the Dera Bugti region.  Earlier this week at least 15 people were killed and more than 20 injured when Occupational State Forces bombarded villages in the Darangen and Rustam Darbaar areas of Sui, Dera Bugti.  State Forces ruthlessly assaulted the impoverished villages with gunship helicopters, heavy artillery and chemical weapons.  On Wednesday the Patfeedar, RD238 and Tangwani areas of Sui, Dera Bugti, were also heavily bombarded by State Forces.  More than a dozen local inhabitants were abducted, and at least 10 people were seriously injured during the attack.  Yesterday, survivors in RD238 recovered 2 unidentified bullet riddled bodies.  Since June 3^rd more than 30 civilian residents of the Dera Bugti region have been killed by State Forces.

Despite their relentless campaign of savage violence, the Pakistan state continues to engage in blatant human rights abuses with complete impunity.  Occupational State Soldiers rampage through impoverished villages leaving behind rubble and ruin under the guise of fighting terrorists.  Meanwhile State Sponsored Death Squads, Mercenaries and Gangs of Fanatics continue to operate freely.  Only Yesterday 30 people were killed when Terrorists attacked busses of Shia pilgrims parked at a hotel in Taftan, near the Pak-Iran border.  While Pakistan’s Sinister armies are busy ravaging defenceless Baloch villagers, Taliban militants disguised as security personnel stormed the International Airport in Karachi, killing 18 people.

The Baloch have historically and openly maintained a commitment to a secular and nationalist agenda.  In stark contrast to this, Pakistan implements malevolent policies of severe oppression of minorities, enforced radicalization and persecution of moderate ideologies.  Through these policies Pakistan has effectively classified an entire ethnicity as terrorists to justify their sinister campaign of ethnic cleansing.  In a recent statement Baloch Republican Party spokesman Mr. Sher Mohammad Bugti said “Pakistani forces continue Baloch Genocide in different strategies and intensify military operations against Baloch civilians in all over Balochistan under the pretext of action against who they call terrorists.”

In Karachi today BHRO Activists held a protest rally condemning the #DeraBugtiOperation by State Security Forces

On June 6^th the tortured remains of BNM activist and local school teacher Shaheed Master Maqbool Baloch was recovered in the Kech district of Turbat.  In a statement, a Baloch National Movement spokesperson, said that “Master Maqbool Baloch was linked with the (BNM) organization and he was abducted by state forces between Pirdrak and Chamak area of Balochistan on Thursday”.

Two more bullet riddled bodies were recovered in Kalat on Friday.  One of the bodies has been identified as Khaliqdad Sarmastani r/o Karachi, while the other remains unidentified.  In Buleda, Kech, two people were gunned down on Friday by unidentified gunmen.  The victims of the Buleda shooting have been identified as Local school teacher Akram Ameen and local resident Ghulam Jan.  On Wednesday June 4^th Pakistan’s security forces invaded the home of vegetable broker Niaz s/o Sowali in Tasp, Panjgur.

On June 7^th BNM activists held a demonstration in London, UK, at the Prime Minister’s house to protest Pakistan’s relentless human rights abuses in Balochistan.  Participants publicized Pakistan’s brutal kill & dump policies.  The BNM protest was joined by BRP-London activists and BRP-London organizer Mansoor Baloch.

After BSO-Azad CC Member Lateef Johar’s heroic 46 day long Hunger Strike at the Karachi Press Club to protest the enforced disappearance of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch, BSO-Azad has finally ended the demonstration at the behest of all the activists, journalists, supporters, family, friends and the Asian Human Rights Commission.  The AHRC has promised to raise the issue of the enforced disappearance of Zahid Baloch and other student & political activists at the United Nations, as well as continue to raise the issues of enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings of detainees at international level.  The AHRC has also urged the Pakistan government to find a permanent solution to the issues of disappearances, abductions and extrajudicial killings according to international norms.  During the final days of his hunger strike, Lateef Johar’s health had descended to near critical condition.  After losing more than 30kg, his glucose levels descended well below safe levels, and Johar’s vital signs were fading.  

Image c/o Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur

On June 7^th Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur, Shaheed Mir Jalil Reiki's father Mama Qadeer, Shaheed Raza Jehangir's mother, Shaheed Mehboob Wadhela's Father, with support from Nawab Khai Baksh Marri, held a Balochi 'Marqa' and 'Mairr' to ask Lateef Johar to end the Strike. Since ending the hunger stike, Lateef Johar has been admitted to the local hospital and is recovering.  

Throughout this ordeal, and moving forward; the courageous 22 year old student remains committed to saving the life of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch and continuing the campaign to raise international awareness of Pakistan’s brutal practice of enforced disappearances and extra judicial executions of students, teachers and activists in Balochistan.

On March 18^th BSO-Azad Central Chairman Zahid Baloch was abducted by Pakistan’s Security Forces while attending a meeting in Quetta, and subsequently imprisoned without crime or charge.  Despite detailed multiple eyewitness accounts; the Pakistani administration vehemently denies any involvement in the disappearance of Zahid Baloch.  BSO-Azad has expressed serious concern for the safety of their abducted leader.

Thousands of students and activists have been abducted by Pakistan’s Security Forces in recent years. In the past year alone, the bullet riddled & tortured remains of as many as 373 abductees were recovered in Balochistan.  5 years ago BSO-Azad Vice Chairman Zakir Majeed was also extra-judicially abducted by State Forces and has been missing ever since.  Zakir’s sister Banuk Farzana Majeed Baloch participated in the nearly 3000km #VBMPLongMarch from Quetta to Karachi & then to the UN Office in Islamabad alongside VBMP Vice-Chairman Mama Qadeer.  The Long March was a historic demonstration in protest of Pakistans violent campaign of enforced disappearances and extra judicial executions in Balochistan.  In a recent interview with Banuk Farzana Majeed, she said “Zakir Majeed was the former Chairman of the Baloch Student Organization-Azad. He had the courage to raise his voice against state brutalities, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations committed by Pakistan in Balochistan”

Even in neighboring Iran, Baloch students, and activists face severe persecution at the hands of the Iranian regime.  In April and May alone, 19 Baloch activists have been executed by hanging until death in Iran.  Iranian authorities routinely arrest and execute Baloch civilians on fabricated charges or often without any charge at all.

Image c/o Samir Baloch

Chieftan of the Marri tribe, Heroic Baloch Nationalist and former Member of National Assembly Nawab Khair Bukhsh Marri has fallen critically ill last week and is being treated in the ICU of Karachi's hospital

Our hopes and prayers are with Nawab Khair Bucksh Marri and we all wish him a swift recovery.

Despite Peaceful Protests Pakistan's Army Continues Relentless Rampage in Balochistan

For 45 Days Baloch Student Organization Azad Central Committee member Lateef Johar has been on a #HungerStrikeTillDeath to #SaveBSOAzadLeader Zahid Baloch.  BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch was abducted on March 18^th 2014 by Pakistan’s security forces after a BSO-Azad Central Committee meeting in Quetta.  Since Lateef Johar began his hunger strike at the Karachi Press Club, he has lost more than 30kg and his glucose levels have dropped dangerously low.  Attending doctors have expressed deep concerns that Johar’s condition is rapidly deteriorating.  Activists, Political figures, Journalists, Friends, Family, and people from all walks of life around the world continue to show their support for Lateef Johar. 

We all appeal to Lateef to end his hunger strike so that his courage and determination will continue to aid in the struggle to save BSO-Azad leader Zahid Baloch.  Lateef is a beacon of light in these dark times, guiding humanity, on a global scale, to seek out knowledge and take action to create awareness of the severe human rights abuses being committed in Balochistan by Pakistan’s Armed Forces, Intelligence Agencies and their Mercenaries.

On June 1^st activists from Hyderabad held a #24HourHungerStrike demonstration at the Karachi press club in solidarity with Latif Johar and to demand the safe release of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.  Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur along with Ustad Talpur Sahab, Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur Waja, Zarina Baloch, Advocate Hussain Hussain Bakhsh Thebo, Punhal Sario, Bakhshal Thalho, Ali Nawaz Behrman, Dr. Masood Jamal, Punhal Jamali, Inayat Khaskheli and countless other participants from Hyderabad and across the nation joined Lateef Johar in his hunger strike for 24 hours and signed the petition for the safe release of Zahid Baloch.  Asghar Lahari and his Family also joined the #24HourHungerStrike, Asghar's son Rohail Laghari has been missing since March 8th 2014.

On June 2^nd BSO-Azad activists and participants staged a rally from Karachi art gallery to the press club to show their support for Lateef Johar and sign the petition for the safe release of Chairman Zahid Baloch.  BSO-Azad demonstrators and rally participants protested the cruel silence of the UNO, World Human Rights Organizations, and International Media about the enforced abduction of Zahid Baloch.

While visiting Lateef Johar, Voice for Baloch Missing Persons Vice Chairman Mama Qadeer joined the BSO-Azad protest and signed the BSO-Azad petition.

#SaveBSOAzadLeader #BringBackOurSons Mama Qadeer and Banuk Horaan the two Inspiring Icons of #BalochStruggle for #Freedom poring over #BSOAzad journal. image c/o @mmatalpur

Banuk Horaan Baloch also visited Lateef Johar today to show her solidarity with Johar and support for the campaign to recover BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.  During her visit, Banuk Horaan issued a statement exposing Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s involvement in serious crimes committed by his personal death squad the “Bugti Aman Force”.

Dera Bugti - Sarfraz Bugti Reality by Our Brave Baloch Sister from Shawn Forbes on Vimeo.

Earlier today the Pakistan Frontier Corps and Sindh Rangers carried out a massive joint operation in the Dera Bugti regions of Balochistan.  Occupational State Forces burned down more than 50 homes and injured 10 civilians while heavily bombarding rural villages in Patfeedar, RD238, and Tangwani districts.  During the attack State Forces invaded, looted and destroyed the houses of innocent civilians, and subjected the residents to violent abuse.  Injured victims were refused access to medical care and dozens of local citizens have been reported as abducted.

Soon after Occupational State Forces bombarded the innocent Dera Bugti residents, Baloch Freedom Fighters arrived in Tangwani district to rescue the besieged villages.  The Brave Baloch Sarmachar unleashed a firestorm of over 20 missiles upon the Sinister State Forces.  At least 25 Pakistani soldiers were killed and countless wounded during the battle of Tangwani.  One Baloch Sarmachar, Qurban Bugti, embraced martyrdom during the clashes.

In a statement about the attack Baloch Republican Party’s central spokesman Mr. Sher Mohammad Bugti said “Pakistani forces had always been denying military offensives on one hand but on the other they had been massacring innocent lives in many areas of Balochistan.”  Mr. Bugti urged the international community and human rights groups to "take note of human rights abuses and war crimes being committed by the state forces to deter the demands of Baloch people for their rights of freedom and sovereignty."

In the Hoshab district of Turbat, Local Levies recovered a bullet riddled body today.  Authorities brought the disfigured remains were brought to the district headquarters hospital.  The deceased was identified as a local Hoshab shopkeeper named Nawaz.

On May 29^th the bullet riddled remains of Dur Mohammad s/o Jeyand Bugti were recovered in the Kotri region of Jamshoro district, Sindh.  Dur Mohammad was abducted along with several other family members on April 17^th in Nawabshah, Sindh.  All of the abductees are relatives of exiled BRP activists Mr. Sher Baz Bugti & Raiz Gul Bugti.  In a statement to BRP Media Cell, Sher Baz Bugti said “We are committed to our cause.” and “State’s tactic of killing family members would not deter us from the struggle for the freedom of our motherland.  We will continue the struggle for a free and sovereign Balochistan.”

On May 28^th several unidentified bodies were discovered riddled with bullets and dumped in Besima, Panjgur and Muslim Bagh, Balochistan.  On May 24^th in Killi Bro, Quetta, unidentified gunmen killed Nisar Ahmed.

Image c/o @SaamZad

In Iranian Occupied Balochistan, 3 Baloch prisoners were executed in Sarawan on May 28th.  The executed prisoners were identified as 45 year old DostMohd Doshambah Zahi, 37 year old Kolyan Yar Ahmedzahi and 33 year old Islam Naroui.  

A few days earlier on May 25th, Iranian Intelligence agencies abducted Abdul Ghani Waheed from Tablan Bahksh region of Zarabad.

VBMP representatives in Quetta held a press conference to describe how Pakistan’s courts have delayed the cases of missing persons without reason causing anxiety among the family members of the missing persons.  In a statement by VBMP Chairman Nasarullah Baloch “There have been as many as 373 mutilated dead bodies of missing persons recovered during one year of rule of the incumbent government.” He further said “the appearance of the case of the missing persons could not be held on 6th of May this year for unknown reasons at Supreme Court and now after lapse of 2 weeks no hearing of the missing persons is held in the apex court which is causing anxiety among the family members of the missing person.”  Chairman Nasarullah Baloch also voiced his support for Lateef Johar stating “Latif Johar has been on hunger strike since last 41 days and insists to continue it till death for the release of Zahid Baloch.  His life is under severe threat.  Under such grave circumstances, the security forces wanted to give a protective shield to the unconstitutional, inhuman and heartrending acts.“

On June 1^st BHRC Canada and Baloch Community Organization Ontario held a 2 day token hunger strike for the safe recovery of Zahid Baloch.  During the protest the head of BHRC Canada Dr Zafar Baloch strongly condemned the illegal arrest of BSO Chairman.  He said “The Pakistani security forces have abducted thousands of baloch Political activists so far. And they have killed approximately 900 since they started a brutal "kill and dump" campaign in 2010.”  

Dr. Zafar Baloch further stated “The world must take notice of such heinous crimes being committed by Pakistan forces on urgent basis because the lives of other missing person are in grave danger.”  Both parties also issued a joint statement demanding the immediate release of Zahid Baloch and urged the Pakistani establishment to lift the unjust and controversial ban on BSO and humbly requested Latif Johar and BSO leadership to call off the hunger strike till death considering his extremely deteriorating health condition.

Activists in Seattle, Washington, USA, protested the
illegal abduction of Zahid Baloch on April 2nd

BSO Azad held a protest rally in Awaran district on May 31st to show solidarity with Lateef Johar and demand the release of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.

BSO-Azad activists in Kolwah held a protest on May 27th to show solidarity with Lateef Johar and demand the release of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.

On May 29 JSSF - Jeay Sindh Students Federation (Markaz) protested against illegal abduction of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch in Hyderabad

Student Activists in Malaysia held a demonstration on May 26th to show solidarity with Lateef Johar and demand the release of BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch.

BRP Germany held a protest in Frankfurt City on May 31^st to create awareness about the ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan.  Party members, German Human Rights Activists, and NGOs participated in the rally.  Activists distributed educational materials about Balochistan and the struggle for independence.

On May 27^th the Balochistan Chief Minister Dr. Malik visited Lateef Johar to promise his administration would ensure the registration of an FIR for the recovery of abducted BSO-Azad leader Zahid Baloch and humbly request Lateef Johar end his hunger strike.  In a response to CM Malik’s statement, Johar said “We were given assurances in the past as well.  We’ll end our strike the day an official from the intelligence agency admits they have our chairman in custody and release him.”  

Banuk Karima Baloch demanded the minister accept that Zahid Baloch was abducted by the ISI.  The Chief Minister expressed a frustration with his own lack of authority and influence over the conduct of military forces in the province.  Dr. Malik also signed the petition for the safe release of Zahid Baloch during his visit.

No talks with Pakistan until withdrawal of forces – Nawab Brahumdagh Bugti
In a recent interview with a Pakistan news channel the President of Baloch Republican Party Brahumdagh Bugti denied claims that the Pakistan government was conducting negotiations with Baloch freedom movement leaders.  In a statement BRP President Brahumdagh Bugti said “Like the previous governments, the current government makes false claims of negotiations, these are tactics of fooling people.”  He further stated “civilian government are helpless regarding Balochistan issue and Pakistan army & its intelligence agencies are in control of Balochistan matters.”

BRP Korean Chapter President Waja Nasir was recently interviewed by local Korean news.  Waja Nasir discussed the difficulties faced by Baloch refugees.  Refugees fleeing occupied Balochistan have to overcome the vast language barriers, legal obstacles, and excessive delays in court proceedings.  Waja Nasir went on to describe the deplorable conditions in Balochistan and the Occupational State’s relentless campaign of enforced abductions and extrajudicial killings.  In a statement Waja Nasir said “In All of Balochistan one or two members of every family has been killed or abducted.  Since 2004 more than 18,000 missing people have been reported.”  Waja Nasir’s own son was killed last year in Pakistan.  When asked what the people of Balochistan want, Waja Nasir told the reporter “We would like independence from Pakistan and Iran.  Claim our basic human rights to not be kidnapped, tortured and killed.  We should be able to enjoy our lands and its resources.  We should be able to educate our children in universities.”

The following is a true story about the recent enforced abduction and extrajudicial execution of Zubair Ahmed Baloch from his home in Lyari, Karachi.  This firsthand account of Zubair’s abduction was written by an anonymous eyewitness to the incident.

28th May 9:30 am: Zubair Ahmed Baloch was sleeping while the gate was wide open. His brother had gone to shower in the neighbor's, not alarmed of the horror he shall have to face in the next few minutes.

They broke into the house armed with the notion of abducting him. He who was in a deep slumber, little did he know that after a while, he would be asleep forever. When his brother finally got out of the shower, he was informed of the ungodly incident. He was overwhelmed with mixed feelings. He knew that his brother was innocent but he was also aware of the profanity of the rangers.

This news spread rapidly like a fire. His family and friends ushered in, pleading for a last look of their son. His aunt pleaded for his life, pleaded for their acknowledgement of his innocence. She was welcomed by the disrespectful attitude of the rangers with the fake promise of his safe return.

28th May 10:00 am: His body was thrown at Jadgal Chowk. Blood was still oozing out of his body, forming a blanket of blood around him. He just laid there dead yet nobody cared to take him to the hospital, fearing their own lives. Cries echoed in the air when he was taken to his family.

He was taken so young. The calmness, the innocence his face depicted provided the testimony of his innocence. No police came, no FIR was filed. Rangers were above the law, nobody could find it sufficient in themselves to raise even a cry of justice as the authorities were bound to rule against them. This was their trial of being destitute.

Even the media failed to sketch the true picture of the story. Newspapers were filled in with the story of him being killed in a gang war. He was sketched as a culprit while his murderers escaped justice. This is basically the story of every other day in Lyari, Karachi. The real terrorists stay on the loose while the innocent keep getting killed.

I do not ask much from you but only to play a part in seeking justice for him, Zubair Ahmed Baloch, and all the others who are killed mercilessly every single day in Lyari. I ask of you to raise awareness of this alarming situation in Lyari, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan so that no other son is snatched mercilessly from his mother. For you to know the real side of the story. I would highly appreciate it if you aid me in raising my voice for the justice for Zubair Ahmed Baloch. 

Activists are using hashtag #Justice4ZubairBaloch to create awareness of the extrajudicial abduction and execution Zubair Baloch.