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

7 days of “Hunger Strike Till Death” for Release of BSO Leader Zahid Baloch

A native resident of Naal, Khudzar, Zahid Kurd Baloch joined the Karachi Baloch Student Organization (BSO) in 2003, while studying at Urdu University in Karachi.  "BSO is a student organisation that is championing the right Baloch people through peaceful means. Only students who are studying in a educational institution can be members of BSO."  In 2004 he became president of BSO-Karachi Zone.  Zahid became a member of the BSO-Azad Central Committee in 2006, 2 years later he was elected as General Secretary of BSO.    After four years of dedicated service in the Central Committte, the central council elected Zahid Baloch as Chairman of BSO-Azad in 2012.

Throughout his career with BSO-Azad, Zahid Baloch has been an active member of the organization conducting peaceful protests and delivering inspirational speeches.  Under the leadership of Zahid Baloch, BSO-Azad has demonstrated their commitment to democratic values and peaceful activism.

On March 18^th 2014 multiple eyewitnesses including Senior Chairperson of Baloch Student Organisation (Azad), Banuk Karima Baloch saw Baloch Student Organization Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch blatantly abducted by Pakistani Agents during a raid on a BSO-Azad meeting in Quetta.  According to BSO Leadership "Zaheed Baloch, Kareema Baloch and other BSO leaders were coming out of a meeting when they were stopped by Frontier Corps personnel on the Satellite Road in Quetta at 5pm. The paramilitary personnel took him away after a few minutes of on-spot interrogation."

Zahid Baloch is the latest in a long line of BSO-Azad leaders, workers and activists abducted by State Forces.  In June of 2009 BSO-Azad Senior Vice Chairman Zakir Majeed Baloch was abducted from Quetta, Balochistan.  Since Pakistan unjustly imposed a ban on the Baloch Nationalist group in 2013, State Agents, Army, and proxy death squads have continually abducted and assassinated their members. 

On April 22^nd 2014 BSO-Azad representatives held a press conference to announce BSO-Azad Central Committee member Lateef Johar’s intent to “Hunger Strike Till Death” at the Karachi Press Club to protest the enforced abduction of Chairman Zahid Baloch.  Since that day, BSO-Azad Central Committee member Lateef Johar has been encamped alongside other BSO-Azad activists and supporters.  BSO-Azad and their supporters have expressed serious concern about the well being of Chairman Zahid Baloch and believe he could be extra judicially executed at any moment.

During the press conference Senior Chairperson of the Baloch Student Organisation (Azad), Banuk Karima Baloch said “Although BSO-Azad has been strictly committed to its democratic struggle; powerful Pakistani state elements could never tolerate our mere existence. From past 5 years, there has been an unannounced deadly crackdown against BSO-Azad that has left hundreds of our peaceful activists being abducted and dozens extra judicially murdered. In addition, BSO-Azad has also been unlawfully banned to carry out any political activity. Despite all of these brutalities, BSO-Azad has not compromised its principal of peaceful democratic struggle.”  Banuk Karima Baloch urged the UN to ensure the protection of the BSO-Azad hunger strike protesters currently engaged in a peaceful demonstration.

BSO-Azad also announced a nation-wide strike on April 25^th 26^th & 27^th 2014.  The strike call was supported by all the Baloch Nationalist parties, and resounded throughout Balochistan.  Vacant streets and closed shops were the scene as towns, villages, cities, urban and rural alike observed the BSO strike call.  Noshki, Kharan, Bisema, Sohrab, Mastung, Mangocher, Khuzdar, Naal, Mashkai, Awaran, Turbat, Geshkor, Panjgor, Passani, Tump, Gawader, Jewani, Passani, Geshkor, Mand, Hoshab, Jaho and many other Balochistan towns have completely shut down.  In addition to shutter down strikes, BSO-Azad Hoshab, Mashkai & Karachi zone members held rallies and protests against the illegal abduction of their chairman Zahid Baloch.  BRP & BRSO have also held protest rallies in Shapuk Kech and at Karachi Press Club against the abduction of BSO leader Zahid Baloch.

    

On Sunday April 27^th Baloch activists in the UK also held a demonstration to protest the extrajudicial abduction of BSO Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch outside the Prime Minister’s Office at 10 Downing st.  An online petition has been created at Change.org by Human rights activist Tarek Fatah urging United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay to “Intervene with the Pakistan Government and the Pakistan Army to secure the release of Zahid Kurd.”

BRP, BYW, BNM, BNV, BSF all Baloch pro-independent parties have voiced their condemnation of the illegal abduction of BSO-AZAD chairmen Zahid Baloch aka Baloch Khan and continue to urge to International Human rights Organization, United Nations and Amnesty International to play their role to facilitate the release Zahid Baloch.

The Baloch Human Rights Council of Canada attended a briefing in Toronto on gross human rights violations by the theocratic regime against people of Al-Ahwaz, Turkmenistan, South Azerbaijan and Balochistan.  During the April 24^th conference BHRC-Canada informed Honourable Bob Dechert about the recent illegal abduction of Zahid Baloch, Chairman BSO (Azad) by the Pakistani security forces (ISI, Frontier Corps) and that his life is in extreme danger. BHRC representative urged Mr. Dechert that Canadian government must act urgently to save life of Zahid Baloch by asserting diplomatic pressure on Pakistani authorities.

On April 26^th a local journalist interviewed BSO-Azad wise Chairperson Banuk Karima Baloch & BSO-Azad CC member Lateef Johar.  During the interview Lateef Johar stated “We are students. Our weapons are pens and books.”, “We do not believe in violence. We believe in fighting for our rights through democratic political means.”  Lateef went on to say “We have lost leader after leader, worker after worker.  First they picked up Zakir Majeed about whom we have no news. They picked up Kumbar Chakar, Comrade Qayuum, Shafiq Baloch, and Raza Jahangir most of them members of the central committee. Over a hundred of our workers have been killed,”  When asked what would happen if BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch is not released, Lateef Johar responded “it’s possible my hunger strike till death not help to release Chairmen Zahid Baloch, but after my death make a question on the  world students, education friends, human friends why Lateef Johar sacrificed his life.”

Over the course of the past 7 days, Lateef Johar’s health has significantly deteriorated as a result of his hunger strike till death.  Suffering from extreme dehydration and severe abdominal pains, Lateef Johar continues to maintain his “hunger strike till death” refusing food & drink until BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch is recovered.  Earlier today, Lateef was joined by his 2 children Doda & Qambar.  BSO-Azad representatives declared that if Lateef Johar should embrace martyrdom as a result of his hunger strike another BSO-Azad leader will take his place and continue the “hunger strike till death” demonstration until BSO-Azad Chairman Zahid Baloch is released.

Voice for Baloch Missing Person Chairman Nasarullah Baloch, wise Chairman Mama Qadeer Baloch, General Secartry Banuk Farzana Baloch, Nationalist Leader Banuk Horaan Baloch and Sister of Wadood Raisani held a press conference at the Quetta Press Club this weekend to show their support for the BSO-Azad demonstrators in Karachi and promote international awareness of the enforced disappearances & extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.  In a statement VBMP Leaders said   “We appeal the EU, United Nations, Amnesty International and all other international human rights organisations to put pressure on Pakistan for the safe release of Baloch student leader Zahid Kurd Baloch and save the life of Zahid Baloch.” The VBMP Leaders expressed their frustration with the Pakistan Judiciary stating that “we have no faith in Pakistani court and justice departments but we will continue to raise the issue of enforced-disappearance at all forums so the world can see that we have tried all peaceful and democratic means of struggle.”

On April 27^th Pakistan Security Forces illegally abducted 6 people in the Awaran region of Balochistan.  Among the abductees was the owner of the Petrol Pump.  Meanwhile in Khuzdar Malik Yousuf s/o Baloch Khan was killed by unidentified gunmen in Khuzdar.

 

In Mashkai Occupational State Forces bombarded the home of Jumma Baloch on Friday April 25^th.  Babul Baloch s/o Jumma Baloch was Martyred during the attack and three others including Jumma Baloch were abducted by State Agents.

The remains of Ayoub s/o Faqeer and Asif s/o Dad Mohmmad were found, riddled with bullets, in Kech, Turbat on April 23^rd.  On April 21^st Abdul Majeed was abducted in Khuzdar by several armed people, while in Nasirabad a school teacher was also abducted.  On April 20^th Occupational State Forces arrested five people while conducting raids in RD296 district of Quetta.  Security Forces also conducted arbitrary raids in the Isplinji district of Mastung; torturing residents and looting homes in the area. 

April 19^th In Turbat, the bullet riddled remains of Islam s/o Nako Kalag were discovered in the Chahsar Cross district.  The bullet riddled remains of Samad Baloch s/o Rustam Baloch were found dumped on Saturday in Quetta.  Two days prior to the discovery of his remains, Samad Baloch was abducted by State Agents.  Also on Saturday In Kalat Mohmmad Akther was killed by unidentified gunmen.  In Gwadar, Security Forces raided the homes of local Baloch residents.  Security Forces detained the inhabitants and subjected them to acts of torture.  Saleem s/o Chota was abducted during the State military operations.  The invaded homes were looted of valuables and livestock.

Army Helicopters Bombard Several Regions in Balochistan this week

In Protest of the Grave Human Rights violations occurring in Balochistan, the Baloch National Movement conducted demonstrations on April 15th in front of the Amnesty Intl. Office in London, UK.

20 Heavily Armed Pakistan Army Helicopters converged on Kohistan Marri last night to conduct a ruthless assault upon the region.  Occupational State Forces proceeded to heavily bombard the rural town killing several local inhabitants.  Countless Kohistan homes were reduced to smoldering ruins and the residents’ livestock was killed during the siege.

Pakistan Security Forces have abducted four Baloch residents from the Kulanch Belar region of Gwadar during an ongoing military operation in the area.  The Gokdan, Turbat, home of Martyr Gajain s/o haji Subzal was invaded by Pakistan Armed Forces today.  Soon after the remains of recently abducted & extra judicially executed Gajain s/o Haji Subzal was returned to his family, Security Forces stormed their home looting valuables & livestock.

An unidentified body was found in the Hub River of Balochistan today.  Local officials have sent the body to the local hospital for identification.  Meanwhile in New Kahan, Quetta, Pakistan Security Forces abducted Sher Mohmmad Marri r/o Yousuf Goth, Karachi.  Yesterday in Quetta unidentified gunmen killed Habib-ur-Raheman on Qambrani road.  Elsewhere, in Danbooli, Sibbi, Two truck drivers were abducted by unidentified gunmen.

Afghan Voice - Four Bugti IDPs abducted by Pakistani intelligence agencies

Pakistan Intelligence Agents raided the houses of Bugti family IDPs (Internally Displaced People) living in the Saeedabad town of Nawabshah, Sindh yesterday.  Pakistani Agents abducted Four Family Members; Dur Mohammad s/o Jeyand Bugti, Ramzan s/o Yehand Bugti, Rozi s/o Ramza Bugti & Wazir Khan s/o Pathan Bugti, during the home invasions.

In 2006 renowned Baloch leader Shaheed Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was Martyred during a heavy handed military operation conducted by the Pakistani Army.  Since then hundreds of thousands of Bugti tribesmen have been internally displaced as a direct result of the ongoing relentless military operations in the Dera Bugti regions of Balochistan.  

Bugti IDPs have been habitually targetted by Pakistani Death Squads.  Since 2009 the Bugti Refugee Camp in Spin Boldek Afghanistan was attacked on 5 seperate occassions by ISI sponsored Death Squads. Bugti IDPs living in Punjab & Sindh have also been attacked & murdered by these Death Squads on numerous occassions.

Baloch Youth Wing - Kill and dump policies of the state continue in Balochistan

Balochwarna News - Detailed report on Pakistani security forces' atrocities

Afghan Voice - Occupational State Forces Intensify Attacks in Balochistan.

Occupational State Forces and their Death Squads continued their Relentless Military Aggression throughout Balochistan this week.  In the Patfeedar, Mohan Pat, RD238 and other adjoining areas of the Sui, Dera Bugti, Pakistan Armed Forces carried out several Intense Military Operations. On April 16^th Occupational State Forces Bombarded houses in Civilian Neighborhoods throughout Dera Bugti.  Dozens of houses were destroyed during the assault and many residents were abducted, among them was RD238 resident Haji Nawab Din Habibani bugti.  State Forces also conducted home invasions in the region, looting valuables & livestock and performing Acts of Torture upon the inhabitants (incl. Women & Children).  The same rural communities were recently assaulted by Heavy Mortar Shelling and Intense Gunfire only six days earlier; on April 10th. Since then Countless homes have been destroyed and the surviving residents are left injured and destitute.

On April 14th Panjgur residents were Terrorized by unidentified armed militants. The home of Faisal Naseer was fired upon; fortunately no casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, in the Sande-Sar district of Panjgur, Moheem s/o Haji Bahar was abducted by unidentified gunmen. On April 13th Pakistan Armed Forces invaded a number of homes in the Panjgur region Detaining and Abducting the residents. As well as subjecting Civilian Families to acts of Torture, including the Women and Children, State Forces also looted their homes of valuables and livestock.

Since the Pakistani Army launched a full scale invasion of the region on January 23rd, Panjgur has been under near total Military Occupation. Occupational State Forces commenced a series of regular military operations in the rural Panjgur towns, ransacking homes and abducting the residents. Gunship Helicopters, Mortars, RPGs, and many other forms of Heavy Artillery are often employed to indiscriminately bombard the villages.

Pakistani Gunship Helicopters bombarded the Sarona & Garu districts of Johan Kalat on April 8th resulting in the deaths of five local women. Two days after the attack, the Fearless Baloch Freedom Fighters stormed the Pakistani Forces Camp near Kharan inflicting heavy casualties. The next day Pakistani Forces retaliated against civilians in Kharan. Hikmat Jbari’s shop was raided, two people were abducted, and 3 motorcycles were also seized by State Forces from Gowash rd. In response to Pakistan’s continuous military presence in Kharan, residents conducted a peaceful demonstration and workers strike yesterday. Local demonstrators protested the Pakistan Army’s violent campaign in the region.

Violence continues unabated in Balochistan’s capital city of Quetta this week. On April 15th an unidentified body was found in Hazar Gnaji. On Monday Two people, one male and one female, were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a local bus en route from Khjdar to Karachi. Fareed s/o Mahmood was killed and two others injured when Target Killers opened fire on Saryab road. Meanwhile in the Kuchlaak district, another unidentified body was recovered Monday. In the nearby Mastung region, unidentified gunmen abducted Attaullah Shawani & Abdul Sattar Shahwani. Three Quetta residents were also killed in the Saryab rd. area in two separate incidents during the weekend. On Saturday Najee-ul-Allah & Jumma were killed, and on Friday Gull Shah was killed by unidentified gunmen.

On April 16^th in the RD238 area of Sui, Dera Bugti, locals discovered the bullet riddled remains of Baloch Activist Khaleef s/o Balaach Bugti.  Khaleef was recently abducted by Pakistan’s ISI agents in Shubat pur.  Abdul Rasheed was assassinated in Sharag by unidentified Target Killers, Meanwhile in Gwadar, the tortured remains of Yousuf Baloch were recovered.  April 15^th in Sohren Koh Mand, Shareef s/o Ghulam was assassinated by unidentified target killers. Tuesday in Bolan Sibi, gunmen killed two unidentified people. On April 12th in Hoshab a group of unidentified gunmen abducted a local resident. Locals reported the gunmen pulled up to the victim & took him in a car. In Naal Khuzdar, Ghulam Nabi was injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire yesterday. On April 11th Sher Ali Kungrani Marri was killed in Sibi by unidentified gunmen.

April Military Operations in Balochistan have resulted in over 100 Civilian Deaths. The deployment of Gunship Helicopters and Indiscriminate Shelling of civilian towns & villages has resulted in the wholesale slaughter of innocent civilians in Balochistan. Despite cries from Baloch Activist Groups, International Human Rights Activists & other humanitarian organizations for intervention in Balochistan, The Pakistan Army blatantly continues to engage in severe human rights abuses with absolute impunity. Every moment the international community spends debating & discussing, the suffering in Balochistan is compounded exponentially.

IVBMP - Canadian foreign affair’s minister expresses concerns over Human Rights Violations in Balochistan

In a recent letter to the Coordinator of the International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird expressed his concerns about the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan.“The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and I have noted with concern the reports of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.”

Mr John Baird further said, “The Government of Canada strongly condemns acts of persecution on the basis of ethnicity or religion and shares international concerns about the treatment of Pakistani minorities, including the Baloch. Canada takes every appropriate opportunity to express its views to the Government of Pakistan regarding its international human rights obligations and the need to ensure the safety and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion."

Pakistan Army Bombards Kalat Civilians

Early Monday Morning, residents in occupied areas of Balochistan witnessed dozens of Cobra Gunship Helicopters, military vehicles, and Fighter Jets converging on the mountainous Parudh district in the Kalat region.  Pakistani Spec Ops Commandos attempted to surround a Baloch Liberation Army camp.  A fierce battle against the encamped BLA forces ensued.  Despite intense bombardment, and a fierce firefight, only 3 Sarmachar embraced Martyrdom before the BLA Forces repulsed the Pakistani Commandos.

Balochwarna News - 3 members of Baloch Liberation Army embraced martyrdom in Kalat

Baloch Youth Wing - Martyr Ameer-ul-Malik

According to a report released by BLA representatives, Prominent BLA Commander Pullain Shaheed Sangat Ameer-Ul-Malik, alongside Martyr Gazzen Baloch and Martyr Shera Baloch broke through enemy ranks and inflicted heavy losses upon the Pakistan Army before they embraced Martyrdom.  At least 10 Pakistani Commandos were killed and 1 Gunship Helicopter was shot down during the Battle of Parodh.

Sangar Publications - Pakistan army massacred more than twenty Baloch

Balochwarna News - Pakistan Army Conducts Ruthless Bombardment of Kalat Region

After their defeat at the Battle of Parodh, Pakistani Forces exacted their revenge upon the civilian inhabitants of Nemargh, Shoor, Nushki, Suraab districts and several other rural areas in the Kalat region.  To conceal their crushing defeat at the hands of the BLA, Pakistan Frontier Corps heavily bombarded the rural Baloch villages with mortars and gunship helicopters.  At least 30 local Baloch civilians were massacred during the attack, and another 24 abducted. 

Numerous women and children were killed during the onslaught, among them; 8 year old Safullah Baloch s/o Jan Muhammad Baloch, 5 year old Nisar Gul, and two children of Baloch Political Activist Najeeb Baloch.  6 year old Bibi Nasra and 25 year old Jan Muhammad were among the countless injured residents.  

More than 20 homes were reduced to smoldering ruins during the indiscriminate bombing of the region.  Among the houses destroyed were the homes of Mohmmad Ali s/o Mohmmad Khan Saasoli, Faqeer Mohmmad s/o Saleh Mohmmad Saasoli, Manda Khan s/o Sabzo Saasoli, Daadsha s/o Jaam Saasoli, Sher Mohmmad s/o Meer Taur Khan Saasoli.

Balochwarna News - Hyrbyair Marri condemns attacks on common people

BBC Urdu - Hyarbyair Marri condemns the killing of ordinary people

In an interview with BBC Urdu, Baloch nationalist Leader Hyarbyair Marri condemned the killing of unarmed innocent civilians and the brutal military operation in Kalat, stating; “Pakistani Military have tortured and beaten Women & Children.  Security Forces claimed to have killed Baloch Separatists, but Army Forces spread only lies, the 30 people killed were totally unarmed local civilians.”  Hyarbyair Marri explained that the Baloch Nation’s willingness to engage in serious talks, but their agenda is nothing less than absolute freedom for Balochistan.  Hyarbyair Marri expressed concerns regarding the relevance of negotiation with a government who is admittedly powerless over their own military forces.  In a statement regarding the mandate of Baloch Liberation Forces, Hyarbyair Marri said “If Pakistan army and security forces, jet and tanks withdraw from Balochistan, the international community intervenes and the Baloch people have the power then the world will know that Baloch want only independence.”

To Protest the Pakistani Armed Forces massacre in Kalat, the entire Baloch nation observed a province wide shutter-down strike on April 8th.  According to local sources, Kharan, Turbat, Hoshab, Awaran, Mashkai, Panjgur, Buleda, Tump, Mand, Pasani, Gwadar, and many other Balochistan towns were completely shut down by striking workers & businesses.  Calls to strike were promoted by Baloch National Movement and Baloch Student Organization, and supported by Baloch Republican Party & Baloch Youth Wing

The rural communities of Monjro, Reko & Lijje Tok were invaded & occupied by State Forces on April 8th.  Local homes were looted of valuables, and set ablaze.  Local livestock is slaughtered, and residents are being detained and subjected to acts of torture.  Pakistani Armed Forces have since cordoned off the entire area.  Injured residents are trapped without medical care & unable to leave to seek medical attention at regional hospitals.

On April 9th Pakistani Forces abducted 13 Baloch citizens while conducting military operations in the various districts of the Nasirabad region and In Windar, Balochistan, Paind Khan Marri & Ghulam Din Marri were abducted by Pakistani Agents.  On Wednesday unidentified gunmen killed one and injured two others in Mach, while in Turbat an unidentified body was found dumped in the region.  In Sindh Province, Security Forces raided the home of JSMM Leader Shabir Mallah, killing his livestock and subjecting the women & children of his family to acts of torture.  On April 10th the remains of Abdul Samad was found in Suraab, and in Killi Sama, Quetta, the remains of Amanullah Baloch were also recovered today.

Since late last week Pakistan Army Forces have forcefully occupied the entire Mashkai region, and established a massive Army Fortress. Mashkai residents’ reported that Pakistani Soldiers set up fortified Army Camps in the regional schools, converting the classrooms to detention centers & torture cells.  Local sources have revealed that Pakistani Forces in the Mashkai region have been conducting relentless military operations throughout the week.  At least 8 Local homes have been looted & burned this week.  Inhabitants are detained & tortured, and their livestock is slaughtered by the occupational State Forces.

To protest the military occupation of the Mashkai Girls High School, a large number of Baloch girls and women held a rally.  Participants marched throughout the region and sat for several hours chanting slogans at the regional Girls High School. 

One of the local demonstrators stated that “the pakistani army have made camp in our Schools, which is destroying our upcoming generation’s lives. One side our kids have been massacred by earthquake and other side several people have been dead and injured by army firing. A 10 years old child who’s belonged to Nokoji and resident of Waleed his family killed and injured. People have insecurity about Army’s presence in the region which forced thousands of family to move, they are living different areas of Balochistan without any Government relief.”  

Although Mashkai schools remained open, the local teachers & students are reluctant to return to classes, fearing the heavily armed Pakistani soldiers encamped within their schools. These intimidation tactics seem little more than a deliberate attempt by the occupational state to deprive Baloch residents of education and facilitate the oppression of the entire Baloch nation.

Bugti Colony, Zafar Colony and other districts in Sui were attacked by State Forces On April 6th. During the attack, Pakistani Forces abducted Husaain Bugti & his brother Hassan Bugti. Local homes were invaded by soldiers; looted of livestock, valuables, and even their vehicles. The inhabitants, including women & children, were interrogated and subjected to acts of torture.

Pakistan Armed Forces continued their relentless assault in Panjgur throughout the weekend, raiding local homes and abducting the inhabitants. Victim’s homes are looted of valuables & livestock and the residents are detained, interrogated and subjected to acts of torture. 

One such abductee has reported that during his detention & interrogation, Pakistani Agents presented a list of 700 names of local Baloch residents slated for abduction. Among those listed was his brother’s name. The anonymous detainee was cleared of any involvement in freedom movements or nationalist activism and released soon thereafter. Occupational State Forces abducted Martyr Abid Saleem Baloch’s father from his home on Friday, and the next day local shopkeep Sher Jan s/o Haji Amjed was also abducted during the attacks

Representatives from Countries around the world will be attending Norway’s Annual Conference “The Oslo Freedom Forum” on May 12th until May 14th. The Baloch Republican Party will be attending the conference to expose the severe ongoing Human Rights Violations in Balochistan.

The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons announced the conclusion of demonstrations in Karachi last Sunday. VBMP representatives will be relocating their protest camp to Quetta to continue their campaign to create awareness of the 20,000 Baloch citizens abducted by State Forces