Human Rights Day Message: “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” Echoes in Balochistan

QUETTA: On International Human Rights Day, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) hosted a seminar in Quetta titled “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” at the Press Club.

A diverse group of intellectuals, human rights activists, political leaders, lawyers, students, journalists, and families of victims of enforced disappearances gathered to discuss pressing human rights issues in Balochistan.

Despite the peaceful intent of the seminar, state authorities attempted to obstruct the event in multiple ways, reflecting ongoing state repression against Baloch people.

The seminar, commemorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), highlighted the ongoing violations of Baloch people’s rights, including enforced disappearances, fake encounters, and systemic discrimination.

Panel discussions, a documentary, and speeches were presented to raise awareness of these atrocities and call for immediate action to stop the violence against the Baloch community.

However, the event was marred by deliberate attempts by Pakistani state forces to create hurdles for the participants and disrupt the seminar.

The Quetta administration, in coordination with local police, demanded personal details from attendees—such as names, parentage, and CNIC (National Identity Card) numbers—before allowing them to enter the Press Club.

The BYC, in a statement, said that this invasive measure was a tactic to profile Baloch political and human rights activists, leaving them vulnerable to future harassment and legal action.

Similar repression tactics were observed across Balochistan, where the BYC organised peaceful rallies and protests to highlight ongoing human rights violations by Pakistani state forces against the Baloch people.

In Hub Chowki, the administration blocked the entrance to Lasbela Press Club with garbage trucks to prevent a public awareness walk intended to highlight human rights abuses in the region.

In Turbat, the local administration and police similarly attempted to sabotage another BYC seminar on Human Rights Day by profiling male and female participants.

Despite the BYC obtaining the necessary No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) and fulfilling all the standard procedures to organise these seminars, state authorities violated the fundamental rights of the Baloch population, including the right to freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful protest.

These actions, which directly contradict the principles of the UDHR signed by Pakistan in 1948, demonstrate the state’s ongoing disregard for the very human rights it is obligated to protect.

The seminar organizers condemned these unlawful actions, stating that they are part of a broader strategy to suppress the Baloch struggle for justice.

“It is clear that the Pakistani state is deliberately dehumanizing the Baloch people, making Balochistan a ‘human rights free-zone.’ On a day meant to honour universal human rights, the state’s actions further violate the dignity and political rights of the Baloch,” The BYC said.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the organiser of the BYC, commented:

“On Human Rights Day, we must confront the harsh reality in Balochistan. This Day is more than a date; it is a call to uphold the dignity, freedom, and rights of all people, regardless of race, creed, or origin.

Seventy-six years ago, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, affirming the right to life, liberty, security, and freedom from torture, discrimination, and arbitrary detention.

These rights are universal, yet in Balochistan, they remain a distant dream. For decades, Balochistan has suffered enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and systemic repression. Families mourn in silence, searching for missing loved ones while those responsible act with impunity.

Young men and women, simply demanding education, health, and resources, are termed as traitors. Journalists are silenced, and activists face harassment. Our natural wealth is extracted while our people live in poverty. Schools, hospitals, and villages lack basic resources, and the right to development is denied.

Despite these injustices, the resilience of the Baloch people remains unshaken. The cries of our people—demanding justice, equality, and the right to live with dignity—echo through the mountains and deserts of our beloved land. These cries must not go unheard.

Human rights are not abstract; they must be upheld every day. Balochistan deserves peace, justice, and dignity. As long as there is oppression, we will resist. As long as there is silence, we will speak. As long as there is hope, we will strive for a better tomorrow.”

The events concluded with a call to the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its repeated human rights violations, urging everyone to join the fight for justice and equality.

The BYC’s message remains steadfast: the struggle for Baloch rights is not just a local issue, but a global one that demands urgent attention and action.

Despite the obstacles put in place by the state, the BYC reaffirmed its commitment to continue raising awareness about human rights abuses in Balochistan and to work toward a future where the Baloch people can live free from fear and repression.