From past 70 years Baloch have been subjected to oppression and suppression. Balochistan has faced five major military operations, in which thousands have been killed or have been disappeared never to be seen again. Around 200,000 people have been forced to migrate from their homeland. These brutalities have become a routine in Balochistan. On daily basis Baloch men, women and even children are killed or abducted by the personnel of Pakistani forces.
All Pro independence Baloch political parties, students organisations and Human rights organisations have been highlighting these issues in their press releases, on their social media accounts, or by protesting against these atrocities.
Unfortunately the voice of Baloch always goes unheard and becomes irrelevant. The world is busy in problems of Syria, Myanmar, Afghanistan, ISIS, Taliban and other religious extremists groups around the globe. Why would they even bother about Balochistan? But have we ever given it a deep thought that why Baloch has failed in attracting the attention of international community? Why people are not interested in Balochistan? Why world is not choosing Balochistan over Pakistan? This is because we as a nation have failed to highlight our issues in an effective way.
Balochistan is a war zone, where two different forces, Baloch freedom fighters and Pakistani occupying forces, are fighting against each other. In this guerrilla war by Baloch freedom fighters, who are being led by Dr. Allah Nizar, Aslam Baloch, Gulzar Imam and other armed leaders has managed to achieve a lot of success and support in Balochistan.
So, the question arises where are we lacking despite having very competent leadership on the ground who are heading towards the right path. The concerning point is why we are failing to succeed on international platform? I believe this is because many of us have approached the western countries and their authorities in outdated wrong manner, that are no more workable. We can not be expecting support from a Trump supporter and from a Obama supporter at the same time. It is impossible to become favourites of both the Liberals and the Conservatives of United Kingdom at the same time.
We are in dire need of devising better policies of building international relationships, that benefit both the parties. Every foreign power believes in the concept of give and take and they will only understand our miseries if we are of any benefit to them. The mantra of moral duty is outdated and no one bothers about it anymore.
Similarly, Baloch political parties also have to stop portraying them as human rights organisations as there are already enough such organisations, which are working very effectively in their respected fields. Baloch people have a very justified demand of a free homeland, and nobody should be embarrassed of making this valid demand.
Hakeem Wadhela, based in United Kingdom, is a political activist and organiser of Baloch National Movement – UK.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.