Emotional scenes unfolded as the ‘fidayeen’ who attacked the Pakistani intelligence agencies at the high-security Gwadar Port Authority Complex on Wednesday, March 20, were buried in their hometowns. The funerals saw significant participation from local youth and women, who honored the deceased attackers with flower petals on their bodies and graves.
A considerable turnout of women was also noted at the funerals, expressing their respects to the fallen fighters.
On Saturday, in Malikabad, Turbat, as the community prepared for the burial of ‘fidayee’ Babar Nasir, women from neighboring residences came forward to pay tribute to the deceased BLA fighter. Among them was the elderly mother of Shah Dad Baloch, an MPhil scholar at Quaid-e-Azam University who joined the Baloch armed struggle with his colleague Ahsan Baloch. Both were killed during a clash with Pakistani forces in May 2020. Shah Dad’s mother tenderly kissed Babar Nasir’s body, conveying a message for her son Shah Dad: “When you meet martyr Shah Dad, who awaits you, convey my salam. He will surely be the first to welcome you. You will find him there, the finest companion for your journey.” She comforted Babar Nasir’s mother and sisters, urging them to view his sacrifice as an honor for the Baloch homeland.
As Babar Nasir was taken to his final resting place, young men sought a last look despite being advised against it, citing religious reasons. Nevertheless, attendees proceeded to get a final glimpse of Babar Nasir before his burial.
In Buleda, a similar gathering occurred for the funerals of ‘fidayeen’ Mehrwan Nawaz, Riaz Illahi, and Muslim Mola Baksh.
In Aapsar, the Frontier Corps allegedly coerced the family of ‘fidayee’ Karim Jan prior to his burial, demanding a confession video. They also threatened the family that if they did not conform, their other son, Jahanzaib Fazl, who is missing, would not be released. Karim Jan, previously detained by Pakistani forces in May 2022 and released after three months, had joined the BLA’s Majeed Brigade unit.
State-affiliated social media accounts have attempted to portray ‘fidayee’ Karim Jan as a missing Baloch person, claiming that the Baloch ‘missing’ persons are ‘militants’ However, such propaganda efforts have been repeatedly debunked.
In Gishkor and Khuzdar, ‘fidayees’ Khuda Dost and Shoukat Hakeem were honored with flower petals and laid to rest amid large funeral gatherings.