Thousands gathered in Balochistan’s Gwadar on Sunday for the ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi’ (Baloch National Gathering), despite a heavy-handed crackdown by Pakistani authorities.
The gathering, organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), called for the recovery of Baloch missing persons, an end to military operations and controversial foreign projects, and the cessation of what they describe as the ‘genocide’ of Baloch people.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the central organizer of the BYC, addressed the crowd, condemning the government’s efforts to undermine the Baloch national movement through what she described as oppressive tactics. “Protest is our constitutional right. We have come out for justice and will secure our rights,” she asserted.
Dr. Baloch highlighted severe human rights violations in Balochistan, stating that these have led to widespread insecurity among the people. “Today’s massive gathering in Gwadar has proven that the Baloch will never compromise on their rights,” she said.
She added, “The Raaji Muchi you tried to stop by force is now happening across all Balochistan. Today, the all of Gwadar is here to declare that we do not need your presence, nor do we want your oppression. This land is ours.”
She further condemned the government’s attempts to thwart the gathering under the guise of security concerns, emphasizing that these efforts had failed. “Attempts are being made to suppress the Baloch national movement by force. It is time for the state to come to its senses and end the oppression and brutality in Balochistan,” Dr. Baloch urged.
Sammi Deen Baloch, another prominent activist, emphasized the importance of the gathering. “We must ensure the success of this National Gathering at any cost. We are prepared to face bullets, but we must show the world that we have succeeded,” she said. “The state has used all its force to stop this gathering, and it is the responsibility of the Baloch people to make this Raaji Muchi a success.”
Tribal elders and leaders of various nationalist political parties also addressed the gathering. They criticized the government’s approach, stating that true leadership in Balochistan is being ignored, and agreements with preferred foreign companies are being made against the public interest. “We will not remain silent about these injustices,” they vowed
The BYC reiterated that if their demands are not addressed, the scope of their protest would expand. “We are prepared to take our movement to other parts of the country if necessary,” the BYC said in a statement.
During the gathering, Gwadar and its surrounding areas were under a curfew-like situation, with security forces encircling the entire city. Participants traveling from other parts of Balochistan faced significant obstacles, with many being stopped at various locations by security forces. Despite these challenges, the turnout demonstrated strong support for the BYC’s cause and the resilience of the Baloch people in their fight for rights and justice.