The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a demonstration outside the British Prime Minister’s residence in London on Tuesday, commemorating 16 years since the enforced disappearance of Zakir Majeed Baloch, a prominent leader of the Baloch Students Organization (Azad).
Protesters carried banners and placards with messages such as “Release Zakir Majeed,” “End Enforced Disappearances,” and “Justice for the Forcibly Disappeared.” The demonstrators called on the international community, including the United Nations and the UK government, to recognise and act against ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan. They urged global powers to pressure Pakistan into ensuring the safe recovery of forcibly disappeared individuals.
Speaking to the crowd, Zakir Majeed’s mother, Raj Bibi, shared her personal account of loss and displacement. She stated that after exhausting all avenues for justice in Pakistan, she was compelled to seek asylum in the United Kingdom. “I did not come to the UK only for my son,” she said. “I came to raise my voice for every Baloch who has been forcibly disappeared, and for all the mothers who are denied justice.”
Other speakers at the protest highlighted the Pakistani state’s ongoing targeting of Baloch citizens, asserting that these actions are based solely on their national identity, regardless of political beliefs or affiliations. They said the protest aimed to raise global awareness about the systematic oppression of the Baloch people.
BNM leaders reiterated their unwavering stance against enforced disappearances, describing the practice as a grave violation of human rights. They emphasised that the Baloch nation remains united in its call for justice and accountability. “We will continue our struggle until Pakistan is held accountable, and every disappeared Baloch individual is brought back,” a representative said.
In addition to Raj Bibi, the protest featured speeches from BNM Junior Joint Secretary Hassan Dost Baloch, Foreign Secretary Faheem Baloch, Coordinator of the Foreign Department Niaz Baloch, and BNM UK Chapter President Master Manzoor Baloch. Each speaker condemned the continuing repression in Balochistan and appealed to British and international institutions to take immediate action.
Informational leaflets outlining the issue of enforced disappearances and the broader human rights crisis in Balochistan were distributed to raise awareness among the public and policymakers.