Baloch National Movement Protests in Seattle, Raises Concerns Over Human Rights Abuses in Pakistan

Washington – The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a protest in Seattle to draw attention to alleged human rights violations in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, accusing Pakistani security forces of military operations, airstrikes and violence against civilians.

During the demonstration, speakers urged Americans to speak out against alleged abuses in Balochistan, arguing that U.S. financial assistance to Pakistan indirectly supports the country’s military.

Protesters called on the U.S. government to review its relationship with Pakistan and reconsider financial assistance, urging Washington to make future support conditional on respect for human rights.

They also appealed to the international community to take action to protect the fundamental rights of the Baloch people and address the humanitarian situation in the province.

The Seattle demonstration followed similar concerns raised by BNM representatives during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday.

BNM representatives highlighted alleged Pakistani military airstrikes in Surab, Zehri and Chiltan, along with the challenges faced by women and girls in Balochistan.

Addressing the council, BNM member Mahrah Baloch accused Pakistani authorities of committing serious human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial killings and restrictions on peaceful political expression.

She said Baloch women have played a significant role in campaigns for justice and accountability but continue to suffer emotional, social and economic consequences from the disappearances and killings of family members.

Mahrah urged the council to establish independent monitoring mechanisms, conduct transparent investigations and protect individuals who document and peacefully challenge alleged abuses.

Another BNM representative, Ahmed Baloch, raised concerns about the Pakistani military’s use of airstrikes in civilian areas.

He alleged that a Pakistani Army airstrike in Surab on September 12 killed six civilians, including a woman and a two-year-old child, and injured nine others, most of them young children.

The group called for increased international scrutiny of Pakistan’s military operations and stronger measures to protect civilians in Balochistan.

The allegations presented by BNM representatives were not independently verified. (Source: IANS)