Balochistan National Party Condemns Arrests and Crackdown on Baloch Activists

Quetta: The central information secretary of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) and former federal minister, Agha Hassan Baloch Advocate, has strongly condemned the arrest of Saeeda Baloch, his sister, the raid on Professor Nosheen Qamberani’s house, and the arrest and forced disappearance of Nasser Qamberani and several members of his family, including Beberg Baloch, Dr. Ilyas Baloch, and Hamal Baloch.

In a statement, Agha Hassan Baloch criticized the government for using heavy-handed tactics against the Baloch people, asserting that the government has proven that it now intends to deal with the Baloch using an iron fist. He expressed his disappointment over the Chief Minister of Balochistan’s remarks regarding the issue of missing persons, calling them regrettable, and reminded him that power is temporary, while using such aggressive tactics is shameful. He noted that the fifth operation in the region is ongoing with full force, and the Baloch people are enduring increasing injustice, while the government is writing new stories of hatred.

Baloch lamented that General Pervez Musharraf also initiated similar military operations in the past, and the results were disastrous. Despite this history, the rulers today seem to be following the same path, continuing to impose their will through violence and oppression. He reminded the government that nations cannot be eradicated by force, and their hearts cannot be won through coercion.

He pointed out that there have always been two individuals in Balochistan who have wanted to solve the province’s issues through the use of force, and it is their advice that has brought Balochistan to this critical juncture. He referred to a statement made by General Bajwa during Imran Khan’s government in a parliamentary committee meeting, where he had acknowledged that the Balochistan issue should be resolved through dialogue with all stakeholders.

He criticized those who previously denied the existence of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, stating that it is their policies, rooted in hostility toward the Baloch, that have led to the current situation, where no sector of society or family is safe. Fear and insecurity now prevail, and security forces are violating people’s homes, subjecting women and children to abuse.

Baloch further highlighted that the BNP, under the leadership of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, has always raised the issues of Balochistan, but the state authorities have responded with false reports and policies that have exacerbated the crisis. He emphasized that the hearts of nations cannot be won by force, and the BNP has consistently advocated for dialogue and peaceful negotiations with the real stakeholders to resolve Balochistan’s issues. He criticized the government’s stance that tries to solve the Baloch issue through force, emphasizing that the use of violence and human rights violations will only lead to increased distance and hatred.

He concluded by reiterating the BNP’s stance that the issues of Balochistan should be resolved through negotiations, not through the use of force, which only leads to deeper divisions and a more fragile situation. He urged the authorities to recognize that the continued use of military power and disregard for human rights only worsens the crisis, and that true peace will come only through understanding and dialogue.