BSO-Azad condemns political worker's killing, urges protection for Baloch refugees.

Sholan Baloch, spokesperson for the Baloch Students Organization Azad, has accused the Pakistani state of carrying out a campaign against Baloch political activists and their families, alleging that the measures are intended to silence political dissent in Balochistan. In a statement, Sholan alleged that a number of Baloch political workers have been forcibly disappeared and are being held at undisclosed detention facilities. She also claimed that the bodies of political activists and leaders have subsequently been found in remote locations. According to her, the deaths of several political workers have weakened the region's political space and created what she described as a growing political vacuum.

Sholan said continued violence and alleged repression have compelled many Baloch political workers to leave their homes and live as refugees. Some, she said, have moved overseas, while others and their families have taken shelter in Baloch-majority areas of Iran. She added that some families have also relied on relatives for protection and accommodation, describing the practice as part of a longstanding social tradition.

She further alleged that Baloch activists have faced threats and attacks even after moving to neighbouring Baloch areas. Sholan cited the reported killing of Dr Abdul Rashid Arif Nokap, described as a central political worker of the Baloch National Movement, as an example of what she characterised as a broader campaign against Baloch political figures.

According to Sholan's account, Dr Abdul Rashid had been staying with relatives after leaving his home because of what she described as abuses by Pakistani authorities. She alleged that members of his family were subjected to collective punishment in an attempt to pressure them and discourage their political activities.

Despite living away from his original home, Dr Abdul Rashid reportedly remained involved in the Baloch national movement while continuing his work as a doctor. Sholan said he had established a medical clinic in a remote locality where residents had limited access to healthcare. She claimed that he continued treating people in the area while remaining politically active.

Sholan also raised allegations concerning violence against Baloch families in neighbouring areas, referring specifically to the Sham Sar incident. She claimed that Pakistani fighter aircraft were responsible for the deaths of an entire Baloch family in the incident. She further alleged that other families had faced collective punishment, including the killing of relatives and the destruction of their homes.

The spokesperson accused the Pakistani state of attempting to weaken Balochistan's political movement by targeting activists and their families. She described the alleged killing of political workers who had been living as refugees in Baloch areas as serious violations of international law and characterised them as war crimes.

Sholan paid tribute to Dr Abdul Rashid Baloch and other Baloch political activists, saying they continued to support the Baloch national movement despite displacement and insecurity. She also appealed to international organisations to recognise the situation of Baloch refugees, protect those facing alleged persecution and investigate claims of abuses. Sholan called for accountability over what she described as systematic violence against Baloch political activists and urged international institutions to take action over allegations of an ongoing campaign of repression in Balochistan.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@BSO__AZAD.