Repression and human rights violations in Balochistan: An ever-growing concern

The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a protest demonstration at Porta Nigra Square in the German city of Trier to draw international attention to the systematic and grave human rights violations ongoing in Balochistan. By: BNM Germany 

Ongoing unexplained disappearances, murders, and assaults in Balochistan require further media attention and a global response. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has carefully documented these incidents. Widespread human rights violations, already condemned by Amnesty International in May 2025, have been attributed to the Pakistani Army and government.

An example of this is the severe crackdown on members of the grassroots Baloch Yakjeti Committee, who have peacefully protested disappearances and unlawful state practices over the past few years. The army has fired on protesters, arranged long-term detentions, and denied access to legal counsel. Relatives of those involved in the Baloch National Movement (BNM) are subject to intimidation and harassment. Solidarity marches and the dissemination of reading material are blocked or restricted by the military, undermining Pakistani democracy and demonstrating the enormous influence security forces have over government operations and policy.

Balochistan’s history begins with the forcible accession of the princely state of Kalat to Pakistan in 1948, on advice of British authorities. The region’s various states had been a part of British India since the late 1800s. Balochistan is rich in natural resources but sparsely populated and lags behind in development, which has given rise to separatist insurgencies demanding greater political autonomy since the early 1950s. The Balochistan Liberation Army has been designated as a terrorist group by several Western countries after carrying out deadly attacks in Pakistan. The situation has led to a securitization of the region by Pakistani forces, as well as divisions along sectarian religious lines. Last month, a sharp spike in violence led to a large counteroperation by Pakistan’s military. Baloch locals can suddenly be investigated and suspected of militancy, and the environment for civilians remains extremely insecure. There have been reports of actors on both sides committing crimes against humanity.

Journalists are prohibited from visiting the region, leading to a scarcity of information on how the situation is evolving and limited media attention given to what is a grave violation of international law. Grassroots protests have also sprung up outside of Pakistan, hoping to spur action from international observers and the diplomatic posts of European countries. The protest in Trier called for an independent internationally led investigation and accountability from the Pakistani government, with many sharing stories of how their relatives have been harassed, beaten, or have simply disappeared, and how they fled to Germany after fearing the same reprisal.