London, Dec 22 (NationPress) The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a seminar in London to commemorate the fifth death anniversary of human rights advocate Banuk Karima Baloch, shedding light on the systematic oppression faced by the people of Balochistan at the hands of Pakistani authorities.

This event assembled political leaders, intellectuals, human rights advocates, and representatives from various communities, including Sindhi, Pashtun, and those from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, all voicing their support for the Baloch cause.

Among the speakers were BNM Chairman Naseem Baloch, writer Naseer Dashti, University of London scholar and SOAS South Asia Centre member Burzine Waghmar, Deputy Organiser of World Sindhi Congress (UK & Europe) Fahmeeda Khushik, human rights activist Noor-e-Maryam Kanwar, representative of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), Brakhna Sayyad, and Banuk Karima's cousin, Mehlab Kambar.

During his address, Naseem Baloch underscored that Karima's life and martyrdom illuminated the colonial nature of the Pakistani state and its ongoing repression of oppressed nations.

He criticized Western nations for their selective application of human rights norms, questioning why oppression is condemned in some areas while being overlooked in Balochistan and similar regions.

Naseem stated that Karima confronted not just the military occupation by Pakistan but also the occupation of history, language, resources, and political authority.

He concluded by asserting that freedom is not extremism but a fundamental human instinct, emphasizing that peace in the region can only be achieved if Pakistan's colonial structure is dismantled and oppressed nations are granted freedom.

Meanwhile, Burzine Waghmar sharply criticized Pakistan's human rights record, attributing Karima Baloch's death to the actions of the country's deep state. He noted, 'Pakistan capitalizes on international indifference and impunity to target peaceful activists, even in exile.'

Human rights activist Noor-e-Maryam Kanwar described collective punishment as one of the most brutal tactics employed against the Baloch population.

She highlighted the enforced disappearance of Mahzeb Shafiq's father, a prominent Baloch human rights advocate, illustrating how Pakistani authorities target families to quash dissent.

PTM's Barkhna Syed expressed solidarity with the Baloch cause, remarking that enforced disappearances and collective punishment have become a grim reality in Pashtun areas as well.

Reflecting on Karima's unwavering fight against Pakistani authorities, her cousin Mehlab Kambar underscored her persistent quest for justice, national identity, and collective empowerment.

She recounted how Karima organized rallies and protests for those who have disappeared and tirelessly raised her voice against the genocide occurring in Balochistan.