Does Pakistan's Issue Lie with Baloch Identity Rather Than Resistance?
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Synopsis
Human rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch highlights the dire situation of Baloch people in Pakistan, emphasizing that the state’s issue lies not with their resistance but with their identity. The ongoing violations against Baloch citizens reflect a broader attempt to erase their existence. Delve into the harsh reality faced by the Baloch community and the implications of such state policies.
Key Takeaways
- Identity Crisis: The state’s issue with the Baloch is rooted in their identity.
- Systematic Violations: Ongoing enforced disappearances and killings highlight state policies.
- Gender and Age Disregard: Women and children are not spared from these violations.
- International Indifference: Global recognition of Baloch struggles remains limited.
- Call for Justice: Urgent need for acknowledgment and action regarding Baloch rights.
Quetta, Jan 6 (NationPress) Human rights advocate and leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), Sammi Deen Baloch, has claimed that Pakistan perceives the Baloch population not as citizens but as adversaries, a viewpoint evident in the ongoing violations perpetrated by Pakistani authorities throughout the province.
In a post on X, Sammi articulated, "The State has an issue with every individual of Baloch descent whose identity is distinctly Baloch. This mentality leads to the forced disappearances and killings of Baloch men, women, youth, elders, and even young children. These policies aimed at eradicating Baloch lives indicate that the State's concern is not about their resistance but their very identity."
She further stated, "The narrative surrounding terrorism and counter-terrorism serves merely as a facade, justifying the state’s Baloch-targeted killings under the guise of legitimacy on the global stage. If this were not the case, how can the enforced disappearance of unarmed women, pregnant individuals, and thirteen-year-old children be categorized under counter-terrorism?"
Sammi emphasized that when the Baloch people refer to the genocide of their community, such claims are often dismissed as unfounded. She noted that no greater genocide exists than one that aims to obliterate Baloch identity, indiscriminately affecting men, women, elders, and children alike.
"We have noted that civilized nations, even amidst enmity and conflict, treat women and children with care, yet the plight of the Baloch is that the entity viewing them as foes lacks any semblance of civilization or humanity. Discussions of national and international laws have become utterly meaningless, as in this nation, they exist only as mere claims on paper," the BYC leader condemned, criticizing the Pakistani authorities.
Balochistan continues to suffer from relentless atrocities committed by Pakistani forces, which enable death squads to carry out forced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and unlawful detentions of Baloch citizens.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the complexities surrounding the Baloch issue. While the narrative often focuses on resistance, it is crucial to understand the underlying identity crisis faced by the Baloch people. The systemic violations and the state's response demand careful examination and a balanced discourse that respects the rights and identities of all communities within Pakistan.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue faced by the Baloch people according to Sammi Deen Baloch?
Sammi Deen Baloch asserts that the primary issue is not the resistance of the Baloch people, but rather the state's problem with their identity, leading to enforced disappearances and killings.
How does the Pakistani state justify its actions against the Baloch?
The state uses the narrative of terrorism and counter-terrorism as a justification for its policies against the Baloch, despite the targeting of unarmed citizens.
What does Sammi Deen Baloch say about the treatment of women and children?
She highlights the unfortunate reality that the Pakistani state disregards the protection of women and children, viewing them as enemies rather than vulnerable individuals.
What is the significance of the term 'Baloch genocide'?
The term refers to the ongoing efforts to erase Baloch identity and existence, impacting all demographics within the community.
What has been the international response to these issues?
International responses have often dismissed claims of genocide as false narratives, failing to recognize the severity of the situation.
