Naseem Baloch, chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), on 26 September 2026 accused Pakistani authorities of subjecting successive generations of Baloch political activists, students, doctors, teachers, lawyers, and ordinary citizens to imprisonment, enforced disappearance, exile, and death. The charges were levelled at the 12th Balochistan International Conference in Geneva, before an audience of human rights defenders, diplomats, media representatives, and Baloch political activists.

Decades of Suppression, BNM Alleges

Naseem argued that Islamabad's decades-long campaign to suppress what he called the 'Baloch national question' has involved military force, political engineering, enforced disappearances, and systematic control over Balochistan's natural resources. He framed the situation as a structural policy of repression rather than isolated incidents, drawing a direct line from early post-independence policies to the present.

He also paid tribute to Dr Abdul Rasheed, known within the BNM as Dr Nokaap Baloch and a member of the organisation's Central Committee, whom he accused Pakistani forces of killing on 10 September. 'We lost Dr Abdul Rasheed... and the BNM still feels the loss,' he said.

Life Sentences Against BYC Leaders Condemned

Naseem highlighted the life imprisonment sentences handed down to Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji, citing UN human rights experts who reportedly described the punishments as a 'grave injustice' and raised serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings and the application of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful political activity.

He also condemned the life sentence imposed on another BYC leader, Gulzadi Baloch, by a Pakistani court, alleging she had been convicted on 'fake charges.' Pakistan has not publicly responded to these specific allegations as yet.

CPEC, Resources, and the Political Question

Turning to economics, the BNM chairman pointed to China's substantial investment in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), noting that international companies are actively pursuing the province's copper, gold, and other mineral wealth. He argued, however, that any discussion of Balochistan's resources and international investment cannot be separated from the question of the Baloch people's political future. 'Our political position is a free and independent Balochistan,' he stated.

This comes amid longstanding international scrutiny of CPEC's social and economic impact on local Baloch communities, with critics arguing that resource revenues have historically bypassed the province's population.

A Message to the Disappeared and Exiled

Naseem addressed families of the disappeared, political prisoners, colleagues in exile, and those who have lost loved ones, saying: 'Your pain is part of our collective memory.' He closed by reiterating the BNM's core position: 'We believe that the lasting solution to the conflict, repression and recurring crises in Balochistan is the freedom of Balochistan and the right of the Baloch nation to determine its own future.'

The conference underscores the growing internationalisation of the Balochistan issue, with activists increasingly turning to multilateral forums in Geneva to press their case before UN bodies and foreign governments.