Baloch Republican Party president condemns Pakistan’s atrocities against community

Baloch Republican Party (BRP) Chairman Nawab Brahmdagh Bugti, in a video statement released on Friday, condemned the Pakistan Army for its tactics aimed at defaming peaceful Baloch protesters.

Bugti accused the Pakistan Army of using these tactics to suppress Baloch leaders who are advocating for the constitutional rights of the Baloch community and protesting against state and military abuses in Balochistan.

“These actions are part of a well-planned plan to tarnish the image of peaceful Baloch protesters who are fighting for their constitutional rights, protection from state violence and development of Balochistan. This ploy is designed to create a false narrative that these peaceful protesters are supported by anti-Pakistan entities, thereby justifying the violence perpetrated by the Pakistani state,” Bugti said.

“This is not a new tactic; it has been used for decades to suppress the demands of the Baloch people. The role of the Pakistani media in perpetuating this false narrative reflects its tendency to align with powerful people,” Bugti said.

Criticising the Pakistani media, Bugti said, “The media lacks credible sources for the allegations it makes against the Baloch community. Instead of spreading these baseless allegations, the media should focus on highlighting the real issues facing Balochistan, such as the drug trade and illicit alcohol trade, which are allegedly supported by the Pakistani military. The income from these trades is allegedly used to fund corrupt practices within the military. Yet, these issues are rarely reported on by the media.”

Bugti also criticized the corruption prevalent in Balochistan’s political system and said, “Leaders who come to power in Balochistan often do so by bribing army officials. The highest bidders occupy top positions, reflecting the corrupt practices that are prevalent in the system. The media avoids investigating these realities because it fears exposing the true nature of the army and the possible consequences.”

Despite these criticisms, Bugti stressed that there was no harm in resolving the realities of Balochistan peacefully.

“We are just demanding what is rightfully ours – the right to manage our land and resources in Balochistan. We want control over our affairs and make decisions about our region,” he/she said.

Massive protests and mass gatherings were recently organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (Baloch Unity Committee) in Balochistan.

The Committee advocates for the protection of the civil, political and economic rights of the Baloch people and calls for an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

In response to these peaceful protests, Pakistani security forces have reportedly used force against protesters and have alleged that the protesters are receiving external support.