BNM leader warned, CPEC is not a path to prosperity but to exploitation for Balochistan.

During a side event at the ongoing 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Dr Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) criticized China’s growing influence in Balochistan.

The event was organized by the Tumuku Development Cultural Union (ECOSOC) and chaired by Fazal ur Rehman Afridi, Principal Representative of the Union and Head of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Europe Committee on International Advocacy and Foreign Affairs.

Highlighting the dangers of China’s partnership with Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Dr Baloch said, “China wants not only economic dominance but also control over a vital sea route.” he/she emphasized that Gwadar, the focal point of CPEC, suffers from severe infrastructure shortage, where basic necessities like clean drinking water and reliable electricity remain elusive amid scorching temperatures.

Emphasizing the strategic importance of Gwadar, located near the Strait of Hormuz, he/she said the ongoing fencing of Gwadar is not just about controlling the Baloch people; This reflects China’s ambitions to secure influence over a region critical to global power dynamics.

Dr Baloch underlined the human rights violations resulting from China’s involvement in Balochistan, pointing out that CPEC, which is often portrayed as a development initiative, has exploited the region’s rich resources, including gas, gold and copper. Exploitation has increased, while projects have displaced entire villages. Gwadar port.

The crisis has persisted for more than twenty years, affecting students, activists, journalists and politicians.

This turmoil is compounded by severe distress among families, especially women and the elderly, who suffer greatly over the fate of their missing relatives. “CPEC does not promise prosperity for the Baloch; Instead, it is another mechanism of marginalization and disenfranchisement,” he/she said.

The militarization of Gwadar, a city of deep cultural significance for the Baloch, was also a focus of Dr Baloch’s speech. he/she lamented that residents are now unable to access their city without military clearance, as the region turns into a militarized zone under China’s broader geopolitical ambitions.

As a survivor of enforced disappearance, Dr. Baloch spoke about the dire human rights situation in Balochistan. he/she narrated his/her experience and highlighted the systematic policy of forced disappearance adopted by Pakistan to silence the aspirations of the Baloch for independence.

he/she described Pakistan’s ongoing terror campaign, including extrajudicial killings and torture, which has plagued the Baloch people since it forcibly occupied Balochistan in 1948.

Addressing the broader issue of human rights violations in Pakistan, Dr. Baloch mentioned the thousands of Baloch, Pashtun, Sindhi and Kashmiri people held in detention centers without trial. he/she condemned these centers as “black holes of injustice” where detainees endure horrific torture, many of whom are never seen again.

In his/her concluding remarks he/she said, “The ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan demand urgent international attention. Pakistan must be held accountable for its actions,” calling for an independent investigation into human rights violations and sanctions on Pakistan for persistent abuses.

“This is a fight for our survival,” he/she said. he/she urged the world to stand in solidarity with the Baloch people in their struggle for self-determination and independence.